What to Spend on Daycare Provider

Good Gawsh!! I wouldn't do THAT! I'd put it around the same price as a teacher's gift, which I spend under $25 - $30 for them. Something simple and indulgent. I'm a provider myself, if my daycare parents got me a 1/2 hour massage or a Starbucks card. Something I don't get for myself but in my line of work would make me melt!! If she does a lot of decorating, a gift certificate to a craft or teaching store would be nice, too. I don't spend $150 on my mom, that's for sure! I MIGHT do that for my own kid. Merry Christmas!!!!!!

I have been a daycare provider for almost 20 years. Very rarely have any of my daycare parents spend that much on me (but when they have, it has been very appreciated!). It isn't the amount of money that matters, it is the thought. The things that have meant the most to me over the years are the gifts they put thought into. What does your provider like, do, collect, spend time on, hobbies, what wishes/dreams does she have, like to do with family, etc? I like the gifts that include my family, too. Massage/spa gift cards are nice, restaurants, etc. A handwritten card letting me know how they feel about me and appreciate me is really the best gift. A picture of their child, or something handmade by the child is wonderful, too. Good luck in finding the right gift. You sound very caring, wanting to do the right thing for her. :0)
S.

I've never heard of spending what you spend in one week on your provider.

I worked at a in home daycare and I was the assistant I guess. I saw what my boss got and then I know what I got and most I seen spent was probaly $50 dollars.

I think you'd be fine spending $15-$25 or more if you could.

Wow - that seems like a lot! We love our daycare providers, but tend to spend much less. I second the notion that something thoughtful and meaningful is better than something expensive.

Our son goes to a center, so we've always had a snack basket sent. Everybody loves to eat, plus you don't have to find a place to put the gift! :) We'll be doing that again this year, and I think I'm going to call Edible Arrangments. Their work is beautiful!

Good luck!