Christmas present for childminder

[Manfwood]

AS this is the first year - what is the etiquette for Xmas pressie for my ds childminder. I think he will be getting Xmas and birthday present from her (his birthday is 3 weeks before Xmas) so presume it is the done thing (and would like to) to buy her a present. Any thoughts or recommendations? also what about her children who and the other little girl she looks after the same time as ds. Ds is only one this year and dont want to go overboard but dont want to be put in awkward position if other people give presents etc.

Any advise would be welcomed

Thanks

Speaking as a childminder, I wouldn't expect anyone to buy my children or the other children I look after unless they are particularly well known to the minded child's family a present at Christmas.
A card and if you feel the need a small token, say a toy car or puzzle, books are quite cheap too, otherwise it gets out of hand and too expensive.

As far as the childminder goes... well the sky's the limit!! Seriously, something that shows thought is always appreciated, in the past I have had Champagne, clinique skin care and a hamper and global knives!! - but they had been with me eight years, 5 days a week 8-6 and more! Flowers, special chocs, wine, candles, something for the childminder rather than her family, ie not a tin of quality street that the teens eat!

Can't go wrong with anything from M&S christmas gift dept either!

I found that cash was the most appreciated i.e. a bonus for job well done. Its not that our dn dear nanny didn't appreciate the thought/effort, but we knew that she sends money back home every month so it was just more practical for her to receive cash. If this is not as culturally acceptable, then how about a gift voucher at her fave store, or dinner voucher at a nice restaurant. Sorry, I'm way too practical - would much rather give people what they really would like than what I think they'd merely appreciate.

We have always got our childminder (I say always, for 2 years) one of the bigger LUSH gift boxes, at about £25. She seems to really appreciate it. I think it is because it is for HER and not for the others in the house.
Wouldn't say no myself! We have also always (the same always!) got a nice book for her children.
HTH

I feel the same as susanmt. It is important to buy something that is just for them - they spend so much time with the kids that i think a bit of pampering is in order. Last year we bought our childminder a gift voucher for a massage at the local gym. She was really chuffed. This year we have moved house and have a new childminder and I think I'll do the same.

Oh and ds had a really good friendship with her ds - I think we got him a book and a little wind up car - not v pricey.

susanmt - what's a LUSH box???

LUSH is a cosmetics/soaps type brand, bit like the Body Shop but more expensive. When we were kids though lush meant 'disgusting' although in almost every other area of the country (i.e Bristol where I went to school briefly) lush, especially 'gert lush' meant gorgeous. Here endeth the lesson