Returning the Favor

Dear Lara

Last week, we found ourselves in a babysitter jam. I ended up calling a friend who has two grown boys and was more than happy to help. Of course, she would not accept payment on what ended up being a longer evening than expected (my husband ended up working until 9 PM so we ended up getting home at the same time). My husband and I want to do something to thank her. Suggestions?

Sincerely,
Returning the Favor


Dear Returning the Favor,


What a great friend.  These days I don't think people without kids understand just what a big deal it is when others watch our kids.  Be it grandparents, siblings, neighbors, whatever.  It's a huge relief - not only because you trust them - but well, because they're cheap!  Sitters range in pay from 8 dollars an hour (for the young ones) on up to 20 dollars per hour which leaves for a very pricey night out.  We have had some fabulous neighbors, friends and family care for our little one sans pay and here are some things that I have done to repay them.  


~ For the brief afternoon 2 hour sit I have given a friend a Starbucks card for 10-15 dollars.  They LOVED this. 


~ For our amazing neighbors who have spent some evenings up in our place while we get out - we ordered and paid for their dinner.  


~ For parents who have accepted and cared for our child in their home while we go out of town we have gotten a sitter and taken them for dinner.  


I get it.  It's hard to give a friend cash... but gift cards are an easy and thoughtful payback for friends and family.  Everybody goes to Starbucks and Target so those may be some good gift cards to have in bulk and on hand for when you want to pass along a thank you for sitting...or any other favor for that matter.  I also think that treating your friend to lunch or dinner is always a super nice gesture that they cannot refuse... especially when you grab the check before they have a chance ;) Oh, and a nice bottle of wine is usually always a good option as well.  Who doesn't love a little vino?


Lastly, the good ole' thank you note can never be underestimated.  Some of your friends may truly not want you spend any of your hard earned cash on the hand they lent.  Dropping a well thought out thank you note in the mail goes a long way.  People love to get mail that isn't a bill and it surely delivers a message that shows how much their favor meant to you.  


Hope this helps and thanks for returning the favor and furthering good karma for the rest of us!


Cheers,
Lara