"Special" Gift Idea for Our Child Care Provider

I would say incorporating the children's help to make something would be a meaningful gift. Going to one of the clay art studios and maybe making her a plate with their handprints (top it with some special snacks and treats) or a special coffee mug (in a basket or bag with some yummy coffees). Most places can give you ideas and help you make it look pretty if you're not crafty. This way she has something to enjoy now and then has the keepsake to remind her later of your children.

I gave our childcare provider a restaurant gift card to a place she and her husband like to go to, plus I gave a Christmas bonus equal to a week's salary. It's not terribly creative, but the person keeping my child was a very dear friend and was babysitting for me to help make ends meet after she quit her job. I just wanted to give them a little something extra because I knew it would mean a lot to them.

Tonya,

What a great person you are for recognizing your amazing child care provider! My suggestions are always something that is personal in terms of something she may not purchase for herself - a massage at her home v. having to go to the spa, an evening at a hotel for her and hubby, a g/c for maid service, g/c at her favorite hair place, etc.

Hope that helps and btw- I do have the solution for those who'd like to be home with their kids and are willing to spend some spare time hours each week working to achieve that goal in 2-5 years or less.

All the best,
C.

I am a child care provider and the best gift I ever received was a hand written note from the parents and a charm necklace. The charm was a heart that just had love in it. The note said they chose the charm becuase they have so much love towards me from the way I take care of their children. They knew that everyday I had their kids in my heart and wanted me to know they all felt the same. I know the heart and necklace was bought at Walmart for under $30.00. I still have it and I got is 5 yrs ago. :)

I am also a child care provider. A note saying how you feel meant more to me than anything because you can't always tell how people feel about you and what you do. I was sure a father of one of the kids really didn't like me then something came up and he told me how he felt and if I was the type of person that cried at sentimental things I would have cried about that. If you can afford it a bonus is always nice. I have had several parents over the years give me a weeks pay which was wonderful. But if not that a gift certificate at a nice resteraunt for her is good.
Lonie

I personally think the mani/pedi gift certificate would be great or maybe even a gift certificate for a massage. I don't know how much those run those, but I am a child care provider and I know I would love the mani/pedi gift certificate.