Hi. I've decided not to return to work following my maternity leave with my second baby. Our sitter has been watching my older son, now 3 1/2, for about two years. I'd like to get her a nice gift for all her help over the years. Suggestions? thanks much, L.
What about a digital photo frame pre-loaded with some pix of her with your son, your family, etc? Might be a nice idea.
I was so glad to see that you want to get your provider something. In home daycare can be a very "thankless" job sometimes. I know, I have done it for 18 years now. My advice would be a card with your thanks written, and a gift card, perhaps dinner out, an American Express, something that she can use on herself. I really do appreciate visits and pictures to see the children after they leave. We are with them more waking hours during the week than the parents are most of the time and we get attached. It's hard when they leave and is so nice if they come back to visit or pictures from time to time. I hope this helps. You sound like a great daycare parent. Those are hard to come by sometimes.
~L.~
Well, my thoughts are similar & different to other posters! I do agree with a personal gift--some sort of a memento of your son. But, what about a "for her" gift?? Maybe something where she could treat herself to a manicure or something similar?? Nothing expensive, but just like us mom's, it is nice to have time to do something for ourselves! I should say, that I'm assuming she was a full time sitter while you were working?? If it is just an occasional sitter, I'd skip the pampering gift! I just think that if she's been your full time provider, what better way of saying thanks than giving her something for her!?
Just my thoughts!
Congrats on baby #2!
A magnet picture of your son. That way she can see it daily, without it taking up a lot of space.
M.
I would agree that something personal would be great, and present it to her over a nice lunch/dinner with the family.
Because we live several hundred miles from both sets of grandparents, we usually give gifts that have the kids pictures, a hand print, etc. so they know what they were like at that particular moment.
We also have a 3.5 year old, and he's started to write his name. May be a frame that has a picture (one of your favorites) preferably with her, a handprint, a date, and a drawing from him would be a nice personal gesture.
I'd also ask her to keep in touch and to continue to come by the house to see the family (especially your son) as often as she'd like if you really believe her to be part of the family.
One of the special gifts I recieved was a flower for my garden -- now ever year when it blooms I can think of the little girl and her family that gave it to me.
I like to stamp and another family gave a gift card to Michaels, so if your provider has a special interest/hobby maybe you could do something that relates to that. I'm sure she will appreciate anything.
