If your child attends anything run by volunteers do you buy them a present?

[nappyaddict]

I'm thinking:

toddler groups
cubs/rainbows/brownies/beavers/scouts/guides etc
sports coaches

erm can't think what else.

Yes, ds's attend a volunteer led Sn rugby group and we will hand out small things to the coaches

Absolutely- those people are bloody wonderful

The only people we give small gifts to are the DS music teachers....5 in total.

I have never given gifts to sports coaches, guide/scout leaders, youth leaders etc. I have helped run scouting groups for several years and it is very, very unusual for any of us to receive gifts at Christmas. Occasionally we do get given small items when a boy leaves the group.

So the only people we give presents to are the ones we pay anyway. Those that give their time and effort for free get nothing. Might have a rethink!

We've had a whip-round at toddler group for the 2 mums that run it so they'll get something from the whole group.

Will buy for Brown Owl and Tawny Owl. Dd has only just started Brownies but I'm in awe of the leaders and how much time and effort they put in.

Also will get a pressie for the mums that run our children's liturgy at church. It's not a huge group but sil and me will chip in and get something (probably wine) on behalf of everyone rather than try and coordinate a collection.

yes, have organised a collection for Beaver leaders from all who wanted to contribute in the group.

DS is a cub but no-one has organised a collection and I can't do 2, nor can I afford an individual present for each of the leaders. Will def send cards, and presents when DS moves on to scouts

I particularly give gifts to volunteers - something homemade that DS1 and I make together.

This year we made peppermint bark, hot chocolate mix, and lovely buscuits.

It's something small, but also to say thank you for caring so much to give up your free time to help.

Please please do give something!

My sister runs a Guide group as a volunteer. I don't think parents realise how much time is given up by people for this. It's not just the 1.5 hours a week for the meeting.

She has three dcs and runs a business with her dp. I am always grateful to the people who recognise how hard she works and ultra irritated to those parents who can't be bothered to even get out of the car to say thanks at the end of Camp let alone buy a gift.

ps- Wine!

Now, you see, I was wondering about wine for Brownie leaders but I don't know them that well so figured chocs might be safer...hmmm, what to do?

Absolutely. All 4 leaders at dd's Rainbows will get something, as will her trampolining teacher and the couple who run the trampolining club. Like girlsyearapart says, it's not just the time they are at the meeting, there is a lot goes on behind the scenes. It wouldn't feel right not to, after all they give up their time for dd, it's the least I can do.

Yep the Cub leaders will get choccys to share.

I used to run a Rianbow group and some aprents used to shout at me thinking we were employed . Nixce to know somepeopleappreciate it (I know most did)