Holiday gift for Muslim daycare provider?

[Anonymous]

Something has me curious, and I know it's a bit early to be thinking of such things, but ...We just started an in-home daycare with a Muslim woman in our neighborhood. She's great with our kiddo, so no problems there. I know it's customary to tip/give people (postal worker, cleaning people, etc) a little something extra for 'the holidays.' Would you gift something to her during that season? Would that be offensive? Or is another time of year more appropriate?

[Anonymous]

"Happy New Year!"

[Anonymous]

I'm Jewis, and personally it always makes me feel a bit uncomfortable when people give an "end of the year" gift to me. Just, FYI, next weekend the 18th is Eid, one of the biggest Muslim holidays. It might be nice to do something for that for her.

[Anonymous]

Right - giving her an annual tip before the Eid would likely be appreciated, as there are holiday expenses. But a card or warm wishes now and an end of year tip would work too.

[Anonymous]

Agreed with everyone. It would be nice to give her something for eid. It's actually on the 17th. If you google eid money envelope, you can see how people traditionally give money (have your child decorate the envelope for her).

[Anonymous]

Yes, Eid is Friday. I wouldn't give money, though. Maybe if you'd been a client of hers for a bit longer. A gift of food on Friday would be lovely, though. Sweets, something like that.

My family is Muslim, and I've always given end-of-year gifts to all day care providers, regardless of religion, because that's a traditional time of year in our culture to do so. I do not put it in a Christmas card, though. Usually a Happy New Year type of card.

However, any gesture of kindness or appreciation you make, whether food, card, money, etc., should be appreciated. It truly is the thought that counts.

[Anonymous]

Eid money in an envelope is traditionally given to children, so I'm not sure that I would do that.

I personally would give an end of year bonus if that is what you would do for a non-Muslim provider. My husband is Muslim and his employers have done this and it is always appreciated.

Sweets on Eid or simply acknowledging the holiday by wishing her a Happy Eid is a nice gesture.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Something has me curious, and I know it's a bit early to be thinking of such things, but ...We just started an in-home daycare with a Muslim woman in our neighborhood. She's great with our kiddo, so no problems there. I know it's customary to tip/give people (postal worker, cleaning people, etc) a little something extra for 'the holidays.' Would you gift something to her during that season? Would that be offensive? Or is another time of year more appropriate?

I'm Muslim and have received "holiday" gifts during the Christmas/New Years season and never felt weird about it at all. I thought it was a nice way to share the spirit of the season. We often gifted to friends during that time too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Agreed with everyone. It would be nice to give her something for eid. It's actually on the 17th. If you google eid money envelope, you can see how people traditionally give money (have your child decorate the envelope for her).

This is usually for children. Though I'm sure something given from your child will be considered very sweet, usually gifts of money on Eid are for kids. You could just give a sweet treat of some sort.

[Anonymous]

If you just started, I may not give something right now unless you feel comfortable doing so. We have given a holiday bonus before with a "Happy New Year" card. Do you know her well and know what she celebrates? You will likely feel more comfortable by the holidays and know what she will appreciate and find appropriate.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks, all; I really appreciate all the responses. We just started with her a few weeks ago, so I'm definitely leaning more towards a happy new year gift/bonus and just a happy eid greeting.

[Anonymous]

We always wished our Muslim provided a happy Eid and would drop off something festive and exchange a recipe or two. Annual/"holiday" bonuses were more around Christmas and that's what she seemed used to.