Christmas Gift for Daycare Provider - Chicago,IL

You didn't mention whether or not your child was cared for by a home daycare provider or a center. I think in the case of a center, gifts are more modest - perhaps in the $25-$50 range. I also know that people that have nannies typically give about one week's pay as a bonus. Assuming you are referring to a gift for a home daycare provider, perhaps a home daycare would fall somewhere in between the two, but a week's pay seems kind of on the high end when you factor in the fact that the provider likely cares for multiple children.

Also, if you have only been there for a month, I think it is totally appropriate to not go crazy this year. People are scaling back on just about everything with the economy being in such bad shape. I believe the most important thing a provider wants deep down is a really nice note saying thank you. On top of that a gift certificate to somewhere like Target or a gift set from Bath & Body Works would be a good option. If it were me, I would probably think about something in the $50 range this year and maybe a more substantial gift next year assuming you have been there for a while at that point. Also, you can think about doing smaller gifts throughout the year (birthdays, other holidays) just to say thanks.

Best of luck!

Hi R.,
I have been an in home daycare provider for over 20 years.And I would be thrilled to receive a weeks pay as a gift.Yes-as an in home provider we do watch more than one child.But I have never charged store front rates-people would not pay it-that is why some look for in home care.Also, as an in home provider I do not get paid for sick days,holidays,vacation days or the hundreds of times parents pick up late.And you can't imagine after 20 years the picture frames and calendars I have stacked up!So-I vote for the one weeks pay and a lovely note of appreciation.

Our sitter comes to our home to care for our little one and watch out for the older ones-and does a little housework on the side. She has been with us since October and comes for about 4 hours a day. We plan to give her about $50 and a small gift for her grandson who she is raising by herself. We have had to scale back big time this year and even though I would love to give her more, we just can't afford it right now. I think it all depends on what you can afford and feel comfortable giving.

I have a home daycare provider, and I have given a week's pay in the past but I do not currently. She gets paid vacation, and of course we pay her when we are on vacation and when our child is sick.

I give about $100 to her and $50 to her assistant and I also buy gifts for her 3 children. Which actually adds up to about a week's childcare all together. I feel like we pay market rate and she does pretty well with her home business. If I was underpaying, it would be different, but I don't get a bonus at xmas, and I don't really feel obligated to pay anyone else a bonus - it's a gift.