Christmas present for nursery key worker? Post Reply

[morasmum]

Dear nappy valley mums,

this is our first Christmas with out toddler going to nursery. I am not sure what to do, Should I get a Christmas present for the Key carer or should I get something for all of the carers?

What could that be? Muffin basket? something more personal?

Opinions and ideas welcome!

[AnnieH]

Sorry not to provide an answer but I'd be v interested in replies. My 8 mth old started nursery and I've no idea what the Christmas present etiquette is.

[mrsbfrombalham]

In my view there is no real rule there - go with your instinct. If you feel your little one has gotten particularly great care from/ is close to one of the people in the nursery then there is nothing wrong in buying that person a present. On the flip side, no one will feel cheated if you buy a common gift for the nursery staff. My experience has been that people have been truly appreciative of any type of presents given - and not all parents do bring gifts.

[musicmum]

Hi there

We've had children at nurseries for the past 4 years and I find it quite tricky without understanding someones taste (they often get chocolates galore). I know it's not as personal but I definately feel they deserve a treat and usually buy a voucher from Next/M&S/TopShop. They always seem incredibly appreciative and let's face it it's a very important job they're doing.

Along similar lines I'd be interested to hear about presents for Nannies?

[Genie]

I always get something for my son's key carer at nursery. Even if other staff have been close to him, I don't buy for them because I don't want to cause conflict or stress between that person and the other staff who don't get something special. If we all buy for the key carers then everybody gets about the same amount.

I also bring a christmas cake for all the staff to share.

I find that I can strategically direct the casual chats I have with his carer so that I can figure out something she would like: what are the ages of her own children, does she like to wear pretty jewellery or is she into scarves, is she doing up a new home (gift card from homebase), what music does she listen to (buy her a CD), what magazines does she read (get her a subscription), what actor does she have a crush on (DVDs)?

If you can't get anywhere with this, if there's a nice restaurant near the nursery, (or one you've heard them talking about that they like) give her a gift card from there so she can go out after work one evening.

I think it's really important to do this for the people who are so important to our children's daily lives.

[carrakane]

last year for my daughter's teachers, we gave them each a voucher to Stella & Dot (which I sell) and they were able to pick something they wanted. They thanked me numerous times over the year

[Bonnijump]

When my son was leaving his nursery I brought small body shop body butter pots. One for each, around eleven.I thought all did a great job and they always get chocolate.

[lauretta]

Hi not to offend but i have worked in a nursey its shocking but true..... and some of the staff working and surviving in london areas 40 hour weeks are earning as little as £12,000 !! i think either vouchers or money ready for the sales is appreciated don't mean to sound blunt or greedy but i know all staff where i worked were happy with this and they enjoyed shopping in January and very happy also when given bath lotions and potions flowers etc it is hard to carry 5 miles home!! Even just a card from a child means a great deal to the teacher and i still have my thank you cards from 2000 Hope this helps best wishes lauretta

[susiep23]

Hey there, I worked in nurseries before turning to nannying and the usual thing for parents for Christmas was a little something for key worker and a little box of chocolates or something for the staff in that room to share. Just token things really unless as someone said you feel a particular member has really stood out and gone the extra mile in some way and you'd like to do something more special. I don't think my nursery ( Surrey) was allowed to accept gift vouchers? check with the manager on this, not sure the reason but pretty sure a letter was sent out regarding this but anything will be greatly appreciated I'm sure

[lauretta]

Hi most nurseries pay between 14-18,000 per qualified nursery nurse and unfortunately most nursery proprietors are happy paying this and no more that is why i no longer work in nursery that and ofsted paper work!! parents could ask other parents from children's group to pitch in and have one signed card and money/ vouchers best wishes Lauretta

[susiep23]

Yes unfortunately nursery wages are very minimal hense I and a lot if friends turned to nannying which I equally love but nursery nurses really do need a better wage as the more qualified you become you're pay should reflect this but unforetynately it's not the case ( well wasn't in mine anyway). love of the job is the golden saying but that won't pay you're mortgage unforetynately!

[lauretta]

Couldn't agree more x

[lawrence]

Yes deff present,having worked in primary school in the past not many parents give presents to anyone except teachers...but I always make sure i give to all key workers..some little notebooks,diaries,cookbooks,depending on age of person,and they are really happpy and gratefull,it mean so much to show them that we appriciate their everyday support,and really tas key workers are paid peaunuts anyway.so go for it...
diaries,chocs,notebooks,recipes boxex,ets

[morasmum]

Ladies,

i can not thank you enough for your advise, I'll go for something sweet for the whole staff and a little something for the key worker.

Thank you gain for your help