Gifts for Daycare Children

[Inspired by Reggio]

I used to do gifts for the kids typically a book and something 'creative art' related to enjoy at home and tried to keep it under $15 a kid ... but they have SO MUCH stuff and well I was finding more and more they did not really 'enjoy' the stuff they got it got tossed aside when opened and they went back to playing ... children today lack a true appreciation for how lucky they are so I decided to change my focus of Christmas to promote that value!

So I decided to 'adopt an angel tree boy and girl' and I take my crew out and we pick out a gift for the child in need and place it under the tree and have a discussion about how happy this will make the other children and we are so blessed to have so much that we can afford to do this and still get lots of nice gifts.

Last year in addition to this we also sent a child to school in Africa with a donation.

I still buy the children a 'book' from me to share my love of reading with them and put a little 'quote in it' about their time here should the parent keep it as a keepsake over the years ~ but it is from the Samko Sales and usually under $2 a child.

[kelleyg19]

I went to the Samko sale tonight and bought all my daycare kids something for Christmas. I spent roughly $20 on each child, ranging from books, puzzles, barbies and games. This is my first Xmas with having a daycare and I think all my families will appreciate the thought.
Does anyone buy a small gift for the parents? Debating if I should buy parents a $10 bottle of wine.

[Spixie33]

No, I have never gifted a parent. They get crafts and keepsake ornaments that the kids make.

This year I am making a photo bookmark for the kids to wrap and give their parents. Hope the link works....http://pinterest.com/pin/166914729910934373/

I have already been trying to take the pics of the kids. That is a bit tricky for some. lol


I should also add that even gifts you buy for your own kids can often be tax deductible if they will be used at all by the daycare or passed down to the daycare in the coming months, etc

[Momof4]

No, I have never gifted a parent. They get crafts and keepsake ornaments that the kids make.

This year I am making a photo bookmark for the kids to wrap and give their parents. Hope the link works....http://pinterest.com/pin/166914729910934373/

I have already been trying to take the pics of the kids. That is a bit tricky for some. lol

Let us know the secret to getting one year old children to stretch like that please? Very cute idea!

[Spixie33]

Let us know the secret to getting one year old children to stretch like that please? Very cute idea!

I have 1 of the 1 year olds down. I tied a string to the wall (just out of reach)and pointed and told them to grab it. They try for a millisecond so you have to be ready. This week comes round #2. I actually had a harder time with getting some of the 3 year olds to do it and look at the camera.

[daycaremom9]

I have 1 of the 1 year olds down. I tied a string to the wall (just out of reach)and pointed and told them to grab it. They try for a millisecond so you have to be ready. This week comes round #2. I actually had a harder time with getting some of the 3 year olds to do it and look at the camera.

What a great idea! I'm going to try that craft here.

[daycaremom9]

Personally I wouldn't buy alcohol for a client; unless maybe you knew that they drank. JMO

[DORITOSGIRL]

I love love love the idea of sharing is caring with the daycare kids.. We already adopt a family for Christmas ( food hamper and gifts for the kids) and I am going to get my daycare kids involved in choosing the gifts.
I am unable to take them shopping ( I do not drive and the closest walmart is 3 buses away) but we can look at the catologues/flyers and toy websites.
Thanks for giving me this idea