Xmas presents for mindee and his parents

[sassyminder]

Hi
I have only one 5 months baby mindee who is with me for 3 months only. The parents are lovely and we never had any problem. I have not given them their presents yet but bought them some Thorton chocolates with cherry inside, very small box, a nice card and a very simple kind of rattle toy for he baby as I didnt know what to give him, he is so young and may have lots of teddies, as my DD did at his age. Thing is, mum txted me today saying that we must get together before xmas (we are both off)as she bought me something too, I was surprised because I was truly not expeting, and now I am worried my gift is too small even though I dont know what she got me. Should I add something else to their gift?
Do you ever give gifts to mindees and parents?

As a parent, I would give you a gift but not expect one in return.

Sassy, it's the thought that counts. She will be happy you remember the baby and over-joyed you thought of her too.

I am getting my childminder a gift to thank her for looking after my child so well and keeping her so happy. I definitely do not expect one in return, she is the one doing a great job, not me!

I have 10 children on my books, I buy them all a little something, but really can't afford to buy for all the parents as well. Most parents buy a little something for my children and sometimes for me.

Its lovely that they have thought of you, and that they have got you something, but do remember if you start getting busy, do you want to start buying presents for all the parents as well? I may sound a bit mean, but I struggle to think (and afford) gifts for my own friends and family, so I feel its best left for the children.

Today I have made fudge for the children to take home in little boxes they decorate themselves so mum and dad get a little treat.

I wouldn't stress about it Sassy.

You have got them and the child something which is lovely. :D

I don't buy for the parents, cos by the time i have bought for all the children i have spend enough money!! lol So i think it's really nice that you have bought the parents a wee box of chocolates.

If you are worried you could maybe make them a xmas card or something similar with the child hand print on it that sort of thing. Which i think is worth more than any bought gift.

I had this worry a couple of years ago when a parent had clearly spend over £70 on my present then got for my son (only had the one then). I was so embarrassed as I couldn't match that in a million years, I felt so worried until I was reassured on here that THEY chose to do that as a THANK YOU to me so it wasn't expected back. I did say something about feeling bad and they couldn't have been more reassuring and they just said what I was told on here, that it was a thank you to me for a job well done.

Honestly, don't worry. And yes, you don't want to start something that you'll regret if get really busy. I simply cannot afford to buy for all parents as well as children :(

I think what you have already got is fine .

I usually give mindees a book for Christmas. We also make/do something for them to give their parents. This year I have bought perspex cubes to put photos in and have filled them with photos of their dc - well I will have if the snow clears before Thursday and I can get to a shop that develops photos .

You have been very kind to get something for the parents and the child. I have never bought something for the parents - only ever got something for the kids.

There really is no need to worry! your mindees mum just wants to show her appreciation to you.