When my friends babysit my 5 month old, do I get them a gift/pay them?

Question

My parents aren't mentally capably to watch my 5 month old and my husband's family is in Florida. So I've had friends watch my baby when we have a wedding or event. When one friend watched her I mailed her a $35 gift card to Bed Bath and Beyond. When another friend watched her I malled her a thank you card and gift card to Macy's. I had another friend watch her this Saturday and my husband thinks I shouldn't send her anything and that it's costing us $ to send them gifts when they don't expect anything & WANT to babysit since they're friends. The thing is I feel so bad because they're giving up their Saturday night to watch my baby and it's alot of work watching her (she's fussy, eats alot, etc...). Maybe I can send just a thank you card & nothing else?

ANy advice? I'm new at all of this! Thanks!

Answer 1

A thank you card is sufficient.  They are doing it because they want to.  For you it seems like a lot of work because you deal with it everyday, but to them it is enjoyable time they get to spend with your baby.

Answer 2

What's money between friends?

If you were getting a neighbor or kid down the street to do it for you as a favor you would pay them because you need a to be able to trust them. Pay = quality care for your kids.

But if these people are close friends, they should have your best interest in mind. They want to watch your kid because they want to help you out, and I'm sure they like the baby since it belongs to someone they love.

If you are the type of person who likes to do nice things for friends, then maybe invite them over for dinner, hang out with them, show them they are appreciated and good friends. Say thank you and do some small gesture. But I think sending cards and gifts is a bit too much!

Answer 3

Maybe, you can invite them to dinner or lunch, or when you have some extra money pick up a treat for them that you know they will enjoy. I am sure they don't mind, watching the baby, but it is always nice to thank them, because as you know, a trustworthy sitter is hard to find.

Answer 4

I think its a very nice way of saying thank you, I'm sure your friends appreciate it, however if it is costing you maybe just a card would be sufficient.

Answer 5

i would definitely offer to pay.  get them a gift as a matter of fact if they accept pay or not.  if real good friends with kids, i would have a babysitting trade off set up with them.

Answer 6

do a favor for them.  Or ask them if they'd prefer to get paid per hour.  At least that way you know where things stand.  Do they have kids?  Offer babysitting in return.  Or cook them dinner and bring it to them.  

Answer 7

I think you're heart's in the right place, but friends help each other because they are your friends, not because they are expecting rewards. Chances are, they like the opportunity to get the mommy-vibes out of their system with your little one, and it's a chance for them to enjoy their friend's new #1 priority, which is a great chance to give them insight into your new lifestyle. Try buying them a coffee on your way home if they like coffee, or call and tell them you're picking up dinner and what would they like. When you get back, make sure to spend time with them so they don't feel like they were just there to babysit and that's all you need them for anymore. If they are real friends, the gift cards etc. aren't necessary. Hope this helped!

Answer 8

Ok, since you already gave them gifts they might expect a gift when babysitting so next time tell them that they wont be getting a gift and if they still offer to babysit then don't feel bad but the very next time you want them to babysit don't be surprised if they say no, taking care of an infant as you know is alot of work, and tell your husband not ot be tight wad lol.

Answer 9

If I babysit for friends, I usually don't expect anything, but sometimes it would be nice to feel appreciated. Especially if they babysit frequently. I have 4 of my own kids, so any extras make it all the more difficult.  

Answer 10

I would always offer an open favor in return first. For example..maybe they have a dog that may need to be watched when they go away for a weekend...or maybe a nice dinner, or a ride somewhere...if these are good friends they are not gonna expect any money or gifts in return, but I am sure they would like to know that you would return the favor if necessary. If these friends kept babysitting on a continuous basis..i.e...every other friday night..I would definitely get them something nice...like a gift card to a place they may like..but if it;s just here and there then a nice thank you note is sufficient.  

Answer 11

A thank you card should be good.  Maybe every couple times (every other?) you could go out to dinner with them or something.  They're your friends.  They'll want to help - just be nice, curtious, and don't take advantage of them - let them know how much you appriciate it.  And remember to do nice things and favors for them too.

Answer 12

next time just offer a payment or say you owe them a dinner and feel it out to see how they react. sometimes its better to flat out ask them what they would like, if anything