Holiday gifts for providers?

[Anonymous]

What do you do for ABA/OT, etc.? We really like and appreciate our support team and I'd like to do something nice for each person but I'm realizing that between all the therapists plus regular and special ed teachers, it's adding up really quickly, plus we have other kids. I was thinking Target or coffee gift cards with a note and maybe a small craft from DS- what would be a good amount and are there other gifts you recommend? Do you do different levels based on who it is (like our main ABA who spends a lot of time with him)?

[Anonymous]

I'd do Target as not everyone drinks coffee, in less you know they do. Some years I do a lot and some years I don't.

[Anonymous]

I definitely prioritize based on time spent with my child and their relationship. Just at school there is a VERY large team that works with my child and then you add in the outside therapists and it gets overwhelming. I tend to do just a $5 Starbucks giftcard with a nice note for each and then more for the classroom teacher, sped teacher, and any outside therapist that really stepped up. I know it's not much, but it's what I have and I try to make my notes meaningful. We feel so very lucky that there are so many wonderful people helping our son and wish we could thank them better, but they always are so appreciative of just receiving anything (or at least they pretend well). I just hope they know how much we appreciate them. So just give what you can!

[Anonymous]

I usually give $25 to main therapists or teachers and then $10 for assistants etc. also have made little bags of chocolates or treats and made them festive if I can't do a gift card. A handwritten note expressing appreciation is more personal and touching to many

[Anonymous]

For years I have baked loaves of bread such as pumpkin or banana nut in the tin foil sized bread loaf pans. I usually double a recipe for one regular loaf and can easily get three loaves in the tin foil bread pans. I have found that either of these and other breads will freeze really well. Then I have a choice of a gift card for coffee or now teas at Starbucks, buying a special coffee or tea. Also at times when traveling in the summer/fall I have picked up jars of seasonal jellies and will add one with the bread loaf in a gift bag. (I usually have he bread in tin foil in a ziploc bag in the gift bag. Other times and depending on the role of the person, I might buy a specialty dry soup mix to make.

I have found that the bread is welcome treat homemade treat for teachers, therapists and now job coach and case managers who often do not have time to get to such things. And it shows a bit of a personal touch which your child might enjoy helping out to make. Again, the key is that you can make three at a time and freeze ahead. We use the same recipe for breads for us for breakfast or to go nicely with soup for lunch or dinner.

[Anonymous]

Private providers you pay or school providers? We have only recently started to give private providers a gift after several years of working together. It really does add up--this year I've got the classroom teacher, the para, the bus driver and aide (two sets), the slip and the OT (both private). I am not giving to the school therapists--they do what they are requrired to do and not much more. The year we did private preschool and half-day PEP it was craaaazy with the presents.