Originally Posted by Leigh:
Really? In my opinion, a $1, tacky gift shows exactly the thought that went into it. It says "I HAVE to get you something, but I don't WANT to, because I don't think you are worth it". It really DOES hurt to have someone give you a gift like that. It doesn't bother me a bit to get NO gift, but getting a gift that says "this is an obligation, not a heartfelt *I appreciate you*" just plain sucks.
My own provider, when I used one, received a week's pay (and I couldn't afford it, but knew she DESERVED it-I consider that just to be a part of hiring her to give her a bonus, the same way I do for my hair stylist).
Perfect! Couldn't have said it better myself!