Presents for nursery staff at Christmas - what do you do?

[ashapushapush]

DD4 attends a wonderful nursery 4-5 days a week. Last year I did a tub of roses or celebrations for the teachers to share - there are 3 full time ones and 3 part time ones in her room. Nothing extra or specific for her key worker as she’d only just moved up to the room.

However, this year it feels a bit… lacking? DD has really fabulous care and education there, she’s come on so much and her keyworker has done lots of really thoughtful, tailored activities with her (although all the children get that - but it’s still been great). I don’t want to give them tat they don’t want and we can’t stretch to a decent value voucher for each of them (plus where would you get a voucher for?).

So what do you do? Any ideas I can steal? Or just go for miniature heroes this year and don’t think about it any more.

Tin of shortbread biscuits?

Go for a tin of biscuits or a selection of coffee/hot chocolates for the staff room then get them something a bit more special when your dd leaves for school.

I have the same issue. But it is a bigger nursery with lots of staff. They have been utterly wonderful with DS and I really want to show them how much I appreciate them, but no idea how best to go about it - especially as there are a lot of people involved with his care.

Any suggestions (especially from nursery workers!)?!

I work in a school, chocolates go down well because everyone can share including maintenance and catering staff who often get forgotten and if you get too many they keep for after the holidays too.

If you want to do something personal then don't over think it. A card with a heartfelt note and maybe a £5 voucher for Costa so they can get a tea/coffee/hot chocolate will always go down well. I've kept the cards I've been given with notes in.

Oh also send an email to the nursery manager to let them know how much you appreciate the staff member. It's lovely when my line manager calls me in because they've had a nice message from a parent/student/ staff member of something I've done well or that's been appreciated.

I work in a nursery. Honestly, a thank you card would be the most appreciated, specifically for her key person, if you can. These I absolutely remember and treasure, and would be so touched to receive ☺️

Fluffy festive socks, and a candle for key worker and that's it.

This year a group of parents are 'clubbing together' to get something. I'm just standing back and waiting for the fireworks 💥

As someone whose worked in a nursery obv the little personal things are big thumbs up.
Some of my faves have been...

For myself
A card the child has made with a small token gift such as a keyring.
Mug with name on and seeds to plant. (You can buy biodegradable cards and pencils now with seeds in them!)
Voucher

As a team
Posh biscuits and herbal tea for the staff room
Cheese crackers chutney pickles etc (it was a massive grazing bicycle with some sweet treats in too)
A parent ordered us a range of pizzas from dominoes to arrive at 11 when our lunches would run from then until 2 - that was a suprise

Some great ideas and really appreciate the feedback from those who work in nurseries! I would always make sure to have two tins of whatever - one for the room team and one for the managerial and catering staff.

You’ve reminded me that I wanted to nominate his key worker for their awards scheme this month, thanks!

Nobody wants 30 new mugs, candles or keyrings or pairs of socks. Just get a card.

Find out where they're going on their Christmas night out and put some money behind the bar / buy a voucher for there, attach a note saying how much you appreciate them.

Nobody needs more stuff

We just popped £10 in the card last year and the staff really appreciated it

When my DC were nursery age I used to do a voucher for the key worker, and then something more general for the whole staff in her room to share.

For example, one year I noticed DD's key worker always had elaborate and immaculate nails, so knew this was something she enjoyed, so bought her a voucher for a local nail salon. For the group present I quite often filled a big Christmas gift bag with little cosmetic/toiletries/beauty type treats - individual face masks, tubes of hand cream, luxury soaps, lip balms etc - and made sure there was enough for everyone to select 2 or 3 little things for themselves.