Christmas presents for CM and family?

[mrsmalcolmreynolds]

Hi. We started with a lovely CM in September, previously the DC were at nursery so some we're getting used to a new kind of childcare relationship.

The CM is really nice as are her own DC who are 7 and 3 (ours are 5 and 17m). I'd like to get her and each of her DC a present for Christmas but was slightly worried about whether she might find it weird/pushy and/or then feel obliged to get our DC something or even me and DH.

Is there a present etiquette for CMs?

Sorry, random "some" in the first para there!

I buy small gifts for the children I mind. Around £5-7 each.
My parents have never bought for my dd, but do give a card and a small gift - bottle of wine, nice hand cream (as my hands are permanently chapped from washing all the time), box of chocs etc to me.
it's lovely and very thoughtful.

I buy each of my minded children small gift too (£5ish).
Most parents buy my 3 dc a gift & also me. Some will just buy my dc a gift. All is lovely & anything gratefully received.

Marking place as I would like to treat my CM and her family too this Xmas. She's been an absolute star since we started using her in February, I would like to spoil her.

What kind of things would be nice (if you're a Cm, what would you like?)

I'd appreciate anything but a bunch of flowers, bottle of Prosecco or vouchers would be my favourite

I always get the children I care for a small gift, often one of their own of a toy they have enjoyed at mine. I make presents with the children for the parents and also make them a Christmas pudding or cake, but don't give bought presents. Most parents give me something (e.g wine, flowers, a voucher) and some buy a little something for my children or make something with their children to give to mine such as sweets. I wouldn't be upset if I didn't have a gift and neither would my children.

...but neither would I think it weird or pushy if they did give something. FWIW I think most CMs I know do get Christmas and birthday gifts from parents or nominally from the children and it's the norm.

I would imagine that she will get your dc something, as most childminders give presents to their mindees. You don't need to buy anything expensive, I doubt she would expect it. I have normally received things like chocolates or candles and a card. Some parents haven't given anything. Sometimes my own children have got presents, but just small things like books, a puzzle or sweets. One parent bought me a toy to use for the setting which I thought was a nice idea. I still have it years later and it always makes me think of her.

Great ideas, thanks (sorry for hijacking the thread)

I buy each of my minded children a Christmas gift and receive some gifts in return from parents but not all. If you don't know what the children would like why don't you get a gift card for a local restaurant (pizza hut/harvester/pizza express etc) and give it to the whole family? Who doesn't like a family meal out?!

Thanks all! The CM has just had a new conservatory done to use as a playroom for the mindees and is doing some minor work on other areas of the house so we could get her some DIY or homeware type vouchers perhaps - good ideas and reassurance, thank you all again .

I get mine presents - wine, candles etc - and give present to her 5 year old who my DS plays with but not her teenage son as we don't really see him