Gifts for provider

[happymom]

My 3 year old's last day at his in-home daycare is coming close (next friday). My DCP is throwing a farewell party for him, he has been coming to her since he was an infant (12 weeks).

I have not been the best daycare parent and haven't always gotten her gifts at holidays, etc., but I'd like to get her a nice thank you gift for everything she's done for us --- but I also don't want it to seem like "thanks for all you've done, so long!" because my son and her daughter are very close and I want them to stay friends.

Would it be best to get her something for the daycare or something for herself? Does anyone have any suggestions?

[Thriftylady]

Get her a couple of gift cards and let her choose. I don't know what you are planning to spend, but what if you cut it in half one to a nice place to eat for her and hubby (or a friend), and one to someplace like Target where she can choose what way she wants to spend it? Also a nice card or letter saying how much you appreciate her would probably be one of the best things you can do for her.

[Controlled Chaos]

Favorite gifts I have received:
A bottle of wine
A gift card to a grown up restaurant - where there are no kids!
Amazon gift card
A bottle of wine
Starbucks gift card and coffee accessories
A gift card to a nice manicure place and a gift card to the bakery next door
A bottle of wine ::

[Sunchimes]

I'm thinking that a Visa type prepaid card is better than Target or a restaurant. I still have a Christmas gift card to a place we never eat as well as one to Target, where I never shop. Those were from family. Daycare parents gave me cash and a prepaid, and I loved the freedom of that.

[happymom]

Awesome, glad giftcards aren't seen as too impersonal!

[Baby lady]

As far as I'm concerned, cash is as good or better than a gift card

[spud912]

One thing I would definitely include is a handwritten card and say some of the things you said in your post.

[MarinaVanessa]

My favorite gift from a daycare parent was a nice home-made card with a heart-felt message and a gift card to a restaurant (something for me to enjoy away from my home)

[Crazy8]

As budget minded as I am cash and gift cards always make a great gift but I have also loved when parents bought things for the daycare. Sometimes I have even gotten gifts that I wouldn't use (wine, we don't drink) and it was just the note with the gift that made it special anyway.

[Controlled Chaos]

As budget minded as I am cash and gift cards always make a great gift but I have also loved when parents bought things for the daycare. Sometimes I have even gotten gifts that I wouldn't use (wine, we don't drink) and it was just the note with the gift that made it special anyway.

You may mail your wine to me

[MarinaVanessa]

You may mail your wine to me

I will play you Rock, Paper, Scissors for it ::

[Thriftylady]

I will play you Rock, Paper, Scissors for it ::

I'll pay shipping!!!!

[happymom]

Thank you all for your input.
My 3 year old painted a picture of a lion (DCP's favorite animal, according to him) and I framed it for her classroom should she choose to display it. I included a card with a handwritten note with a million thanks and a gift card to target.

I can't believe tomorrow is his last day. He told me "mom, I love miss Abby too, but I don't cry about it every day."

She is having a farewell pool party for him tomorrow. He got to pick out what they will have for lunch and a special treat (ice cream sandwiches).

I'm sad. Excited for the future, but still really really sad. I wish things were different and he could stay.

[Josiegirl]

Thank you all for your input.
My 3 year old painted a picture of a lion (DCP's favorite animal, according to him) and I framed it for her classroom should she choose to display it. I included a card with a handwritten note with a million thanks and a gift card to target.

I can't believe tomorrow is his last day. He told me "mom, I love miss Abby too, but I don't cry about it every day."

She is having a farewell pool party for him tomorrow. He got to pick out what they will have for lunch and a special treat (ice cream sandwiches).

I'm sad. Excited for the future, but still really really sad. I wish things were different and he could stay.

Awwww....Nice to hear from a dcparent and child who had a good relationship with their provider and will miss her. I'm sure the feeling is mutual. I have many past kids who I wish still could come. And some of my current ones who could move forward.

[CraftyMom]

Handwritten appreciation is the best gift for me!