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 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

[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!!!!!! 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!