If you're stumped on how to show your home daycare provider some love this holiday season, we've got you covered! It’s that time of year again, and many families are starting to think about gifts for their childcare providers. If you’re stumped on how to show your home daycare provider some love this holiday season, we’ve got you covered! Read on for our list of gifts that have been enjoyed by home daycare providers over the years. And remember, gifts certainly aren’t required, but they are greatly appreciated!
Trending Gifts for Home Daycare Providers
Gift Cards
It’s been a tough year and many families are feeling the effects of inflation and an increased cost of living, which makes gift cards a great idea this year. Gift cards that are experience-based and can be enjoyed with a partner or friend are great options. When choosing retail stores, try to choose stores that have a variety of items to choose from so that your provider can really get something they love.
Tip: Stick to gift cards that don't depreciate in value over time and that do not have extra fees and charges associated with them (looking at you Visa Gift Cards).
Practical: Groceries, Fuel, Costco
Experience: Restaurants, Movie Theatres, Dinner Theatre, Spa
Retail: Amazon, Canadian Tire, Ikea, Michaels, Indigo, Dollarama
Self Care Items
Self-care is an important aspect of a home daycare provider's life, and helping them to take care of themselves can be a great gesture to show your support at Christmas time. Supporting local by purchasing bath or body care items from small businesses in your community can make this gift a win all around.
Tip: Be sure to check with your provider to see if they have any fragrance or ingredient allergies before selecting any body care products as a gift.
Body care: Soaps, Lotions, Bath Items
Cozy: Slippers, Blankets, Robes
Indulge: Chocolates, Coffee/Tea, Alcohol, Specialty Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Practical Luxuries
Home daycare providers often spend so much time taking care of others and pouring themselves (and their finances) into their home daycares that they forget to treat themselves from time to time. Giving practical luxuries as gifts can be a great way to help shoulder that financial burden and make your provider smile this holiday season.
Tip: It's best to steer clear of everyday items (like cleaning supplies) and instead go for the splurge items that your home daycare provider might not treat themselves to often. Be sure to also check that your provider doesn't already have the item before purchase.
Every Day: Mugs, Kitchen Items
Cleaning: Dayhome board games, Group Activities, Specialty Toys
Business: Laminator, Nice Pens, Planner/Organizer
Cash as a Gift
Sometimes the thought of giving cash as a gift can feel a little bit strange, but don’t let it scare you away from considering this type of gift this season. Especially after the year we’ve had, cash gives your home daycare provider the ultimate freedom to use it how they see fit. And if they are really struggling this Christmas season, your gift could really help lift some of the burden of life's stresses.
Tip: If you're not sure what amount of cash to gift your provider, consider giving them at least double the daily rate you typically pay them.
When Monetary Gifts Aren't in Your Budget
We get it, everyone is feeling the pinch of living expenses this year and that means home daycare families, too. If monetary gifts aren’t in your budget this year, there are plenty of ways to show your provider that you appreciate them and that they make an impact on you and your family.
Whether it’s a handwritten thank you note, a picture drawn by your child, or a shout-out on social media – your provider will be just as grateful for your effort.
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