How to Choose Gifts for Daycare Providers

Christmas, birthday or good-bye gifts -- whatever the occasion, picking out a gift for a day care provider is often a challenge. While she plays a large role in your family's life, you may not know her as well as other gift recipients on your shopping list. A gift is meant to show appreciation and to celebrate the recipient, but buying something generic, not to her taste or not useful misses the mark. A little research and thought leads you to a gift that can bring pleasure to your day care provider.

Instructions

    • 1

      Check with the day care center to determine if the company's policies restrict gifts. Some schools and child care facilities limit the value or types of gifts the employees can accept.

    • 2

      Set your price range for the child care provider gift. Peggy Post, etiquette expert and director of the Emily Post Institute, recommends a price range from $10 to $25 for teachers. Your personal financial situation and the number of gifts you have to buy play a role in the amount you spend. If you're buying for multiple care providers, spend less on each gift to stay within your budget.

    • 3

      Research the interests of the day care provider. Since she cares for your child every day, you probably have a few ideas of what she likes. If your child is old enough, ask her if her teacher talks about particular interests. Don't be afraid to ask the day care provider about her interests and preferences. She'll appreciate the thought you took when choosing a gift.

    • 4

      Choose a gift other than the traditional apple-themed teacher trinkets. You may think she is the number-one day care provider, but she doesn't need a mug that says so. Child care professionals receive many gifts, so if you choose an actual gift make sure it's something she can use. She doesn't have room to hang 20 signs personalized with her name, for example.

    • 5

      Opt for a gift card if you aren't sure what the day care provider might enjoy. Choose a card to her favorite store so she can pamper herself. Another option is a gift card to a store where she can buy supplies for her day care. This helps offset some of the expenses associated with child care.

    • 6

      Personalize the gift with a card from you and your child. Your child's artwork gives her a keepsake, while a heartfelt note from you lets her know what she means to your family.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • 4 questions to help you find a babysitter you love
      When you start searching for a babysitter, the first thing you might notice is that there are so many qualified babysitters out there who could be a potential fit for your family. So, how do you begin to narrow down your options? Once you&
    • The 27 best moral stories to read with kids
        The only thing better than curling up with a good book is curling up with your little one and a good book. And even better than that? Sharing books that contain moral stories or that teach important lessons.  While reading to c
    • Best actress winner thanks ‘angel’ nanny during her acceptance speech
      Actress Melanie Lynskey is generating praise for a one-of-a-kind acceptance speech that highlights the importance of caregivers. Last night, the actress took home the Critic’s Choice award for Best Actress in a Drama Series for her