Gifts for Daycare center workers?

[Zhoen]

This is a spin-off from the annual "what are you doing (if anything) for teacher gifts this year?"

Daycare workers... like teachers, but different...

This is my DD4's last Christmas at her daycare center, the same daycare her sister went to before her, we have been walking through that door for 8 years now... there are very few teachers who haven't had one or both of my kids at some point during that time... so that makes it complicated...

DD4 has one main "teacher", for her little group, but there are a total of six teachers in her room, and the kids do switch between groups to a certain extent, not counting the workers that rotate in to cover when a "regular" is sick or on vacation or whatever. She's been in this room since summer, but spent the first half of the year in a different room with different teachers. She has favorites and "she's mean"s from every room she's ever been in, plus there are teachers who had my other daughter years ago who I still chat with in the halls.

Over the 8 years, we've done all kinds of different things...pick-a-pearl kits were the best one ever, popcorn-and-blockbuster-gift-card bags, I can't even remember some years... all coming in at $10 or less per person, because there are so many. Last year for "Teacher appreciation," I tried a group gift and bought a Keurig for the break room. HUGE MISS!!!! It sits there collecting dust, so now I'm scared of doing another "group gift". Some are self-conscious and would take either fruit or candy (either one) as a judgement or comment...and this year there are two male teachers, one in her current room, one in her old one, so rule out jewelry, handbags or flowers...

So for those in a similar situation, what are your thoughts? Just the room she's in now? Just the favorites? And what on earth should I give them? I'm out of ideas. I hate the idea of gift cards, but can't think of anything "good". And even with gift cards... to where???

 

[HsvTeacher]

I remember getting lots of neat gifts when I was a daycare teacher, but one that stands out was when a couple of moms sent in a restaurant menu a few days in advance, got our orders, then had lunch sent in for us during nap time.

The daycare owner and the two moms watched the kids, and we were able to enjoy a nice lunch and talk with our coworkers. I always thought that was such a thoughtful gift.

 

[HM]

The one that seemed to make the best impression (in that I got a verbal thank you after the fact) was a gift certificate to a local movie theater.

 

[SDS33]

This may seem boring, but how about a gift card to a school supply store such as Staples or Office Max.

 

[skip323]

I truly loved the daycare my 2 girls went to ....when we finally found one that worked for us! The best gift I ever did for all of them was to give them lunch. I had to be very budget conscious so we did pizza & pop delivery for the whole center.

 

[stitchfan18]

When I did daycare work my favorite gifts weren't the extravagant ones. I had a parent that stops at starbucks every morning grab me me my favorite coffee along with a travel coffee mug. Another parent noticed a book all ripped up on top of the counter one day and heard me mention it was one of my favorites, so they got me a new copy of the book for Christmas as my gift. I personally LOVE childrens books, so getting any books would be an awesome gift for me. I also loved getting "teacher" art supplies. I think anything that shows you've taken the time to know the teacher as a person is great. Gift cards are always great, but those aren't the gifts I remember receiving as much as the actual heart felt gifts.