Opinions on Presents

[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!!!!!! 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!

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 !

[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!!!!!! 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!

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