Thank-You Gifts for the People Who Help Raise Your Kids

It takes a village, and the village rarely gets a thank-you card. Teachers get remembered (sometimes with too many mugs). But there's a whole crew of people who make a child's week work: the bus driver who's there before sunrise, the coach who cheers through a 9–0 loss, the babysitter who knows exactly how your kid likes their toast.

Here's a guide to thanking them, with ideas for each, and a word on etiquette.

Who to thank

Make a quick list of the people in your child's week. It might include:

• School bus driver
• Coaches and activity instructors
• Babysitters, nannies and daycare staff
• School nurse, librarian, aides, office staff, custodians and lunch staff
• Music, art or language tutors
• Mail carrier and regular delivery drivers
• Crossing guard
• A neighbor who helps out

You don't need to give everyone a gift. But a note from your child, at least, is a lovely way to teach gratitude.

When to give thank-you gifts

The most common times are the winter holidays and the end of the school year or season. Teacher Appreciation Week in May is also a natural moment for school staff. See our guide to Teacher Appreciation Week etiquette.

Gift ideas by person

The school bus driver

Bus drivers see your kids every school day, often in the dark and cold, and rarely get thanked.

• A card or drawing from the kids riding the bus
• A coffee shop gift card for those early mornings
• A group gift from several families on the route
• Warm gloves or a hat for winter mornings

Our film A Sun for the Bus is about a girl whose bus comes before the sun all winter, so she drew it a sun of its own.

Check first: some school districts have rules about gifts for transportation staff.

The youth sports coach

Many youth coaches are volunteers giving up evenings and weekends.

• A team-signed ball, card or photo
• A gift card for a coffee shop or restaurant
• A framed team photo
• A team drawing: each kid adds something, or one child draws the whole team

Our film Nine to Zero is about a coach who jumped and cheered like her team had won, even though they lost 9–0.

Team gifts work best: one parent collects optional contributions, and every child signs.

The babysitter or nanny

The person who knows your child almost as well as you do. For regular babysitters and nannies, holiday thanks usually involve both a bonus and something personal.

• A holiday bonus, often in line with what you'd pay for a typical week of care (a common guideline)
• A personal gift from the kids: a drawing, a card, a framed photo
• Something just for them: a spa voucher, a favorite treat, an experience

Our film Eight Arms is about a babysitter drawn with eight arms: one holding a book, one a spoon, one the child's hand.

The school nurse

The person who handles scraped knees, fevers and big feelings. A note and a drawing from your child mean a lot. Our film Band-Aids for Everyone is about a nurse drawn putting a band-aid on everyone, even the cloud.

The mail carrier and delivery drivers

• A treat or drink left out, with a note
• A card from the kids

Note that U.S. Postal Service carriers are subject to federal rules on gifts: small gifts like snacks and drinks are generally fine, while cash and cash equivalents, such as checks or gift cards that can be exchanged for cash, are not allowed. Our film The Mail Carrier's Bag is about a child who drew every envelope with a little face.

The crossing guard, the neighbor, the helper

Often the most surprised by a thank-you, and the most touched. A note and a drawing from your child, or a plate of cookies, is plenty.

Etiquette tips

• Check policies. Schools, districts and government employers sometimes limit gifts.
• Keep it proportionate. A personal note is never wrong. Larger gifts are for people closest to your child's daily life.
• Group gifts reduce pressure. Families can contribute what they're comfortable with.
• Let the kids take part. A child handing over a drawing teaches more than any lecture on gratitude.
• Don't forget the note. Be specific: "Thank you for teaching Leo not to give up after a bad game."

The most-loved gift: a child's drawing

Across all these roles, a drawing or note from a child is often the thank-you people keep: pinned up in the garage, tucked behind a sun visor, saved in a drawer for years.

For someone who's really made a difference, a drawing can become something more lasting. At ANORA, we embroider children's drawings on hoodies and T-shirts, as drawn. A coach can wear the team's drawing on the sidelines; a babysitter can wear the drawing of herself with eight arms. You can upload a drawing here and preview it before ordering.

Production and U.S. delivery take approximately 12 business days from the start of production, so start early for holiday or end-of-season gifts.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good gift for a kids' sports coach?

A team-signed card, ball or photo, a gift card, or a team drawing. Group gifts from the whole team work well.

Should you give your bus driver a Christmas gift?

It's a kind gesture, though not expected. A card or drawing from the kids, a coffee gift card, or a small treat are common. Check whether your district has gift rules.

How much should you give a nanny for the holidays?

A common guideline is about a week's pay as a holiday bonus, plus a small personal gift from the kids. Circumstances vary.

Can you give a mail carrier a gift?

Yes, within rules: small items like snacks or drinks are generally allowed, but U.S. Postal Service carriers may not accept cash or cash equivalents, such as checks or gift cards that can be exchanged for cash.