Your daycare employees are the heart and soul of your center. They make magic happen daily, providing care, support, and smiles for children and families alike. The holidays are perfect for expressing how much you value their hard work, but meaningful appreciation goes beyond generic gestures. It’s about being genuine and showing you see and value your team as individuals.

Here are some thoughtful ways to show your daycare staff just how much they’re appreciated this holiday season.

Ask what matters

LilyPad takes the hassle out of billing and invoicing with intuitive, automated tools. To take the hassle out of deciding how to celebrate your team, take the time to ask them what they value. Create a “favorites sheet” where employees can share details like their favorite snacks, drinks, hobbies, or ways they like to be recognized.

This helps you tailor your appreciation to what’s meaningful to them and can also be shared with parents who may want to show their gratitude. Knowing how your team prefers to be rewarded ensures your efforts have a genuine, positive impact.

Personalize everything

A small, thoughtful gift that reflects your employees’ interests can go a long way. Use the information from their favorites sheets to pick personalized items they’ll love—like a gift card to their favorite coffee shop, a cozy blanket for the winter, or their go-to snack.

Pair each gift with a handwritten note expressing your gratitude. Be specific about the ways they’ve made a difference at your center. Personal touches like these show you’ve put real thought into their recognition.

Be genuine

When showing appreciation, remember that it’s not about spending the most money or doing something elaborate. It’s about doing something meaningful. Employees can tell when a gesture is forced or done out of obligation, and that can have the opposite effect of what you intend. Instead, focus on authenticity—what will truly resonate with your team? Even a simple, heartfelt “thank you” can be more impactful than a grand but impersonal gesture.

When possible, be practical

Holiday appreciation can be as much about easing burdens as giving gifts. Consider practical gestures that make life easier for your staff during a busy time of year. For example:

• Flexible schedules: Offer shift swaps or slightly shorter shifts.
• Surprise treats: Bring coffee, breakfast, or snacks during their shifts.
• Year-end bonuses: Even a tiny bonus shows you recognize their hard work. Small, thoughtful actions can make employees feel valued without disrupting their schedules.

Recognize contributions

Recognition doesn’t have to be elaborate to be meaningful. Highlight individual contributions in small but impactful ways. For example:

• Get the team in on the fun, and have them rally around their teammates.
• Include shout-outs in a team email, newsletter, or social media to highlight their unique strengths and showcase your excellent team to the world.
• Share moments of gratitude with parents and encourage them to do the same.

Why it matters

Showing appreciation over the holidays isn’t just a nice gesture—it’s essential for fostering a positive workplace culture. Employees who feel genuinely valued are more motivated, engaged, and likely to remain committed to your center. By focusing on what matters most to your team, you’re not just giving back but building trust and loyalty that will carry into the new year.

This holiday season, take a moment to show your daycare team how much their work means to you. Whether it’s a small token of thanks, a heartfelt note, or simply asking them what they need, your efforts will make them feel genuinely appreciated.