Hey ladies,
I do in-home childcare and I have run out of ideas for Christmas gifts for my kiddos. It just seems like if I get them toys, to be able to afford them, they break before they leave my house. Last year a friend made scarfs with their names on them, but I still have most of the same kiddos this year. Can anyone give me any ideas?? Thank you for all your help.
L.
You could make fleece blankets. My children got them for a christmas present last year and have loved them ever since.
I know, I have the same dilemma every Christmas. I usually make a calendar with a group picture of the kids that I care for, or a calendar with a different picture of the child for every month of the year. The parents really appreciate it. Another idea, you can buy a small picture book and insert all of the pictures you have taken of the child in the past 12 months and maybe add a little note to each photo. I reserve the toy gift for their birthday.
A.
I odn't know how old the kids are, but my son made a really cool ornament at school when he was 3. They took the clear glass ball ornament, he placed tinsel and glitter inside and they inserted a close up picture of his head that they'd taken. On the ball, they wrote Christmas 2005. I still have that one, and it's fun to see how much bigger he is now. I've seen the clear balls they used at Hobby Lobby. I don't think they were very expensive, but I have a 40% off coupon you can print out if you want. Just PM with your e-mail address and I can send it to you.
I have an inhome childcare too...I am making their handprints with a poem...i don't have it on me now, but it's words to the affect i may leave my fingerprints on everything now, but when I'm grown....etc...hope this helps!
You could throw a PJ party at school and allow the parents to be late picking the kids up that day as a gift. We all need an extra night to shop and wrap! At the party play games where the kids win little prizes to take home with them! They could make little cupcakes to take home with them too. That way everyone gets something! You can always have the kids make the parents a picture gift and wrap it up for them to give as a present. All parents love a picture ornament for the tree. We make one every year!
The blanket was a good idea too.
I make Character soaps, which make bath time fun...and washing little hands fun, too! :) I can also make custom ones, if you want to put a picture or message in the soap.
They are available for viewing at www.favoroo.com.
I have the following characters:
- Dora
- Diego and Baby Jaguar
- Winnie the Pooh & Friends
- Mickey Mouse and Pals
- Cinderella
- Tinker Bell
- SpongeBob SquarePants
- Strawberry Shortcake
- Scooby-Doo
- Care Bears
- Pirates (just got these figures in; not listed yet)
- Ariel (The Little Mermaid)
- Superman
- Spider-Man
- The Backyardigans
- Elmo
- Abby Cadabby
- WALL-E
Please, let me know if you have any questions. Just so you know...I haven't had any reactions (personally) to the soap or fragrances, and I have sensitive skin. I know some people are concerned about that, including myself. I can either ship them, or you can pick up locally (in Dallas), if you prefer.
If you're looking for something larger, I am also a Crew Member for Noah's Ark Animal Workshop and would love to conduct an animal workshop for your daycare kiddos. I bring the workshop to you, including the animals and stuffing, PLUS an arts/crafts activity. Here is my Noah's Ark site: www.noahsarkworkshop.com/stephaniehill4180.
Take care, and let me know if I can help you out. Have a wonderful day!
What about a book. Write a note in the front of it encouraging the children to learn to read.
R.
How about a Christmas ornament for their tree. Maybe even personalized....OR an ornament specific to what a favorite interest they have (ex: sports, sesame street, etc)
My daughter is almost 14 and I have collected ornaments for her. When she moves out someday....she will have a nice collection with a story behind each one.
Happy Holidays
PS.........I Have the Poen Tracy T is talking about framed with my daughter's little handprints on it. It is precious. if you need it, let me know and I will scan and send.
Family Dollar has laptop Art Easels for $5.00 and Mattel Matchbox (Crash-Up) Car sets for $8.00. They also have Mickey Mouse domino sets with the bridge that they go over for $5.00.
There is a coupon for $5.00 off w/$25.00 purchase that I received in the mail. I actually went and got these toys and they seem sturdy, they are name brand.
Merry Christmas!
E.
My most favorite gift that was from my child's teacher to our family, was a photo frame with three picture slots. In each slot was a picture of my daughter holding a big "J", "O" and "Y". I display it proudly every year.
I like the book idea with a note inside.
