Do you get gifts for your child's carers?

I struggle with this every year. My kids are lucky to have had some fabulous baby sitters and carers over the years and really all I’ve wanted to do is buy them a wildly expensive gift. However, in my heart I know that it simply won’t say “thank you for caring for my child so wonderfully” and also my credit card might explode. So it’s something I’ve spent a great deal of time thinking about.

Childminders are really unsung heroes I think. Most of them work long hours and in very tiring, stressful work conditions. I know how hard I found having 3 kids under the age of 4 at home was, so I have huge admiration for them. The ones I have been lucky enough to meet have always been really passionate about their job, and I have been able to leave my kids knowing they are in safe loving hands.

So how do I say “thank you” properly?
In the past I’ve baked up a storm and made cupcakes, gingerbread, White Christmas. I’ve also got my offspring to help me decorate little thank you cards as well. Other times I’ve got them a voucher for a book or the movies. But this year my youngest son has thrived in his little pre-kindy programme. We’ve really struggled with his speech development at home but thanks to the patience and effort of his childcarers he has come on in leaps and bounds. I admit I was very teary at his Christmas concert seeing him proudly singing his heart out this year.

I am going to get Mr Small to help me make a card for each of his teachers but am really torn, should we make something for the teachers like little cakes or something crafty, or would they prefer a little voucher instead? How do you thank your kids carers?

JUH2UVDYTVGE