Cribsheeter Darcie wrote to mention that she went back and referenced a previous years Cribsheet post to help a friend looking for suggestions on what to get her childcare provider for the holidays.
She had posed the original query to Cribsheet readers back in 2007.
This has really been a big topic of interest at Cribsheet the past few years. We've had great suggestions and discussion on the subject. From cash to gift cards, to spa services and tickets.
There also seemed to be an unwritten rule of thumb floating around that a gift equivalent to a week's pay is the norm.
I may have found the source of that at emilypost.com. They recommend a weeks pay for an au pair or live-in nanny.
Here is the recommendation for a day care provider. "A gift from you or $25-$70 for each staff member and a small gift from your child(ren). " See the emilypost.com page for guidelines for 2009 Holiday Tipping. One other tip. Keep the gift within your personal budget.
I've been picking up on ideas for our provider throughout the year and taking mental notes. Hmmm she like dark roast coffee, has season tickets to the ballet - maybe a gift card to a nearby restaurant? She loves to treat herself to a pedicure. Check. I think we're going to divvy up all of those ideas with some gift cards.
A nice card with a note of how much you appreciate them and what they've done for your child(ren) is always meaningful too.
