Top Ten Gift Ideas for Your Off-site Babysitter

This list is based on the assumption that the babysitter is a female. That is not always the case, so you can adjust the suggestions accordingly. It is also based on the idea that your child goes to the babysitter's house, rather than vice versa. And it is assumed that you like your babysitter, that you want to get something nice for her, to show that you see and appreciate all the nice things she does for you and your child, that you know how hard she works, and that you want to show her that you know.

10. Movie passes. Not an earth-shattering gift, but simple, inexpensive and nice. You will certainly want to accompany this with a certificate that offers to take her kids for the timeframe, if needed. Otherwise the gift is useless. And if you really like your babysitter, then you might want to package this one up with #6.

9. Framed painting. This can be one that you did (if you can paint), or one from the store. The idea here is to give her (or him) something for them, something that will make their house a little more theirs, not the kids'. This is a nice gesture.

8. Earrings. Like the painting, this gift is to remind them that they are an individual, that they are beautiful, and that there is life outside of the kids. Earrings are always a nice gift, especially when you have forgotten that they exist.

7. Dress. This is a better version of #8, although riskier. Make sure you know her (or his) size, and if and what type of dresses they wear.

6. Dinner out. Working on several levels, dinner out provides her with time away from the kids, a romantic evening, and free food. It will be appreciated. It is also recommended that you accompany the dinner certificate with an offer to take her kids (if she has them, of course).

5. Flowers. Flowers are pretty and bright and colorful. They are nice to receive. And they are a symbol of respect and appreciation, a token known to say "you deserve something special." They are always a good gift, for nearly any occasion.

4. Groceries. While at first glance maybe not the most thrilling gift, in the end it will turn out to be a great one. It works like this: you bring over several bags of food, food for your child, for her children if she has any, and for her. Get a nice variety of things, fruits, snacks, drinks, meals. That way, even if you normally provide snacks and food for your child, when she prepares meals the next week, it will seem like a special treat, not such a chore, because she didn't pay for any of it. She will enjoy it. And therefore you have made her week that much better, which is a priceless gift.

3. Carpet cleaning. Surely, by now, your child has contributed in some ways, if not many ways, to the ruining of her carpet. There are stains all over it. Even if they have hardwood floors, or use a rug, inevitably, in some part of the house, there is carpet that has been ruined, and having it cleaned for them is a nice gesture, and a funny one. You will be able to laugh about it, and laughter is a great gift in itself. It also shows that you care and appreciate her, which then makes her job more rewarding. All in all it is a very thoughtful and useful gift.

2. Massage. This one should be self-explanatory. She watches and plays with kids all day. She runs around, never has a chance to sit down, to catch a break, to relax. So here is her chance - a wonderful idea! She will thank you for weeks to come.

1. Paid time off. Most babysitters do not receive benefits like paid time off (PTO). Give it to her as a special gift. There is rarely a better gift than time, free time to do as she pleases, take a vacation, get some rest, whatever it is, this is a luxury she doesn't usually have. It is a splendid gift, which is why it belongs at the top of the list.