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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Do You Buy Birthday Presents?
JLH 11:30 AM 03-21-2013
Do you buy your daycare kids a present on their birthday?
I used to at my old daycare but it got really expensive and was a real pain. It caused lots of last minute runs to the store for b-days that I forgot or scrambling to come up with extra cash at the last minute. With my new daycare, I don't buy gifts and I tell the parents to bring a store bought treat if they want. I have 2 friends that own daycare's and they buy the kids a present that cost around $25 each. One of them also makes a cake for each child. I think that is a bit much and with 3 kids of my own and 1 more on the way, I just can't afford that. Plus, I've only had my new daycare open for about 7 months.
All this being said, I was just wondering what others are doing.
I used to at my old daycare but it got really expensive and was a real pain. It caused lots of last minute runs to the store for b-days that I forgot or scrambling to come up with extra cash at the last minute. With my new daycare, I don't buy gifts and I tell the parents to bring a store bought treat if they want. I have 2 friends that own daycare's and they buy the kids a present that cost around $25 each. One of them also makes a cake for each child. I think that is a bit much and with 3 kids of my own and 1 more on the way, I just can't afford that. Plus, I've only had my new daycare open for about 7 months.
All this being said, I was just wondering what others are doing.
butterfly 11:38 AM 03-21-2013
I give a book and a small gift for most everything. Birthdays, holidays... I order the $1 books through scholastic. I just order them through my kids' school. For the gifts, I shop clearance and have a small selection of things on hand for forgetten birthdays. 
I also get a few extra things on black friday or the day after christmas when things are half off. Basically I shop a year ahead of time. I would guess I spend less than $5 per child. I keep reciepts for it all and deduct it off my taxes.
I also get a few extra things on black friday or the day after christmas when things are half off. Basically I shop a year ahead of time. I would guess I spend less than $5 per child. I keep reciepts for it all and deduct it off my taxes.
EntropyControlSpecialist 11:38 AM 03-21-2013
I was spending $5.00 or less on a birthday gift last year. Most of them were things like a puzzle, a velvet picture you color in/paint, etc (Dollar Tree!).
But, then life happened and I forgot to keep doing it. No one ever said thank you and no one has brought up presents since the last birthday celebration with one (perhaps 6 months ago?). I'd like to start doing that again eventually.
But, then life happened and I forgot to keep doing it. No one ever said thank you and no one has brought up presents since the last birthday celebration with one (perhaps 6 months ago?). I'd like to start doing that again eventually.
blandino 11:39 AM 03-21-2013
We used to buy gifts (maybe 20.00 each) but stopped a few years ago and now give each child a book. And now that we order from scholastic - I will be placing a bulk order to have some on hand, so we don't have to worry about making a last minute trip to the store.
We made a cookie cake for each child, up until maybe two years ago. Now we have the parents send treats.
I actually have a question to ad - does anyone have something they send out telling parents that they need to send a treat ? Since we stopped making the cookie cakes I had one child (who was not with us at the time that we provided birthday cookie cake) whose mom never mentioned doing anything. So when her b-day rolled around we sang to her over our regular snack. It felt very weird - but I didn't want to tell mom to send something. So I would like to know what everyone else does...
We made a cookie cake for each child, up until maybe two years ago. Now we have the parents send treats.
I actually have a question to ad - does anyone have something they send out telling parents that they need to send a treat ? Since we stopped making the cookie cakes I had one child (who was not with us at the time that we provided birthday cookie cake) whose mom never mentioned doing anything. So when her b-day rolled around we sang to her over our regular snack. It felt very weird - but I didn't want to tell mom to send something. So I would like to know what everyone else does...
EntropyControlSpecialist 11:39 AM 03-21-2013
Originally Posted by butterfly:
I give a book and a small gift for most everything. Birthdays, holidays... I order the $1 books through scholastic. I just order them through my kids' school. For the gifts, I shop clearance and have a small selection of things on hand for forgetten birthdays. I also get a few extra things on black friday or the day after christmas when things are half off. Basically I shop a year ahead of time. I would guess I spend less than $5 per child. I keep reciepts for it all and deduct it off my taxes.
$1 books are a good idea. You could even just give a book!I give a book and a small gift for most everything. Birthdays, holidays... I order the $1 books through scholastic. I just order them through my kids' school. For the gifts, I shop clearance and have a small selection of things on hand for forgetten birthdays.
I also get a few extra things on black friday or the day after christmas when things are half off. Basically I shop a year ahead of time. I would guess I spend less than $5 per child. I keep reciepts for it all and deduct it off my taxes.
EntropyControlSpecialist 11:40 AM 03-21-2013
Originally Posted by blandino:
We used to buy gifts (maybe 20.00 each) but stopped a few years ago and now give each child a book. And now that we order from scholastic - I will be placing a bulk order to have some on hand, so we don't have to worry about making a last minute trip to the store.
We made a cookie cake for each child, up until maybe two years ago. Now we have the parents send treats.
I actually have a question to ad - does anyone have something they send out telling parents that they need to send a treat ? Since we stopped making the cookie cakes I had one child (who was not with us at the time that we provided birthday cookie cake) whose mom never mentioned doing anything. So when her b-day rolled around we sang to her over our regular snack. It felt very weird - but I didn't want to tell mom to send something. So I would like to know what everyone else does...
I directly tell them, "If you would like to bring a special treat for Susan's birthday, feel free to do so! Donuts have been a popular item that the kids love! We used to buy gifts (maybe 20.00 each) but stopped a few years ago and now give each child a book. And now that we order from scholastic - I will be placing a bulk order to have some on hand, so we don't have to worry about making a last minute trip to the store.
We made a cookie cake for each child, up until maybe two years ago. Now we have the parents send treats.
I actually have a question to ad - does anyone have something they send out telling parents that they need to send a treat ? Since we stopped making the cookie cakes I had one child (who was not with us at the time that we provided birthday cookie cake) whose mom never mentioned doing anything. So when her b-day rolled around we sang to her over our regular snack. It felt very weird - but I didn't want to tell mom to send something. So I would like to know what everyone else does...
"
Blackcat31 11:45 AM 03-21-2013
Nope.
Meeko 11:45 AM 03-21-2013
No gifts. I have 16 daycare kids....I'd go broke, as well as crazy from keeping track of birthdays.
Blackcat31 11:46 AM 03-21-2013
Some other threads about buying DCK's birthday gifts.
https://www.daycare.com/forum/tags.p...=birthday+gift
https://www.daycare.com/forum/tags.p...=birthday+gift
lolaland 11:48 AM 03-21-2013
Yes... I give 1 under 10 dollars gift... kids participate in baking and decorating a cake/cupcakes and daycare is decorate for a party (disco ball, balloons, ribbons, music, games...). I just love a party
! (but I keep recipts of all and include in my daycare expenses)
! (but I keep recipts of all and include in my daycare expenses)
LK5kids 01:00 PM 03-21-2013
I have a birthday box with items from the dollar store. I love hunting for decent things from the $ store. The kids love it! I have a computer box with a lid and both the lid and box are wrapped in BD paper.
Evansmom 01:38 PM 03-21-2013
I don't anymore. Parents never said thank you and seemed to believe it was expected for me to celebrate the children's birthdays. 
So I don't celebrate their bday anymore unless the parent brings in something which in my contract has to be a non-food item due to food allergies in our school. No one has brought any tho.
So I don't celebrate their bday anymore unless the parent brings in something which in my contract has to be a non-food item due to food allergies in our school. No one has brought any tho.
e.j. 01:49 PM 03-21-2013
Originally Posted by LK5kids:
I have a birthday box with itmes from the dollar store. I love hunting for decent things from the $ store. The kids love it! I have a computer box with a lid wrapped in BD paper.
I do this, too. I put things in like books, puzzles, coloring books, crayons, playdoh, markers and inexpensive toys and games that I find on clearance.I have a birthday box with itmes from the dollar store. I love hunting for decent things from the $ store. The kids love it! I have a computer box with a lid wrapped in BD paper.
Luvnmykidz 02:17 PM 03-21-2013
In the past when working in centers and home daycares we always gave the BD kid a gift. Usually something simple like stickers, books, crayons and coloring books or puzzles. I think I will have a box with tons of (dollar items) and the BD kid can pick out a gift. The box with the lid decorated sounds like a great idea. Also I was thinking to have a little plastic container go home a few days before the BD kids BD. My DD's (6yr old) kindy class does this and its the cutest thing. They send a plastic tote home that is decorated in tons of celebration stickers and designs and it has a paper attached to it that explainss what its for. Basically the letter says you may bring in something to share with the class for your BD. The item can be treats,goody bags,an age appropriate short movie, cd with your favorite song, family photos that you want to share, favorite story and so on. Treats must be peanut free and individually wrapped to be sent home with the other children. Also all items must be able to fit in the container and allow the lid to close securely, NO Exceptions!!!. The kids enjoy this.
MrsSteinel'sHouse 05:27 PM 03-21-2013
I make a photo album of our year. Parents seem to appreciate the pictures of their kido at my house. It runs me about $10 but it is awesome advertising as all of heir friends look through he album at the party
and it is tax deductible..
and it is tax deductible..
Little Star75 06:30 PM 03-21-2013
I do, I usually spend between $15-$20 on each child and give them something they like. Tomorrow we will be celebrating one dcg bday we will have a cake that kids will help bake I order pizza and then open her present. I only have 5 children under my care so it's not that expensive for me since their bdays are so far apart.
VTMom 06:22 AM 03-22-2013
I buy a card, balloon, and make cupcakes for each birthday. They're all very excited about their special balloons! If they're here for the day, they also get to determine the menu for the day. I have kids telling me months in advance what they'd like for breakfast (usually pancakes)!
originalkat 08:48 AM 03-22-2013
I have Birthday certificates that I fill out and tape a blow pop onto it. I have 8 DCK and cant afford to buy gifts...not to mention I know I would forget.
I also tape a birthday sign on the door that says "Today we celebrate ______ Birthday!
I also tape a birthday sign on the door that says "Today we celebrate ______ Birthday!
mema 08:54 AM 03-22-2013
I usually do, about $5, but I think this year I will be skipping it.
MissAnn 10:21 AM 03-22-2013
Originally Posted by JLH:
Do you buy your daycare kids a present on their birthday?
I used to at my old daycare but it got really expensive and was a real pain. It caused lots of last minute runs to the store for b-days that I forgot or scrambling to come up with extra cash at the last minute. With my new daycare, I don't buy gifts and I tell the parents to bring a store bought treat if they want. I have 2 friends that own daycare's and they buy the kids a present that cost around $25 each. One of them also makes a cake for each child. I think that is a bit much and with 3 kids of my own and 1 more on the way, I just can't afford that. Plus, I've only had my new daycare open for about 7 months.
All this being said, I was just wondering what others are doing.
I gave every kid these this year. They love them and all asked for them after the first kid got them. Do you buy your daycare kids a present on their birthday?
I used to at my old daycare but it got really expensive and was a real pain. It caused lots of last minute runs to the store for b-days that I forgot or scrambling to come up with extra cash at the last minute. With my new daycare, I don't buy gifts and I tell the parents to bring a store bought treat if they want. I have 2 friends that own daycare's and they buy the kids a present that cost around $25 each. One of them also makes a cake for each child. I think that is a bit much and with 3 kids of my own and 1 more on the way, I just can't afford that. Plus, I've only had my new daycare open for about 7 months.
All this being said, I was just wondering what others are doing.
http://www.amazon.com/Magformers-Mag...ords=magnetics
itlw8 11:43 AM 03-22-2013
book from Scholastic or markers bought at back to school sales s under $1 now dh works at Scholastic so it is a choice of book so 35 cents per child. parents bring snack if they want if not we serve snack on birthday napkins bought on clearance and cut in half.
frgsonmysox 12:54 PM 03-22-2013
Originally Posted by MrsSteinel'sHouse:
I make a photo album of our year. Parents seem to appreciate the pictures of their kido at my house. It runs me about $10 but it is awesome advertising as all of heir friends look through he album at the party and it is tax deductible..
I love that idea!! I'm going to have to adopt this!I make a photo album of our year. Parents seem to appreciate the pictures of their kido at my house. It runs me about $10 but it is awesome advertising as all of heir friends look through he album at the party
and it is tax deductible..
KnoxMom 01:20 PM 03-22-2013
You can always do a "Birthday Box" and keep a crown for the birthday boy/girl. When bday comes, the child can pick out any 1 toy to keep. Parents should always provide the treats but I will order or make veggie pizza for the day. :-)
Bookworm 03:35 PM 03-22-2013
I usually buy a gift. It is usually it much money and because of the relationships have with the child and parent I know what they like. It usually costs me between $10-$15 dollars. I don't mind the expense because I live the look on their face when they open their gift.
jenn 04:16 PM 03-22-2013
I do, but it's always something small. A little box of animal crackers with a tag attached saying "Happy Birthday to one of my favorite little critters!"
For Valentine's Day I gave everyone a little ziploc bag of goldfish and folded a paper over the top and stapled on that said "You're a great catch!"
For Easter they are getting a ziploc with a few chick/bunny peeps and a label on top that says "For one of my favorite Peeps!"
Look on Pinterest for some cute, cheap gifts. I like it because I am recognizing the event, but not spending much money or time to do so.
For Valentine's Day I gave everyone a little ziploc bag of goldfish and folded a paper over the top and stapled on that said "You're a great catch!"
For Easter they are getting a ziploc with a few chick/bunny peeps and a label on top that says "For one of my favorite Peeps!"
Look on Pinterest for some cute, cheap gifts. I like it because I am recognizing the event, but not spending much money or time to do so.
bubbiesmama807 10:07 AM 03-23-2013
I have bought my daycare kids a small gift for their birthdays, and usually that day I make cupcakes and I usually make pizza for lunch as kind of a small birthday party for them.
The downside about that for me is that with how many parents have thanked me for doing that and appreciate it, there's always the few that don't even bother with a "thank you". Last year I was watching a little girl who turned three while in my care..I knew her favorite character was Minnie Mouse, so I made Minnie Mouse cupcakes that I saw on Pinterest, made a special lunch, sang Happy Birthday, and gave her a gift (a tin of Minnie Mouse puzzles). Her parents didn't really give a hoot, much less thank me.
The downside about that for me is that with how many parents have thanked me for doing that and appreciate it, there's always the few that don't even bother with a "thank you". Last year I was watching a little girl who turned three while in my care..I knew her favorite character was Minnie Mouse, so I made Minnie Mouse cupcakes that I saw on Pinterest, made a special lunch, sang Happy Birthday, and gave her a gift (a tin of Minnie Mouse puzzles). Her parents didn't really give a hoot, much less thank me.
WImom 11:11 AM 03-25-2013
I have in the past but I'm phasing it out. Parents/kids never said thank you anyways.
Parents can bring a treat and most do. I have a birthday sticker the birthday child can wear and we sing happy birthday to them.
Parents can bring a treat and most do. I have a birthday sticker the birthday child can wear and we sing happy birthday to them.
wdmmom 11:38 AM 03-25-2013
I give a small birthday gift to the families that acknowledge me/my birthday/holidays.
I keep the gift under $5 and send it with the parents for the child to open at home.
I have gotten coloring books, crayons, flashcards, puzzles, dry erase books, blocks, books, or matchbox cars. Dollar Tree sells cheap wrapping paper and I can get most things there.
I keep the gift under $5 and send it with the parents for the child to open at home.
I have gotten coloring books, crayons, flashcards, puzzles, dry erase books, blocks, books, or matchbox cars. Dollar Tree sells cheap wrapping paper and I can get most things there.
Lyss 12:58 PM 03-25-2013
No birthday gifts, I had a DCM that totally expected me to get DCB one but nope! These kids get enough stuff! I'm not wasting my money on crap they will just throw in a corner or break. I do something special for the DCK on their bday (like we make a special lunch or cookies) and if a parent brings in cupcakes 
I'll hand them out, right before pick up! 
I do make a 1st anniversary book for parents of the little ones when they have been here a year. I get those free Shutterfly book coupons all the time so I just save and use one, costs me like $7 for shipping but they turn out 100x better than any scrapbooking I could do! Plus I just have a small group so It's not like I'm doing more than one a year, if that.
I'll hand them out, right before pick up! I do make a 1st anniversary book for parents of the little ones when they have been here a year. I get those free Shutterfly book coupons all the time so I just save and use one, costs me like $7 for shipping but they turn out 100x better than any scrapbooking I could do!
Plus I just have a small group so It's not like I'm doing more than one a year, if that.