Do You Buy Presents For DCK's Birthdays?

[SunshineMama]

What is the "norm" for daycare kids bdays?

I have traditionally always bought a small gift for all of my daycare kids birthdays- is this a common practice?

We are doing cupcakes and having a little party as well.

[AnneCordelia]

I go to Winners and get things for the age group I care for to store in my closet. I buy them on ridiculous clearance (no more than $5/toy) and that's what my DCK get for their bdays. This year they all got magnadoodles. LOL.

[cheerfuldom]

yes but only because I only have two daycare kids right now. When I have more, it is something very small for each kid.

[My3cents]

yes but only because I only have two daycare kids right now. When I have more, it is something very small for each kid.

Why would this matter? More kids means more money coming in?

I do cupcakes or a treat as a "cake" we sing, I make the child feel special on his or her day. I buy the child something for his birthday and something to stay at daycare. They open up the daycare item on the birthday and it is usually something to be shared- example new plates for lunch. Then the gift goes home. I spoil my kids on birthdays and I usually try to get a book and a little something else or a few things for their birthday bag to go home. I love my kids, and I appreciate the families I have. This is one way of saying I care about your kid. I don't go to birthday parties outside of daycare. I am with these kid's all week and come the weekend that is my family time and down time. It would not be fair to not be able to go to them all so to avoid hard feelings with anyone, I don't go to any. I celebrate at daycare.

[meganlavonnesmommy]

I do. I typically get them a book, or activity book. Its had to know what toys they have at home. So I try to do books instead.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I do. Their gift depends on the child's needs/wants.

For example, we celebrated a birthday last Monday. This little girl talked about wanting bows every single day due to seeing her classmates wear bows. She did not own any. For her birthday, she got ... bows! She was ecstatic.

Today we are celebrating a birthday. This little girl likes candy. We do not eat candy at Preschool. But, I got her a little box of chocolates to take home. She was ecstatic.

[Countrygal]

I do about the same as you. I also let them pick one meal for the day - within reason, of course! We have cupcakes and sing the birthday song after lunch and I have a small gift for the birthday boy/girl. Sometimes the moms send something along like a treat or party favors.

They all look forward to it!

[Former Teacher]

When I first started at my former center many moons ago I use to buy the book/cassette (yes that long ago!). I never ONCE got a thank you. Yes, I know I shouldn't take it out on the children. However just how much effort does it take to SAY thank you? I am not asking for a thank you note or to kiss the ground I walk on. I am asking for acknowledgement. So I stopped giving presents.

The children I take care of now...well they are spoiled by me. That's all I will say ::

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

When I first started at my former center many moons ago I use to buy the book/cassette (yes that long ago!). I never ONCE got a thank you. Yes, I know I shouldn't take it out on the children. However just how much effort does it take to SAY thank you? I am not asking for a thank you note or to kiss the ground I walk on. I am asking for acknowledgement. So I stopped giving presents.

The children I take care of now...well they are spoiled by me. That's all I will say ::

That's very sad. All of my parents are VERY appreciative of the little birthday parties and presents.

[sahm2three]

Yes. I spend about $5 on something from all the other kids at daycare.

[Bookworm]

I get them a $5 gift card from the Dollar Tree that way they can get what they want. At 4-5 yrs it's all about quantity not quality.

[CheekyChick]

I spend between $10.00 and $25.00'ish per child on birthday gifts.

[kathiemarie]

My kids are older and I miss buying cute little girls clothing so the girls in my care will get a cute outfit and the boys will get a book (nice hardback) in a subject they like. Unless of course I find a "cute" outfit for them. Which you, moms of boys, know can be hard.

[momma2girls]

I used to do gifts for all the daycare children's birthdays about 5 or 6 yrs. ago. Now we have a party, sing Happy Birthday and make cupcakes the day before. We all make birthday cards also. Then sing Happy Birthday at snack time, and give them a birthday hat. I personally think this is plenty.