Being a daycare provider and teacher is quite hard and it’s never been more obvious how dedicated they are to their work. Not only do we need to thank them for their reliability and expertise, but also for the thoughtful and loving way they take care of our kids so that we can go through our day and finish everything that we need to do. The least bit that we could do for them to show some appreciation, is giving them some gifts.
While it is easy to come to that conclusion, the hard part is choosing the right gift for them. So we have compiled together some of the best gift ideas for daycare providers and teachers to make your life easier and save you some time!
How Do You Show Appreciation to Daycare Staff?
Giving presents to the daycare staff is a wonderful way to show our appreciation for their hard work and commitment to taking care of our kids. Getting a gift that is meaningful or even just useful is a good way to go when choosing gifts.
Not only are these gifts a token of appreciation to express your gratitude, but they also give the daycare staff something entertaining or useful to do when they have free time, honoring the work that goes into educating and nurturing the youngest members of our society!
Whether it’s a spa day for the daycare staff or a catered lunch for everyone to enjoy together, it can still be a great way to make a big gesture of thanks by organizing a group gift with the other parents.
These little deeds of kindness can help to improve the sense of community that exists between the caregivers and the families.
More importantly, these gestures let the hard-working daycare staff know how much their job is appreciated and cherished. This will result in a better mood both in their daily life and their workplace!
Essential Gift Ideas for Daycare Providers
Essential gifts are going to come in handy when you don’t even know, especially because these are usually things you don’t usually think much about. We have compiled a list of a few ideas for you to choose from so that you can pick out the best gift!
Gift Cards
If you are unable to decide on what you want to get as a gift for your daycare provider then getting them a gift card would be the safest option. Even though there is no set rule on the amount that you need to spend, you should still make an effort to include all the teachers and staff in your child’s classroom.
While some parents differentiate between giving a gift to the assistant staff and the “main” teacher in charge of the class, it is important to realize when it comes to early childhood studies, the staff, and teachers are all putting in the same amount of effort.
Whatever amount you can spend, try to make it an even distribution between everyone involved in taking care of your child. If you want to spend less go for a few gift cards for a local cafe or even Starbucks.
Here are a few more ideas:
- Spa service or massage gift card
- Arts and craft shop gift card
- Local plant shop or florist gift card
- Local restaurant gift card
Choose whatever gift card you want according to your budget and just try to make it in charge distribution among both the teachers and the staff.
Planners/Organisers
Given the fact that they are so well suited to both the difficulties and the needs of teaching daily, planners and organizers can be wonderful gifts.
It is both a practical and thoughtful gift since it helps the teachers stay organized, manage their classes and time effectively, and keep track of any important dates they may need to remember.
If you are familiar with the daycare providers then it will come in handy since you will be able to customize the planners to fit their specific stit and taste!
Comfortable Workwear
This can be a thoughtful present for the teachers since their job often tends to be quite physically demanding. Make sure whatever clothing you go with is both durable and versatile and of course appropriate for the classroom.
Go with clothes that are made out of soft and breathable material while also promoting easy mobility. If you are unsure of what size you should go for, try finding workwear that comes with features allowing you to adjust to whatever body type you want.
Subscriptions
Giving teachers a subscription to music or streaming services is another great idea since it gives them something to do in the little free time they get.
These services give the teachers a cheap and convenient way to relax, discover new hobbies, or take in their favorite music and movies. It is a kind and useful gift that allows the teachers a much-needed break and some time to unwind when they are out of the classroom.
| Gift Ideas | Price |
| Gift Cards | $30 – $80 |
| Planners/Organisers | $15 – $30 |
| Comfortable Workwear | $50 – $100 |
| Subscriptions | $20 – $40 |
Personal Touches Gift Ideas for Daycare Providers
If you are running on a low budget or just want to add a personal touch to your gift to show some more gratitude then here are some ideas that you can go with.
Handwritten Notes
Handwritten notes are a considerate and thoughtful gesture towards your daycare providers. They are a personalized token of gratitude that conveys your heartfelt appreciation for their care and dedication.
The notes can become a constant reminder for the teachers and the staff about how much of a positive impact they have on the lives of the families. It can serve as are treasured mementos for the teachers to cherish.
Child Artwork/Photos
A present like this signifies and celebrates the special bond that exists between your child and their caregiver. It also comes off as a sincere thank you for the positive contribution of the teacher in your child’s life.
These presents can add a personal touch to the teacher’s workplace or even their homes while being a reminder of the children that they have taken so much care of.
Here are a few ideas you can go with:
- A hand-drawn storybook
- A decorated plant pot
- Personalized photo album
- Framed painting or drawing by your child
Homemade Treats
Another great idea for an inexpensive but thoughtful gift for your daycare teachers and staff. This is something that everyone can enjoy together so it builds on their connection as a team.
You can make this gift more special by making the treats with the help of your kid and having them help to decorate it as well. Baked treats are always a great idea and here are some things you could try:
- Cookies
- Brownies
- Fudge
- Cupcakes
- Homemade Jam
Charity Donations in their Name
This could be a meaningful gift especially if you are raising a donation for a cause that is close to the teacher’s heart. It goes to show how much you appreciate the teachers as well as your support towards something they care about.
It is important to keep in mind that you take into consideration the interests and preferences of the teacher before you make such a donation for them.
Some teachers could already have a charity that they support or may just prefer something tangible for themselves. If you’re not sure then try consulting the teacher or just go for a different gift entirely.
| Gift Ideas | Price |
| Handwritten Notes | $10 – $20 |
| Child Artwork/Photos | $10 – $30 |
| Homemade Treats | $15 – $30 |
| Charity Donations in their Name | Any amount you choose to contribute |
Learning & Fun Gift Ideas for Daycare Providers
These could be gifts that are more on the fun side or focus more on the educational side of gifts. If you cannot decide on anything else then these gift ideas could be more oriented towards the “traditional” gifts for daycare teachers.
Childcare Development Resources
Daycare teachers can benefit quite a bit from childcare development resources since it enable them to provide children with quality care and education while also supporting their ongoing development as professionals. Some ideas for childcare development resources are:
- Educational materials and toys
- Online workshops or courses
- Educational videos or DVDs
- Books on Childhood Education
- Teaching supplies and materials
Books
Books are great presents and they carry even more meaning when they are for a teacher. Not only can they serve an educational purpose but they can also be a means for the teachers to form a stronger bond with the children in their care. If your daycare provider or teacher is a Muslim you can try out some Islamic Books Or Educational Materials.
Try going for books that are age-appropriate for the kids in the class and also in line with the teacher’s interests.
Consider throwing in a handwritten note along with the book expressing your gratitude for the teacher’s hard work. This adds a personal sentiment to your gift and makes it that much more memorable.
Workshop/Conference Tickets
This could be somewhat of an educational getaway gift for the teachers. If you come across a fun workshop or educational conference that aligns with the interests of the teacher, then they are going to love having tickets to go there.
Try talking to the teacher about this and find them something that works around their availability!
Daycare Games/Activities
Going for daycare games/activities is a very practical gift that is not only fun for the teachers but is just as fun for the kids in the class. If you get a fun and interactive game for the entire class to enjoy you might just become the favorite parents too!
Here are some ideas:
- Fun and Educational Board Games
- Outdoor Game Sets
- Building Blocks and Puzzles
- Musical Instruments
- Art and Craft Supplies
| Gift Ideas | Price |
| Childcare Development Resources | $30 – $60 |
| Books | $20 – $40 |
| Workshop/Conference Tickets | $20 – $50 |
| Daycare Games/Activities | $30 – $200 |
Factors to Consider
Even though we made a detailed list of gift ideas for you to choose from, there are still a few more things you need to take into consideration. While all the gift ideas we listed are great for every teacher, it is nicer when you add some sentiment behind the gift.
Here’s how you do that:
Teacher’s Age and Lifestyle
When choosing a gift for a teacher, try taking into consideration the teacher’s age and also their lifestyle if you know a bit more personally. This will help you find a gift that is more appropriate for the teacher and also more curated towards their liking. This shows that you put some thought behind picking the gift out which will make the teachers value it a lot more.
A younger teacher is more likely to enjoy an educational workshop than an educational conference which older teachers may prefer. Thinking of it this way may save you a lot of brainstorming.
Teaming Up With Other Parents
If you are familiar with the other parents of children’s daycare, then try talking to them about a joint gift for the daycare teachers’ providers. If everyone pools in money together you can get fun outdoor games that would otherwise be too expensive of a purchase for you to make alone.
Not only does this go to show your appreciation as a group, but you can also get something fun and interactive both for teachers and the kids to enjoy!
Best Gifts for Daycare Providers and Teachers
If you don’t want to bother yourself rummaging through the ideas and the things you need to look into before purchasing a gift, we have your back. We have made a list of 11 gift items that you can go with to express your love and appreciation for your child’s daycare provider!
- Aroma Basket
every day the daycare teachers are dealing with mischievous little kids for hours on end. It can get quite exhausting and stressful. Getting them a custom-made aromatherapy basket could help them further relax. Here’s what you can add to your basket:
- Essential Oils
- Carrier Oil
- Bath Bombs or Bath Salts
- Aroma Diffusers
- Fragrant Moisturiser
- Food Hampers
Remember, going for tasty treats as gifts is always a great idea when it comes to gift giving. If you want to give a basket full of tropical nutrition, you can add exotic and seasonal fruits to the basket.
You could also just fill up a basket with jams, muffins, assorted chocolates, and more. If you are a good baker then you could also just go for a basket full of baked goodies!
- Indoor Plants
Since the teachers spend so much of their day inside classrooms, they don’t get to be around trees and nature as much. Get some indoor plants for your child’s classroom and bring nature to them!
There are several air-purifying plants that not only add to the vibe of the class but also require little to no maintenance in terms of watering and sunlight. Adding some greenery into the classroom is a refreshing gift for the teachers and the kids too.
- Tea/Coffee Hampers
Almost every, custom-made cup of tea or coffee in the morning. It helps to wake you up and prepare you for the day that’s to come.
If you know the coffee brew the teacher likes, try getting it or pick up some assorted flavors of tea. You can also go another step and add a mug with cheesy teacher quotes on it and get a cute little coaster to make it a complete set!
- Humorous Gifts
If you have talked to your daycare provider before or they are just known to have a humorous personality, try going for some personalized and custom gifts. Here are a few ideas:
- Customized Water Bottles
- Mugs
- Fridge Magnets
- T-shirts
Getting them these things and customizing them with some funny quotes would always keep the giggles going!
- Basket of Teacher Supplies
We have already mentioned how important this gift can be to a teacher. The teachers need to often buy their supplies of markers for the board or even crayons for the children, it can get a bit tight on their wallets as well. Put together a hamper that is filled with things like
- Posters and charts
- Art supplies and markers
- Stamps, stickers, sparklers
- Stationery organizers
- Diaries and keyrings
- Christmas Gifts
A gift does not always need to be something materialistic, go for something to satisfy their tummy and their hunger instead. If the winter holidays are just around the corner then bake some plum cake at home or brew some wine for the teachers as a gift to relax! Get some adorable little Santa hats or pick out some extravagant Christmas tree ornaments to make their Christmas more fun.
- Tote Bags
Teachers tend to carry a bunch of stuff with them at all times. Not only is their bag full of their personal belongings and water bottles, but they often also carry different books, small treats for the children, stationary items, and more. Giving them a big and spacious tote bag would be a great idea and you get a bonus if it is made out of eco-friendly material!
- Philosopher – Bundle White Dial
Feeling like spending a bit more and getting something fancy for your daycare provider? Getting the Philosopher White Dial bundle can be a very sophisticated gift for a teacher.
Since daycare providers need to be wary of time and maintain a proper schedule, this watch will be a useful and stylish accessory. It is also powered by a Japanese Quartz movement to ensure smooth functionality and better longevity.
- Native White Dial – Brown Leather
Another watch by Nordgreen, Native. This is also a white dial watch with classic brown leather that just looks chic at all times. It is a versatile watch that can either be dressed up or down with any outfit.
The Native watch is a practical gift that will be useful in the daily life of any teacher! Japanese Quartz also powers the movement of this watch so you can get all those benefits here as well!
- Infinity – Brown Leather
This one is a little cheaper compared to the two mentioned above. The Nordgreen Infinity looks best in the rose gold color with brown leather. Nordgreen makes inexpensive watches that are just as good-looking and stylish as your next $1000 plus watch.
Not only are these comparatively cheaper, but they also feel and look luxurious. A thoughtful gift for any daycare provider indeed!
| Gift Ideas | Price Range |
| Aroma Baskets | $40 – $100 |
| Food Hampers | $30 – $50 |
| Indoor Plants | $20 – $50 |
| Tea/Coffee Hampers | $30 – $50 |
| Humorous Gifts | $20 – $30 |
| Basket of Teacher Supplies | $30 – $60 |
| Christmas Gifts | $50 – $80 |
| Tote Bags | $10 – $20 |
| Philosopher – Bundle White Dial | $230 – $270 |
| Native White Dial – Brown Leather | $180 – $200 |
| Infinity – Brown Leather | $200 – $210 |
When to Give Daycare Teacher Gifts?
While you may want to show your appreciation for your child’s daycare teacher, it can often be hard to figure out the best time to give them a gift. If you are facing that problem then there is an easy solution to that.
You can easily opt for a surprise gift out of the blue to show a random act of kindness, but if that’s not your style and you need an occasion, look out for important dates.
- Christmas Holidays
- Summer Vacation
- The teacher’s birthday
- Teacher’s Appreciation Week
These are some important dates you can mark in your calendar to remind yourself to get a gift for the teacher beforehand. Giving them a gift during any of these special occasions can make them feel more appreciated and loved.
Conclusion
When it comes to gift giving, the most important thing is the sentiment behind your gifts. It might seem jarring to have so many options and so many things to consider to choosing the perfect gift, but as long as your gift carries a meaningful thought behind it, that’s all that matters.
It could also be in your interest to check in with the gift-giving policies of the daycare center. Establishments like these usually have certain policies to maintain so make sure your gifts are compliant with their restrictions and guidelines.
We hope we were able to help you come up with the best gift for your daycare provider!
FAQs
What are good gifts for teachers?
Anything that is thoughtful and relates to the personal interests of the teacher can be a good gift for them. Try talking to them beforehand about their likes and dislikes before you get something like a custom-made gift.
Do you give Christmas gifts to daycare teachers?
Giving your daycare teachers Christmas gifts is not obligatory, but if you want to make them feel appreciated you should go for it.
How much should I spend on a daycare teacher’s Christmas gift?
There is no set amount on how much you should spend for your daycare teacher. However, since Christmas is a gift-giving holiday, going for something fancy if you have the budget could be great, for example, a watch. If you don’t have a big budget then go for homemade treats for a collection of gift cards.
