by Hope
There are TONS of guides out there for holiday tipping those important service people in your life. I am so grateful that I don’t typically have this struggle because I don’t use any service people are on a regular basis…no babysitter, no hair dressers, no maintenance people, etc. Oh wait, I’m living in an apartment now and the maintenance crew, two in particular have been AMAZING! So what do do?
In addition, my kiddos attend a homeschool co op run by super talented and committed moms and professionals. The urge to shower them with gifts to show my appreciate is strong. My desire to spend money is about zilch! I had planned to make soap for every one but two things…one I haven’t started it and it needs at least a week to cure and two I gave them all soap last year. So I’m in a bind, what to do?
So this post is all about you…what do gift or do you gift those important service people in your life and/or you children’s caretakers or teachers?
I have decided on one…for the first time since Little Gymnast joined the team, I feel the urge to show my gratitude with gifts. I asked the owner of the gym what to get for his primary coach as I really don’t know him to well. He’s an older, pretty gruff man and for a lot of reasons I haven’t had any personal conversations with him over the last three years. But the owner made it really easy…buy him a case of Mountain Dew. So that’s one gift I will be giving someone who is an important part of our lives if not a personal connection.
Hope is a resourceful and solutions-driven business manager who has spent nearly two decades helping clients streamline their operations and grow their businesses through project management, digital marketing, and tech expertise. Recently transitioning from her role as a single mom of five foster/adoptive children to an empty nester, Hope is navigating the emotional and practical challenges of redefining her life while maintaining her determination to regain financial control and eliminate debt.
Living in a cozy small town in northeast Georgia with her three dogs, Hope cherishes the serenity of the mountains over the bustle of the beach. Though her kids are now finding their footing in the world—pursuing education, careers, and independence—she remains deeply committed to supporting them in this next chapter, even as she faces the bittersweet tug of letting go.
Since joining the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015, Hope has candidly shared her journey of financial ups and downs. Now, with a renewed focus and a clear path ahead, she’s ready to tackle her finances with the same passion and perseverance that she’s brought to her life and career. Through her writing, she continues to inspire others to confront their own financial challenges and strive for a brighter future.
I have quite a few teacher friends and they all say the same thing – please don’t get us any “teacher” mugs, ornaments, pens, etc – they already have a million. They also (without sounding ungrateful, because they appreciate the thought) don’t like baked goods – too many calories and hard to know the ingredients (nut allergies, etc). Most of them really appreciate a hand written note from the student thanking them or writing about a special memory of the class …. or if you really want to get them a gift too, a $5 gift card to Starbucks, Tim Hortons, McDonald gift card for their morning coffee is appreciated.
I’ve never done it, but I know you can get discounted gift cards online and/or many restaurants run specials “buy $25 in gift cards, get $5 free”.
Hope this helps!
I have heard many times that teachers and coaches appreciate a heartfelt note of thanks more than anything else. A letter that outlines how their efforts have made a difference in a Child’s life sounds like a good place to start.
When I was a child, my mom always gave our teachers a can (or several) of mixed nuts. I hated it…the teachers would open all these cute little ornaments/mugs/etc. from others, and there I am with stupid nuts. Now I realize how genius and awesome my mom was (and is) 🙂 They’re a great snack, expiration date is usually a long way off, and if the teachers don’t like them, they can set them out when entertaining (or re-gift if it comes to that)