During the holiday season, many parents scratch their heads when trying to think of an appropriate gift for their child’s caregiver. Michelle Ehrich, author of The Anxious Parents' Guide to Quality Childcare (Perigee/Penguin Putnam), has some helpful tips on the perfect gift for the perfect childcare provider.

Before starting to shop, Ehrich advises the parent to frame the caregiver gift "dilemma" in the following way:

• The caregiver is a working person, so the same lifestyle stresses that the parents deal with in balancing work and home also occur in the caregiver’s life.
• The caregiver is someone who has a close and loving relationship with your child, so the gift should be chosen with the same care as for a beloved member of your extended family.

Keeping these two points in mind, Ehrich suggests these ten gifts, which show "heart" as well as "pampering" for the appreciated and hard working childcare provider:

1. Letter of appreciation (with a copy to their boss if they work at a daycare center). No material gift can truly convey how much a parent appreciates the role that a loving caregiver can play in the life of a child. Additionally, some daycare centers have policies against gift-giving at the holidays. In any case, please take a moment to write a heartfelt note letting the caregiver know how much her efforts are appreciated and recognized. Even if you buy another gift, make sure that this note is included!
2. Pedicure gift certificate. Everyone deserves some pampering and there is nothing quite as nice as a good pedicure. Yes, you could give a manicure but, given the demands of a childcare job, it won’t last very long. A good pedicure feels wonderful when you get it, can last for weeks, and is a true luxury that people hardly ever treat themselves to!
3. Restaurant Gift Certificate. Your caregiver works hard during the day, the same as you do. What could be nicer after a tough day at work than to have a good meal – with all the preparation and clean-up done by someone else? Buy a gift certificate to a restaurant near the caregiver’s home and get a big smile in return!
4. Durable and Attractive Tote Bag. Childcare providers are schleppers! It’s an occupational hazard. Look for a really nice, durable tote bag to "ease the burden". Many of the better catalogs (Lands End, L.L. Bean, Eddie Bauer) have a great selection and you can buy them on-line or over the phone.
5. Scented Hand Lotion. You know from your own time at home how hard your kids can be on your hands, with cooking, diapers, crafts, outdoor play etc. etc.. Think of what your caregiver must go through to keep her hands from looking like scrub brushes. Buy her a high quality and nicely scented moisturizing lotion – maybe even two containers – it will go to good use and be truly appreciated.
6. Assortment of teas or coffees with a kid decorated mug. There is much to be said for the restorative powers of a cup of tea or coffee. Treat the caregiver to a selection of fine imported teas or coffees, the kind you can’t get in the supermarket, along with a tin of nice biscuits to go with it. To make it an even better gift, have your child draw a picture and get it put on an "art mug" (usually available at photo developing counters and stores).
7. Book of movie tickets or video rentals. We all have those weekends, usually after a tough workweek, when we just want to "vegetate". Give your caregiver the green light to just sit and enjoy some good flicks with a book of tickets for video rentals or movie tickets for locations near her home.
8. Bookstore gift certificate. Bookstores are becoming real destinations these days, some offering long lists of events from author signings to discussions groups and performers, music sections, computer software, as well as coffee bars for a quick snack. A gift certificate to a good bookstore is always welcome – especially when it is accompanied with "instructions" to use it to buy something FUN (and not work related!).
9. Neck and Shoulder Massage. How many times do you get home from work and just wish that someone would come along and rub your neck???? Help make that dream come true for your hardworking childcare provider and buy gift certificates for a neck and shoulder massage (or two or three). These are usually found at better beauty salons, health clubs and day spas.
10. Tape or CD of favorite music. Do you know what type of music your childcare provider listens to when she wants to relax after work? Do a little reconnaissance and buy the latest release by that artist, a collection of music in that favorite style, or something by a new artist that hits the same type of chord as her favorite. The extra effort you make will be noticed!
11. Card by your child! Even though this article promises TEN Great Gift Ideas, this one is critical! No caregiver gift is complete without including something personal from the "star of the show". Most days, your child creates art for YOU to put on your refrigerator. Help your child make a special card or picture just for his special caregiver and share the joy!

Any of these gifts are sure to show your caregiver just how special you and your child think she is! Your gift, along with a sincere smile, best wishes and a hug from your little one, goes a long way in making your childcare provider feel like a valued and beloved person in the life of your child.

Michelle Ehrich is the author of The Anxious Parents’ Guide to Quality Childcare (Perigee/Penguin Putnam), the complete book for working parents trying to find and keep the very best childcare for their family. She lives in New Jersey with her family.

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