Christmas Gifts?

[SilverSabre25]

Last year (my first year open) I pretty much ignored Christmas...I was pregnant and my mom was sick and in a coma. I did NOT feel like doing much of anything. I did manage a craft with them and we baked cookies to send home with the parents...but that was it.

This year, I'm looking to do something more interesting...a really nice craft/gift for the parents for sure, though I haven't decided what yet. And either gifts for the kids to take home with them, or I'm going to wrap up everything I'm buying for daycare for Xmas (I'm getting $100 to spend on new stuff!). I'm thinking of putting it in a big box and covering it with 4 layers of wrapping paper, then having each one pull a layer off.

[mac60]

This year is going to be tough for Christmas giving, as hubby is out of a job again. I am thinking of giving a $10 Target gift card to each child. Makes it easy on me. The families I have spoil their children greatly, and nothing I bought them would really mean that much to them. I even had a 4 yr old one year tell me "I don't like that" when he opened his gift.

In the past I have bought pajamas, games, sweatshirts for the kids. Sometimes I do a Christmas picture for the parents.

[MommyofThree]

I don't do gifts from me.

The kids make gifts for their families. We usually decorate boxes (shoe boxes) and then fill them with homemade goodies, handmade cards, handmade tree ornaments etc.

I might have to steel this idea. sounds great.

[AfterSchoolMom]

I used to go all out with gifts for the kids and the parents. I got fed up with it because I never even got a thank you in return. Now (when I have kids, that is) I do goody bags and I do bake cookies or something to give to parents.

[Cat Herder]

I usually get each child a gift, have the kids make one for the parents and do a gift swap amongst the kids.

I am rethinking this due to my sibling groups not being "fair" in my view.

IMHO, A family bringing one gift and receiving two-three is not in the Christmas Spirit. They feel I am being unfair by expecting "one for one" ($10 limit). :confused:

Maybe I will just skip Christmas this year with the daycare. I am closed anyway.

I was excited and looking forward to it, too... Party poopers.

[erinalexmom]

I am making a slideshow of all the kids. Setting it to music,burning it onto discs. There ya go. I will also make a photo collage of each child and give to each parent. Thats it
As far as the kids themselves I really like the idea of exchanging books so i'll probably do that.

[Zoe]

For my one family that I've had all year (from before I was licensed) I made a photo book online of all the things we did this year. Then all the daycare kids are getting a candy cane. I don't want to be a Scrooge or anything, but I got burned last year and none of the kids or parents appreciated the gifts I gave them. I figure they get so many cool things they don't need something huge from me.

That being said, they get hugs from me, we make Christmas crafts together, and I'll maybe send the family home with a batch of Christmas cookies after my family's annual Christmas Cookie Extravaganza!

[newtodaycare22]

I spoil my little ones a bit. ::

I am giving the parents a calendar of their kids artwork. Last year I made them snow globes with their childs picture inside (recycled baby jars-very cheap and pretty easy).

As for the kids, we take a trip to build a bear. I limit them to their selections of stuffed animal and outfits, but it still costs about 25-30 per kid. I have 6 kids, so it runs me about 150-180. We have a blast and I love doing it with them!

[graham.shellbell]

Give the kids and the family a gift..I am a big couponer so I find deals and pack them away for the Holidays...will admit I have favorites who get a little better gift than others.

[WImom]

I send them Christmas cards with a group shot of the kids in front of the DC christmas tree. (We have a 4ft one we decorate).

I also send home a gift the child makes for the parents.

The kids all get a gift from me. This year it will be a sticker/activity book. I saw some nice ones at Sam's Club (Cars, princess, tinkerbelle) for $8.00.

We will also have a christmas party where the kids pick names and give a gift to another child. The kids LOVE this! I do a $5.00 limit.

[Ariana]

Great ideas everyone!! Thanks