How to Say Thank You to Your Babysitter

If you’ve found a dependable babysitter that your kids like and that you trust, you want to do what you can to keep that relationship going. Here are ways to thank your sitter for all they do.

Make It Personal

When you use the same babysitter for a long time, they may become part of your extended family. Handmade gifts from your children are truly special and something your sitter can keep and cherish.

Visit one of those “paint your own pottery” places and make a plate, mug, or vase with your children’s handprints on it.
Make a photo book that features pictures of your sitter with your children. This makes a touching holiday gift especially if your sitter has been with your family for a long time.
If you know your sitter well, make a homemade gift basket full of things they like (for example, a movie-themed one with theater candy and microwaveable popcorn).

Think Like a Teen

Show your babysitter that you care about their interests, and give them gifts that let them enjoy their favorite things.

Teens love to socialize. Make it easy for your sitter to enjoy an outing with a friend or two. Buy tickets to a local movie theater and include a gift card to a local restaurant popular with teens.
If your sitter loves to read, buy a gift card to a book store or for an e-book they can download to their device.
Most teens love music and keeping up with trendy artists. Give a gift certificate to a music store or to an online music site.
If your sitter enjoys being pampered, give a gift certificate for a mani-pedi or facial spa treatment. If your sitter loves sports, try a gift card for a golf driving range or batting cage or an activity pass to a local sports center.

Say It With Words

Who doesn’t love hearing that they’re appreciated? Tell your sitter how much you value their help.

A nice card with a handwritten and heartfelt “thank you” goes a long way. If you know a store your teen likes, you could add a gift card.
Help your sitter out by writing a glowing reference they can use to get other babysitting jobs and expand their business. (However, if your sitter is really great, you might find it hard to share them with other parents!)
Offer to serve as a reference for your sitter if they apply for a job or internship or write a letter of recommendation for their college application.

Lastly, and most simply, give your babysitter a raise. It’s THE best way to say “thank you” and keep any babysitter’s loyalty!

Has your sitter taken a babysitting preparation course? If not, consider chatting with their parents about signing them up for Safe Sitter®. Use our Find a Class tool.

Summary

If you've found a dependable babysitter your kids love and you trust, a little appreciation goes a long way toward keeping that relationship going.
Personal gifts hit differently — handmade pottery with your children's handprints, a photo book of your sitter with your family, or a custom gift basket built around their interests are all meaningful and memorable.
Think like a teen — movie tickets plus a restaurant gift card, a bookstore gift card, or a spa treatment shows you pay attention to what your sitter actually enjoys.
Words matter too — a heartfelt card, a glowing reference letter, or an offer to write a college recommendation can be more valuable to a teen babysitter than any gift.
The single best way to say thank you and keep a great babysitter loyal? Give them a raise.

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