End of Season Gift for Carpool Mom?
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Anonymous
+1. I think some of these more expensive gifts are just over the top. |
Anonymous
Agreed. |
Anonymous
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Bottle of wine.
These suggestions for restaurant gift cards on dcum are the worst advice ever- I think there’s a stat that says 20% of gift cards get used |
Anonymous
Says the moocher. |
Anonymous
Not amazon. You immediate scan it into your account. |
Anonymous
This. You don’t have to do anything but this woman gave a huge amount of her time and energy, likely at the worst time of day to do so (towards the end), week after week. A bottle of wine would be what? $7 each? So cheap. An amazon gift card of $100 is $33.33 each, much more appropriate, more desired and truly shows gratitude. |
Anonymous
| We had once given car wash gift certificates, the ones that include vacuuming is. It makes for a great holiday gift since salt season is just around the corner. |
Anonymous
This is a great idea, thanks! Also just to clarify I'm planning to do this on my own so not doing a group gift thing. Those suggested $100 as a group I understand but if you're saying each of us should gift $250 then we're obviously not living in the same world. |
Anonymous
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I'm the one who gave $100. If I had to hire a sitter to do these drives it would have cost me $20/hour for probably 2 hours minimum (maybe 3) per day (depending on if the parent stayed at the practice and also did the drive home--I'm not clear from your post).
I think giving her enough money to have a decent dinner out is a very nice gesture. Her time alone is worth at least $20 an hour. I like wine but I can no longer drink very much (darn headaches as I reached my mid 40s) |
Anonymous
New poster. The car wash gift certificate is a good idea. I didn't catch if you contribute any money toward gas for her if she's driving more than the rest of you. I'd actually do something (along with the car wash card) to acknowledge that and maybe give a gas card as well, if you know her preferred gas station chain (some people have credit cards or discounts tied to specific gas station chains so a gas card to a different place might not get used). Call her spouse to ask for advice on what she might actually use the most. All the wine suggestions--well, some people just don't drink wine. Or are picky about wines and so the gift might go unopened or regifted. I'd forget wine or a coffee card or a restaurant certificate and go with a gas card plus car wash card and a great thank you note acknowledging how much she does above and beyond the carpool call of duty. |
Anonymous
| Of course you think the suggestions are too high. You're already mooching free rides! |
Anonymous
| I think a bottle of wine or flowers would be nice! Agree that $250 is uncomfortable. It feels more like a tip than a thank you. |
Anonymous
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We had a carpool last year where one of the members did 0% of the driving, except when her son had to go early for private lessons. Then she'd send a note saynig he didn't need a ride, but never offered. At the end of the season, her son texted mine asking what my DH ( who did all the driving for that) might like, Starbucks card, etc. And never gave him anything, including a thanks.
Her excuse was that she was tyring to make partner at her firm, which she did. Well yippee for her. So? Now we're busy every time kid needs a ride anywhere. Yes, I know, a bit off topic. Just wanted to say that a "thanks" and a gesture of any kind would go a long way. |
Anonymous
| I'm that mom, too, as my job is pretty flexible. I would appreciate a nice gesture (pedicure gift certificate, bottle of wine, etc.). I would be quite taken aback with something expensive - it would make me feel that you are trying to "pay" me for a service. I'm a parent-friend and our kids play sports/ dance/ take art classes together - don't make me feel like a hired chauffeur! |
Anonymous
| Underwear |