what to offer CM as an xmas bonus?

[BarbieLovesKen]

Girls,

Just wanted advice from someone in the profession. What would you think is fair to offer our Childminder as a xmas bonus? We pay her 170 a week. My problem (albeit a minor problem) is - I definately want to give her something extra for xmas cos she is fantastic to our little girl (dd will be buying her something nice too) but I didnt want to give to little incase it was an insult, but then we pay her that 170 per week regardless if she works or not (if she need a day off, or my dp has ALOT of days off a month and would never subtract that from her wage) so sometimes I think she feels a little embarrased for getting paid when she didnt work because she has often argued with me to deduct it. So, dont want to embarrase or offend - could you give me abit of advice on what to give? (also dp will be off for 3 weeks over xmas - well for some and he will obviously be spending his time with shannon so CM wont be having her but we will def be paying her those 3 weeks anyway)

Instead of giving her a bonus, buy her a nice gift instead. Personally, i would be less embarassed with a gift! Just a thought

we used to pay our cm over the xmas period even though she wasn't minding - so instead of half ( for school holidasy) I paid her full amount
and then got present as well

santasaltire, thanks for that, we were going to buy her a gift anyway (from dd) and then a bonus. Do you mean that you would just give one or the other?

just buy her a gift from you or your child i am sure she will be thrilled

BarbieLovesKen - What a lovely Mum you are!
Although I know I am good childminder, the most I've ever got from any of my parents is a bottle of wine. I'm T-Total too! I get boxes of biscuits or bubble bath, which is lovely, but no-one has ever offered me a bonus!

Maybe you could put the bonus into vouchers or a luxury treat at a beauty parlour?

Have a lovely Christmas with your Little girl.

Sally xx

Barbie, yes i meant give one or the other,but that's just because i would probably just be bit embarassed to receive both!.
I have been minding for 6 years now and, like Bradford mum, have never received a bonus in cash at all. I have often got bottles of wine or boxes of chocs. Last year i got a lovely bathroom papmer set, with bath oils and candles.
One CM i know got a big hamper of Sanctuary toiletries from Boots, she loved it, and she said she appreciated it.

I am a CM too, and have had wine, chocs, a necklace etc., but never money. Think pamper vouchers for a beauty salon would be a lovely idea. I am glad you have found a CM that you are so happy with and want to give a present to this CHristmas

Girls thank you all so much for all your help on this - our dd is only 14months so this is our first year to have CM and I didnt really know what to do. Think vouchers is a fabulous idea.. theres a little spa down the road from her so might buy her a treatment or something. Hope you all have fantastic Christmas' too ...

Vouchers for beauty place is a great idea - then she can go with what she prefers be it manicure, facial, massage etc.

TBH I have got my CM some Virgin Vie smellies - shower gel and body lotion and will also include a bottle of wine. Then she will also get one of DS's handmade cards. Maybe you could do a card with DD and include the voucher in with that. I know it would be pretty basic with a 14mo but it would show that you do appreciate her by going to the effort.

Girls, as a second thought and after re-reading, and without sounding lick arseish! im a little suprised to hear that many have not being offered a cash bonus at Christmas - I mean many companies offer xmas bonus (mine and dps dont though as both government jobs) but with the huge amount of work a CM does, not to mention they are taking care of the most important thing in a working parents life and should be valued as that, none of us could go out to work without them, then why treated a tad differently (dont get me wrong, I know all companies dont offer this bonus but alot do, also, I dont mean to sound hugely money orientated - the little gifts soaps etc are lovely and thoughtful to receive and all that answered seem to definately appreciate these gestures but given the huge expense of xmas should CMs not be offered the same as many professions especially considering they are doing one of the most important jobs -- helping to raise children of tomorrow??? God, I probably sound like a lunatic here.... just a bit suprised...

Wrappingpaper...that is such a sweet idea and my CM is the type of person who would really appreciate the sentiment in that... thank you! (God I must have no imagination )

Oh if only all parents were like you. You sound like a fantastic parent and your cm is very like to have you. I am lucky with most of my parents, and they do appreciate me, but if i ever asked for paid holiday, they would be off like a shot. Have a great xmas x

Our CM has holiday pay (and sick pay), we just pay every week of the year. I get those things so it's only fair that she does as well. Also get a xmas pressie such as chocolate/wine/smelly stuff etc.

Neither DH or I get a Christmas bonus. DH gets a small hamper. I get nothing. The CM gets a £15 present, a bottle of wine and a handmade card. The 4 nursery nurses will get a bottle of wine each, a box of chocs to share and a handmade card. The teacher will get a bottle of wine, a handmade card and (she is the lucky one ) a hama bead creation. And I will be £50 down.

can imagine i wont get much more than a card from one of my mindees but TBh dont expect mega gift anyway from either of them??..maybe i should??

I can see all the childminders reading this shouting WE WANT YOU AS A PARENT hehe

too right..i want to work for all of you..asking what to buy your cm for christmas!!!..your all fab