Opinions on Presents

[Spixie33]

HI...just wondering what other daycare providers feel about parents who gift you daycare supplies.

If a daycare parent gifts you craft supplies for instance. Would you be happy or a little disappointed because the gift is more for the daycare and not for you. This week we will probably all receive some gifts and I wonder what are your favourites and whether craft/daycare items are a hit or a miss. I guess everyone would have their own opinion depending on what you like.

I am on the fence on this one. It is a wonderful gesture on one hand and the parent probably thinks they are doing a good service by saving us the money of purchasing the supplies but on the other hand I don't mind buying supplies myself because they are a tax write off and I can get stuff that I know I need as needed.

Just wondering what other providers feel on this issue?

[Sandbox Sally]

I would be happy. I don't expect gifts, but am grateful if I receive them. :)

[BlueRose]

I just opened in October, so I would love it if they gave me supplies. In fact when my own parents asked what I want this year, I asked for stuff for the daycare. But in the future, something for me instead of for "their kid" (as they are the ones who will be using it, alone with the other kids) would be really nice. My oldest was in a daycare center and we never got them anything, so I don't expect anything from my dcf's.

[crafty]

I don't expect gifts but even just a card would make me happy so if it's antyhing to use for daycare I would be very happy with it. So far I got a $50 gift card and altough I could get something for myself I think I will mostlikely use it for the daycare.

[mimi]

It definitely is the thought that counts. I do prefer a personal gift though. A card with a nice note from the parents is always a favourite of mine. One mom gave me home made brownies today in a pretty tin. I appreciate the effort she put into making them for myself and family. I do think this is the time of year to especially show a personal thanks to those who give us their best all year. I wouldn't give my hairdresser a comb though LOL

[happymomma]

Hi Ladies!
Since the topic of presents came up I just wanted to get your opinion on what I was planning to get my daughter's dcp. I was thinking of getting her a couple of nice ($20+) bottles of wine for her and her husband (they are in their early 30's) - one white and one red - and then getting a little gift bag for each of her two young daughters (book, stickers, chocolate, candy cane, craft book, crayons). If you could let me know whether you would like this gift or not as a dcp, it would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

[mimi]

Hi happymomma. Aren't you thoughtful, especially to include their daughters. :) The wine sounds lovely, just make sure they drink. Merry Christmas to you.

[Inspired by Reggio]

I would :wub: it to be honest ~ but than it would be a gift that is representative of my passions in life ~ I love to do art on my own and with the kids!

I was blessed to have had a client for years who worked for a paper and craft supply company and at Christmas they would gift me some awesome stuff that was not even on the market yet sometimes and well it is definitely a gift they know will get USED in the program and it was given to 'me and the daycare children' in the card!

I do not expect gifts either ~ they are a bonus and truly appreciated but every family has different values and budgets for who they can gift too .... the reality is if they gift me something I am going to use in the daycare than I can theoretically take the money I have than 'saved' not buying craft supplies or a new toy and buy myself something special as a gift to myself if having a gift to me were truly important ... it is all in how you look at it ;)

I got my first client gift this morning and to be honest the part that meant the world to me was the hand written letter inside the card ~ the gift was nice and generous too do not get me wrong but the letter I will keep in my portfolio for years to come and be able to reflect back on when I am stressed as a reminder of why I do what I do :glomp:

[Spixie33]

I actually look forward to the card the most - It is kind of like getting feedback and motivation and I love to see what they say. I am still on the fence about craft supplies. I got some last year and some of it is still on my craft shelf -unused because I got some stuff that I already had and haven't used up yet even to this day. i.e fingerpaints, colouring books, etc

It is interesting to see what others think /feel about it though. I was happy when I received it last year and thought it was great but now when I see that some of it never even got used I am wondering whether I am in store for more this year. lol

I had a teacher for one of my children say how much she loves getting craft supplies so she doesn't have to buy out of her own pocket and then I have heard teachers say that school supplies are not really a reward for the teacher. That is why it is pretty specific to the individual I guess. I have given school supplies to my children's teachers and I hope they didn't hate it

Happy Moma - your idea for a gift is nice. Last year - most of my parents gave me wine ( lol). I like the idea that you are giving the children of your provider something. Some of my parents send in gifts for my own children and that makes me happier to see my kids get something than it does for me to get something

[kidlove]

generally speaking any gift is wonderful because it really is the thought that counts, and the fact that the parent went out of their way on their own time and picked something out just for you, even if it is for the daycare, means they really do care about you. Now on the other hand, as much as I appreciate the thought, I did get a gift bag last year from one Mom, so excited when she handed it to me....opened it in front of her and.....two cans of Lysol!!!!!!:huh: I was like: "Wow, you shouldn't have! Thanks so much!" (fake smile) :) This particular mom is one I had a few issues with regarding sending her daughter when she was sick, and also had to have her pick her up early through the day on a few occasions due to flea bites and vomiting while in care. soooooo....I think her gift was pure sarchasm, wasn't sdure how to repeond to that one!:blink:

[kidlove]

too cute Spixie, I actually keep all my Christmas cards over the years from my Daycare parents who write such nice things to me about their appreciation and such, a few times through the year I am guilty of dragging them out to read, as a pick me up sometimes. Having a tough week can really be helped by a little reminder of the appreciation that some have for the hard work we do.

I too agree, on the gifts for my kids. That to me is a major compliment to me and my children when the DayCare families want to give to the whole family and not just me, makes me feel like they value us as more than just business, feels like they value is kind of like family. :)

[Spixie33]

generally speaking any gift is wonderful because it really is the thought that counts, and the fact that the parent went out of their way on their own time and picked something out just for you, even if it is for the daycare, means they really do care about you. Now on the other hand, as much as I appreciate the thought, I did get a gift bag last year from one Mom, so excited when she handed it to me....opened it in front of her and.....two cans of Lysol!!!!!!:huh: I was like: "Wow, you shouldn't have! Thanks so much!" (fake smile) :) This particular mom is one I had a few issues with regarding sending her daughter when she was sick, and also had to have her pick her up early through the day on a few occasions due to flea bites and vomiting while in care. soooooo....I think her gift was pure sarchasm, wasn't sdure how to repeond to that one!:blink:

Yikes...I would take that as her pointing her finger at you that her child is getting sick while at your daycare or something. lol
I go through a lot of Lysol but I don't think that makes a nice present. Ouch ! :no:

[kidlove]

I didn't think it made a very great gift either! I took it as her thinking I am too much of a "germaphobe", she is a nurse and I swear they are the worst for making light of illness, like they see it so much it doesn't bother them. Annoys the crap out of me when they bring their kids into contact with the rest when they are ill. I think it's rude, and personally...so was the gift. But I used it. :)

[michellesmunchkins]

I agree that any gift is wonderful as I do not expect them either. I too love love love the cards and nice messages put inside them. Just a few words is all it takes to make all the 'bad days' seem not so bad know what I mean?

So far this year I have received: a box of chocolates called Merci (totally loved this idea, says thank you and a little treat), a beautiful smelling candle (and this little guy doesn't even start until January) and a box of homemade goodies (from a former daycare client who is returning from mat leave in May). Plus a gift basket full of all organic goodies and a gift card to buy a new bathing suit (lost 70 pounds over this last year. This gift truly shows a daycare parent who was paying attention and interested :)

In years past I have received craft supplies and stuff for the daycare. I thought it was a great idea :) I would be so offended if someone gifted us lysol. That's just ignorant in my opinion!

[kidlove]

congrats on your weight loss, and I agree, that parent really listens and shows she cares to give you such a thoughtful gift. :)

[kidlove]

I shouldn't be so negative with the bad gift story, just funny I guess!!! :) have gotten many many amazing and too nice gifts over the years that far outweigh the lysol, just funny to get that though.

[bright sparks]

To the lady who bought you lysol kidlove, "cheeky bitch!" Grow a set for goodness sakes and speak up and be honest if you aren't happy about something and then just get over it and move on. I would have been happier with nothing... Passive aggressive behaviour and actions = A coward! Some people grrrr...

I like any gift that is given with thought. It's like the person who buys a flashy box of expensive chocolates when they know you are on a diet lol No thought put into that gift. I have recieved numerous things good and bad over the last number of years but my favourite gift has always been a gift card for the book store. Anyone who knows me, knows that what I love 2nd best, next to my family, are books.

I don't actually mind if someone doesn't get me a gift as some people are either not that way inclined or can't afford it. What I do enjoy most of all though is a lovely card with kind words in it, rather than the monotomous generic card you send to aunts and uncles you havent seen for 10 years. The card is just acknowledgement of sorts thanking me for doing a great job and showing appreciation, so if I don't get a card, I'm a bit narked off but soon get over it as there isn't a whole lot that suprises me any more.

[Spixie33]

So what if you get a gift and no card?
That has happened to me and I would search the bag desperately since the card is the main prize only to find nada. That is always a bummer. Then I have to wonder if there is a reason they didn't put a card...ie. they have nothing nice to say or whether they just found a card useless since they were gifting.

I would expect that most people give a card and they really are the best part but there are times where I get the present and no card.

I have actually never had a year where a dcp didn't gift me something. I can't imagine. Maybe this year it will happen though now that I said it lol

It's not that I need a gift but it is a nice sign that they value you. Receiving gifts actually makes me a little bashful but it still is a nice thought

[daycaremum]

I have given fun school supplies to my children's teachers in the younger grades. My thoughts are that they have 20ish students. Most of those students will bring in a gift. They will get candy, mugs, etc. So my one gift of school supplies isn't going to disappoint the teacher because she's getting a variety of gifts from a large group of students. I as a HDCP, only have 4 "students". So if they bring me stuff for daycare, I am disappointed. If I receive nothing, I am disappointed. It doesn't have to be super exciting or expensive, but not just a card either. One year, a long time daycare parent gave me a small pop up Christmas children's book. When I opened it I was sort of in disbelief:( What was she thinking. I think I had mentioned once that I liked pop up books, but to give me one as a Christmas gift??? I was disappointed. I for one, don't want gifts for daycare. They are not really for me, but for their chidren to enjoy while they are here. Not really a gift now is it??

[daycaremum]

generally speaking any gift is wonderful because it really is the thought that counts, and the fact that the parent went out of their way on their own time and picked something out just for you, even if it is for the daycare, means they really do care about you. Now on the other hand, as much as I appreciate the thought, I did get a gift bag last year from one Mom, so excited when she handed it to me....opened it in front of her and.....two cans of Lysol!!!!!!:huh: I was like: "Wow, you shouldn't have! Thanks so much!" (fake smile) :) This particular mom is one I had a few issues with regarding sending her daughter when she was sick, and also had to have her pick her up early through the day on a few occasions due to flea bites and vomiting while in care. soooooo....I think her gift was pure sarchasm, wasn't sdure how to repeond to that one!:blink:

Wow, that was incredibly rude of that "Lysol" parent. I don't know what I would have said either:(

[apples and bananas]

I often give Michaels gift cards to teachers for Christmas presents. I think they use their own money in the class room anyways, so I hope my contribution makes it a little easier. So, I would think it would be very thoughtful to give a gift that gives back to the daycare. It gives me a little extra cash to spend on myself that I otherwise would have spent on the daycare.

[loulou]

I would love it! We go supplies so quickly and I find whenever the parents buy me supplies it isn't something I'd normally buy so it makes it more fun for the kids.

[playfelt]

I like the idea of the Michaels gift card because it can be spent on basics like foam and construction paper or on the provider herself if she does crafts or there are also so many useful things there from baking pans to seasonal decorations. My parents know my crafting habits and usually at least one gives me a Michaels card and I love it. That is what I used to do for my kids teachers when they were in primary but always presented it with a container from the dollar store filled with candy of some sort so there was still something tangible to open and the kids to see but the real gift was the gift card.

[Momof4]

Spixie, I understand because this has happened to me. It's a thoughtful gift but craft supplies for the daycare are a tax deduction for me so when parents give me daycare items I want to ask for the receipt, heehee. Really, it's kind of like when your son buys you a baseball mitt and glove that will fit his hand for Christmas, you know? A gift of daycare supplies is for the children, not for the caregiver so much.

[Judy Trickett]

No, I would NOT want daycare supplies. How would you feel if you worked in an office and your boss gave you a stapler and staples for your Christmas gift? I find that daycare providers are so often given thoughtless gifts or re-gifted gifts that we would NEVER gift anyone in the real world. We are usually an afterthought.

[daycarewhisperer]

I just want cash. I'm very fortunate that my day care parents are very generous at years end.

[Lou]

OMG the Lysol parent!!! How horrid!! "You shouldn't have" is the perfect response lol. I would like craft supplies as long as they were cool ones (construction paper and glue...um..no thanks), because I love that stuff, it can get pricey, and I get to use it with my daycare children and my own! Of course, I'd appreciate any gift (except effing Lysol though, ha!!).

Wine would make a fantastic gift!!!

[Spixie33]

When I started I bought the huge gallon of white glue for doing daycare crafts.

Well....since then....parents have gifted me craft supplies and I am not even half down my own jug of glue. I tend to get white glue as part of the craft supplies so I now have a huge collection of white glue.

I actually switched most of our crafts over to tacky glue because it holds things so much better i.e pom poms, buttons, etc so I have more white glue than I will probably need in the next 10 years. lol

[Inspired by Reggio]

.... I have more white glue than I will probably need in the next 10 years. lol

Time to make some flubber or shaving cream / white glue sensory and use that stuff up ;)

[Spixie33]

Time to make some flubber or shaving cream / white glue sensory and use that stuff up ;)

I was going to make the 50%shaving cream 50% white glue but then people told me it was a big mess and it dried awful for crafts. :(

[Momof4]

When I started I bought the huge gallon of white glue for doing daycare crafts.

Well....since then....parents have gifted me craft supplies and I am not even half down my own jug of glue. I tend to get white glue as part of the craft supplies so I now have a huge collection of white glue.

I actually switched most of our crafts over to tacky glue because it holds things so much better i.e pom poms, buttons, etc so I have more white glue than I will probably need in the next 10 years. lol

Spixie, maybe it's time to be honest with your dcparents and let them know that when you buy supplies you can use it as a tax deduction and you appreciate their sentiment but you would rather buy your own supplies? Then tell them that your friends have all mentioned the lovely gift cards they get for gifts. :laugh: