[Pup-pup]

Im trying to get organised and was wondering do people normally buy a small gift for daycare staff? Both my girls go to a centre, so I was thinking of the two carers in each of their rooms. What would be appropriate?

[Chelli]

I used to get a small Christmas decoration, some chocolate and a personal letter of appreciation for everything they had done during the year. When my children were older, I would write the letter from them and include their memories of what they enjoyed about their carers and put it in their own words. The gifts were appreciated, but I think the letters are the most meaningful.

Hope that helps

[lovealpacas]

I'm doing gift bags too. I like the ideas of the letters though, I might add them too. The gift bags this year will include a little bag of Lindt chocolates, a Christmas ornament chosen by DD1, a small Christmas themed notebook and a small bottle of body wash from The Body Shop. I am also making a big batch of cupcakes using Christmas themed cupcake papers for all of the centre staff to share, as they have all been great with DD1 this year. The director will also be getting a gift bag, the same as the three staff members in her room. It was the director who came out to watch DD1 while I gave birth to DD2

[A.R. Starr]

Personally, I strongly suggest a giftcard to somewhere nice or with a wide range of items such as k-mart or big w rather then food items. As a baby-sitter and tutor, I've often been given small gifts of chocolate, which I'm allergic to. I always appreciated the thought behind the gift, but it was an awkward feeling accepting a gift I knew I'd have to give away or throw in the bin.

[Soccer Mum]

I will be because I think DDs daycarers are absolutely fantastic and want them to know I appreciate them I wouldnt think its expected though. Not sure what I will give yet. Body shop is a good suggestion

[YodaTheWrinkledO...]

We simply give some money toward the staff Xmas party. A few other families do this too and it helps to pay for their drinks or some of their meal (like a lot of places, it's a pay-your-own-way party).

All the carers at our daycare centre help take care of our two kids. I wouldn't feel right about giving a gift to only 1 or 2 of them.