A gift to say thank you

[Deleted User]

Our homestart lady has been with our family for a little over 2 years and her visits due to cease in 2 weeks. She has become a big part of our lives and says she would still love to have regular visits without her "homestart hat" on and watch the children grown up.

To show our appreciation we would like to get her a "homestart" goodbye present.

I've recently taken a nice photo of her with the children and was thinking of getting it printed onto a mug, but wondered if that would be a suitable gift.

Are there any homestart volunteers here and what do you think. Alternatively, if any of you have any other suggestions and links, i'd be very grateful.

Thanks.

PS i need to do is ASAP esp if it needs ordering.

karen_123

I think any gift you give will be very much appreciated and you sound like a sincere person so i am sure they will realise it has been given with love and thanks and love it.

A mug sound like a nice idea.

karen

Princess_Coupon

What is a homestart lady please?

killerpeaty

Hi bailey, I also don't know what a homestart volunteer is, but I imagine she's a cleaner/babysitter?
I think you have a very sweet idea, I would compliment it with a hot drink that she likes, hot chocolate? Tea? Coffee? I know I'd love anyone who would give me anything like that.

Nicki

I think homestart volunteers are more befrienders than cleaners or babysitters. The idea is that they are experienced parents themselves who volunteer to help out other families going through stressful times.

OP - maybe something your children make themselves would be appreciated? Or a nice letter telling her what she has meant to you all. I always feel that you can't beat a really personal thank you for someone who has helped you out in a time of need. My only other idea is to search the forum for the several threads there are on gifts for teachers as some of the ideas on there might be suitable.

ERICS_MUM

I think the mug is a lovely idea. Perhaps you could make it up into a small "hamper" with a good brand tea and coffee, posh biscuits etc. Could your children draw or paint a picture that you could have framed for her ? Personal presents are so thoughtful.

Would you let us know what you decide ?

tealady

What a lovely idea. How about getting the children to make some home made biscuits or cakes as well?

ailuro2

lovely idea for a wonderful woman, by the sounds of it1

Yes, a mug is a lovely thing for her to have without it beign too sentimental, I think you've got it just right.:D

wolfehouse

absoutely brilliant idea to give apersonalised mug

i wouldn't be tempted to give more
if it anything like where i work all gifts have to be declared
and usually given to charity or distributed to the team

Gingerjar

Hi Bailey

I've worked as a befriender in the past (though not for Home Start). We were not allowed to acept any present of any great financial value but something like a personalised mug or a framed photo are allowed. I bet she'd love that along with a nice card or letter.

Hope this helps

Counting_Pennies_2

Hi Bailey,

I think the mug is a lovely idea. I also wonder if it would be nice to pop the printed photo into a frame too, as she might be worried about using the mug and losing the photo through wear and tear.

When my Homestart lady left us, we did photo in a frame and an orchid, so it would last a long time.

Good luck with everything when she departs.