Gift Ideas for Service Providers

Amid the holiday shopping for your family and close friends, there are those other folks in your life that deserve a token of your appreciation this time of year. The ones you may not know very well personally and, while you appreciate them and their services, you want to find simple, low-cost ideas-these criteria making it sometimes challenging to come up with gift ideas. You know the folks I am talking about, the newspaper delivery guy, the dry cleaning lady who always has a smile, the mailman even if you don't see him, the lawn tender, the babysitter-whether it be a part time high schooler or a full time child care provider-- and so forth.

Those you do not interact with face-to-face very often, such as the newspaper guy, the mailman and such, you can give those things like candy items or leave nicely wrapped homemade cookies-just something to show you appreciate their quality work day in and day out.

Those you talk with face-to-face, interact with often, but still don't know really well on a personal basis such as the vet, the dry cleaners, etc, could be candidates for the baked goods and candy idea or nice toiletry items such as scented soaps, a be-ribboned candle, and of course--perhaps most of all-- a little extra cash is always a good token of appreciation for those that provide valuable service to you and your family.

The folks in your life that care for your children, your pets or your home, sometimes neighbors as well,are ones you want to be a bit more thoughtful with your tokens of appreciation this holiday season. Baked goods such as cookies or candies packaged nicely are still an option here, especially if the baked goods are items you know the person likes and enjoys. Coffee mugs or tea cups with candy-coated spoons, a Thermos with a handle, a magazine subscription you know they would enjoy, pretty stationery and a nice pen, gift cards to restaurants are always a welcome token as well as the everlasting cash option.

In the case of a babysitter or daycare provider, it is a good idea to make your token of appreciation as good as you can-they care for your child day in and day out, after all. Besides a cash bonus, things like magazine subscriptions you know they would enjoy, trinkets to remember your children by such as photos in frames, magnet photos and the like are always a sweet touch. As a babysitter, myself, I know the personalized trinkets are special and will be enjoyed and appreciated.

If your budget is tight this Christmas but you still want to bestow tokens of appreciation, simple items such as candy in a cute little jar or holiday cookies you baked up will do just fine-it truly is the thought that counts this time of year!