Gift Exchange between Dcks

[ebhappydc]

Hi - i've never officially discussed an exchange of gifts between the dcks, however, one year each dck, except one, brought a very small gift for each of the others. I ended up making a small gift on behalf of the child (craft) to give the others. He didn't have a clue but i don't know if the parents were upset when their child came home with gifts from the others. They didn't mention anything. Kind of same thing happened at Valentines. How do u handle? Thanks

[5 Little Monkeys]

I don't discuss it at all. I give gifts/treat bags for almost every holiday but I would never expect a parent to bring gifts in for the other kids and I would think that by discussing it, it would come across as they need too.

Some parents bring in treats or gifts for the other kids. I allow the child to hand them out and than they go in their bag to open/eat at home. The only time we open it here is if the parent sent treats for snack time. At valentines, it is totally optional to send cards. I can't remember if I've had any that didn't send though. I usually have extras on hand and would likely just write some up with that child to hand out.

In the past few years, holidays have become HUGE ( I think Pinterest is to blame! Lol) but I love it!! Some parents don't think it's necessary so I wouldn't want them to think they need to send in stuff for every holiday. I enjoy gift giving but I even have to scale myself back sometimes and remember that it's just st patty's day ( for example) and I don't HAVE to have a treat bag to give out!!

[AmandaKDT]

I would just leave it be, if they send stuff fine. My older daughter was in a home daycare before that had a established gift exchange for all birthdays and it was too much. It wasn't mandatory per say, but parents were sending presents for our kid so we felt obligated and it had a set spending limit of up to $20 per child. It was a hardship for us, on top of having to buy presents for kids we didn't really know.

I have some families here that send stuff for valentine's, etc and also for birthdays. But I never comment on it the parents or I try to not make them feel obligated to do anything.

[mickyc]

I wouldn't do it either. The only time I get my kids to exchange anything is at valentine's and that is just cards. I do have certain families that send things (usually treats) for the other kids for Halloween/easter/Christmas etc but it is certainly not required. All families don't do it either. I always send the kids something home for every occasion from myself.

[sandylynn]

My dck's exchange a little gift (10.00) on birthdays...we have a party, cupcakes etc. I did have one mother who complained that there was not a need to exchange birthday gifts...so at the last birthday party (before her child's birthday)....she didn't send a gift...that's fine...her decision...one month later it was her child's birthday...I stipulated to the other parents NOT to send a gift...we would just do cupcakes...well!!!! the mother was stunned when she picked up her child at the end of his birthday...and there were no gifts! She was like..."well I did buy for the other children during the year"!!! I said..."well then,...maybe you should have waited to say your comment until AFTER YOUR CHILD'S BIRTHDAY!" LOL

[sandylynn]

P.S. TO MY POST ABOVE...This was also the same mother who wanted a STUDENT RATE...when my university daughter looked after the kids one day while I had an appointment...I said to her.."What is the difference in care that you get from me or my daughter"..she said..."nothing"...a nd I said..."so you want a cheaper rate..BECAUSE? Hmmm...can I think about it for a bit...how about NO

[Fun&care]

P.S. TO MY POST ABOVE...This was also the same mother who wanted a STUDENT RATE...when my university daughter looked after the kids one day while I had an appointment...I said to her.."What is the difference in care that you get from me or my daughter"..she said..."nothing"...a nd I said..."so you want a cheaper rate..BECAUSE? Hmmm...can I think about it for a bit...how about NO

Anytime I hear of a parent trying to nickel and dime a caregiver it just gets under my skin like crazy! So disrespectful!

[Fun&care]

I've never discussed gift exchanges with clients either and actually, I don't go over and beyond myself and I don't get the kids much for birthdays or holidays. I find it annoying that we have become such a consumerist society and that to show someone we love and care for them we have to show it in the form of material "things". For birthdays we have cupcakes and sing happy birthday but I do not give presents. For Xmas this year I bought a coloring book with markers from the dollar store for everyone. Halloween is a treat bag, easter is chocolates from our egg hunt and valentines I have actually had the kids make cards for each other with stickers.

[Van]

that was sweet what you did , making the gift with the child.
One of the parents held a non-gift party which took the pressure off even if one or 2 decided to give a gift. I like to give books as gifts