Gifts for Child-Care Providers
Child-care providers work long hours to provide a safe and stimulating environment for young children. A gift shows your appreciation for all the effort your provider puts into caring for your children. These gift ideas work for either home day-care providers or employees at a center. If your child goes to a day-care center, check the policy to see whether it has any restrictions on gifts.
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Supplies
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The budget for day-care supplies is often limited. This causes some providers to use their own money to buy things like cleaning supplies, art supplies, books, toys and games for the children. Put together a basket of supplies to restock your child-care provider's cupboards. This allows her to save some of her own money and benefits your children by providing them with new materials while in day care. Some ideas to include in the basket are: tissues, hand sanitizer, nontoxic cleaner, hand soap, paper towels, crayons, markers, finger paint, paintbrushes, paint smocks and construction paper. If you choose books, toys or games, pick items that are recommended for your child's age group. If possible, take a peek at the teacher's shelves beforehand so you don't buy a duplicate.
Gift Cards
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Gift cards offer an alternative if you aren't sure what the provider needs or wants. A gift card to a bookstore or toy store allows the provider to pick out materials for the classroom, which is ideal if you aren't sure what he already has. You might also choose a gift card for personal use. This might could include a restaurant, spa, coffee shop or a favorite store at the mall. Day-care providers often bring home small paychecks, so the gift certificates allow them a treat that they might not otherwise have.
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Homemade Gifts
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A homemade gift from your child to the provider offers a sentimental option. The child also gets the chance to create something special from the heart. Ideas include ornaments, a painted candy dish or a decorated cloth bag for carrying day-care supplies. You could also bake cookies, brownies or any other home-baked specialty with your child. A homemade card from the child goes well with any gift option for a small personal touch. Most day-care providers also appreciate receiving a note from the parents with a message of thanks.
Services
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Day-care providers are often short on time due to their long and exhausting work hours. Providing services for the provider gives some relief for those long days. One option is to turn the tables on the provider and offer your babysitting services for her children. This gives her a night out without the expense of paying a babysitter. Another option is to provide frozen meals or bring a meal to the family. This keeps her out of the kitchen after a long day with the kids. A home day-care provider also might appreciate a session or two from a cleaning service so that she can take a break from cleaning up messes.
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References
- Photo Credit Gift Card image by chas53 from Fotolia.com
