I'm a single mom who doesn't get off work in time to pick the kids up from school. I rely on the kindness of others (and the public school transportation system) to get my kids hoome in the afternoon. The children's bus driver is AWESOME. He genuinely cares about my kids and their safety, and he takes the time to do a few "extra" duties. He once called me on my cell phone to let me know my son had missed his stop - the driver was taking him back to the right stop after he made his regular route, so he'd be a little later than usual getting home.
Any suggestions on an appropriate end-of-year thank-you gift for this wonderful man? He's in his 60's (best guess), loves to watch sports, and is diabetic.
Thanks for your suggestions. I got a collection of items and wrote a goofy little note. For example, I got snacks - popcorn, sugar-free candy, beef jerky, sunflower seeds, trail mix, and I got a gift card to Wal-Mart for other items. I referred to the items in my note which was something like, "This may sound CORNY, but thanks for being SWEET to my kids instead of being JERKY when they're acting like A BUNCH OF NUTS. It's been a real TREAT to know you. Thanks for EVERYTHIHNG." He loved it and thanked the kids profusely. They really feel like he cares about them - there's no way to ever repay kindess like that!
A gift certificate to the local grocery store would be greatly appreciated for any age. The price of food nowadays takes a big bite out of everyone's budget. I think he would love it.
How about a book on sports greats or movie tickets or travel mug and coffee or starbucks gift certificate.
Sounds like you have a special bus driver. My husband drove a bus for a year and he received alot of things but the ones that mean the most are the hand made thank you notes from his students. I would think that a bag of candy or even bake a sugar free cake and let the kids make thank you notes. Also be sure that you make one to let him know how special you think he is. You might even think about a gift cert. to a nice place in town. That way if he is married his wife and he could have a "date" on you.
Good luck!
For the people in our lives who I appreciate and want to do something for I pickle beets, I can get a lot more people acknowledged that way. Of course for a diabetic that is probably just too much sugar. But something along those lines? A homemade fruit basket with some homemade bread or something?
B.
Hi L.,
Oh isn't it wonderful when God places good people in our lives, especially to help us with our little angels. I'm not a single mother but that doesn't keep me from recognizing a blessing when I see and/or hear about one. I think gift cards are nice or either a basket of diabetic goodies. May God continue to put great people in your life.
I would think something you made with the help of your kiddos - even if it were just the card - that way it is something small to remember the child by
maybe a little box of sugar free candy.....
Hi L.,
How fortunate you are in having such a great driver/friend. How about a pair of tickets to a sporting event as a gift? They don't have to be expensive ones...the thought behind it is what counts. Have the kids make a thank you card to put them in to make it extra special.
W. Q
L. I think a basket of Gourmet Sugar Free Goodies are a great idea, most diabetics have a huge sweet tooth. I would be more than happy to assist you with this I have a large supply of Gourmet Food mixes on hand and also alot of them are sugar free, I will even get the basket together for you and ship to you asasp (unless you are close by and I will meet up with you to get it to you). Good bus drivers are hard to find. Ours recently retired to take care of her mom...
Also L. if you need to contact me or visit my site here is my information, as I realize time is running out.
K. - ###-###-#### / ###-###-####
____@____.com
www.bamagourmet.com
We gathered a few dollars from many neighbors on the route (whatever people could give) and bought our driver a visa card to spend as he wishes. We love him!
I dont know what you can afford but if he likes sports get him a ticket(s) to a local sporting event, Im sure he would enjoy it.
As a diabetic myself I love when someone buys me treats there are so nice sugar free candies out there, My fav is the large peanut butter cups,peanut clusters, jelly beans. You could make a nice basket with candy, sugar free cookies, a sport tape like Rudy. you could also have the kids make him something there are kits out there that will allow you to print a mug.
I would think that a bag of sugar free candy and a lovely thank you note would be perfect. Everyone likes a kind word of notice when they go above and beyond. How nice you have someone watching over your children!
What teachers, bus drivers and other caregivers like the most is being in your kid's lives. They have developed a bond with them. I would invite him and his family over to dinner. Ask him what his favorite meal is and find a diabetic recipe online for it. Then give him and your kids time to play together and get to know each other even more after the meal. Taking the time to get to know him and the effort to make the meal especially for him will really make him feel special.
Hey L.,
Sounds like you have a special man caring for your kids on the bus. Hand write a letter and be sure to mention how much you appreciated the special trip. Hand written note are going out of fashion, but that just makes them a little bit more special. Have your kids decorate the card. You might add a gift card to Lowe's. I haven't met a man yet who couldn't find something good there.
My Dad delivers mail and at Christmas he gets: canned nuts, homemade breads, gift certificates, (and from the not so creative) five dollar bills or checks (which are always useful).
You will think of something. In this case, this is a man who spends a lot of time with children, but is probably often forgotten when thanks are given out. He will be delighted with whatever you choose.
J.
It sounds like your children are lucky to have such a wonderful man looking out for them. Let them make him special thank you cards. Take some card stock and fold it in half. Let one of them cut out a football and one a baseball with the seam of the fold for the seam of the card. Then they can color the laces on the balls and write there thank you inside for him. Maybe buy him a gift card for a local nice restaurant or to your local hardware store. I don't know a man who would turn down food or a chance to shop for new "toys". These heart felt gifts would certainly let him know how grateful you are for all he has done this year.
J.
Looks like you have already gotten some great ideas...My husband's grandfather is diabetic, and he really likes sugar- free jelly. We gave him some for Christmas last year. You could put it in a basket with other goodies or snacks or put in a clear cello bag tied with a fun bow. I definitely agree the kids should make him a card and you should add your sentiments, as well!
