Would you give a gift to your kid's therapist?

[Anonymous]

So I have a long list of people and I am not sure who I should give a gift to and what is expected. I'm really stumped about my kid's therapist. One the one hand, I see the role of therapist as a professional like a doctor, and I don't give my doctors gifts. But I also see the therapist like a teacher, and I do give gifts for teachers. Just don't know what is expected and what is inappropriate. Thoughts?

[Anonymous]

I know it's not really the same thing, but I'd never give my therapist a gift. Part of what makes therapy successful is not worrying about any sort of nicey-nicey expectations.

[Anonymous]

Interesting post, I do give gifts to my son's occupational therapist, but I probably wouldn't if we saw a psychotherapist, I guess that would feel more like a doctor to me. If you are not sure, home baked goods are always appropriate.

[Anonymous]

PP, what do you give the OT (sorry to hijack)?

[Anonymous]

For the ones who connect with my child and push him to do his best, I would (and have in the past) give them a heartfelt photo thank you card. No gift card or money or present.

[Anonymous]

Depending on where they work, it may not be ok and it gets uncomfortable. I think a card is very nice. If you get something, keep it under $10-15 and make it a gift. Maybe something to use for her office - a fancy pen, pretty container for paper clips and other little things, etc. No gift cards or money.

[Anonymous]

OP here - Thanks for the feedback. Doing nothing feels weird, so I'm going to go with the baked goods + card.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - Thanks for the feedback. Doing nothing feels weird, so I'm going to go with the baked goods + card.

Its a nice idea, but not everyone will eat homemade goods, especially in that situation/safety. How about something prepackaged like Mrs. Fields or Cheryl's Cookies?

[Anonymous]

I would not give a gift of any kind, and I am generally generous with teachers, coaches, etc. Therapy is different.

[Anonymous]

A good therapist will turn down the gift. A card is fine, a nice holiday-themed picture drawn by your child would be appreciated.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So I have a long list of people and I am not sure who I should give a gift to and what is expected. I'm really stumped about my kid's therapist. One the one hand, I see the role of therapist as a professional like a doctor, and I don't give my doctors gifts. But I also see the therapist like a teacher, and I do give gifts for teachers. Just don't know what is expected and what is inappropriate. Thoughts?

You do not give professionals a gift. He makes more than enough for his 45-minute hour.