What’s the going rate for babysitting in 2023? See average babysitting rates by U.S. city

babysitter playing pattycake

Looking for the going rate for babysitting in 2023? You’ve come to the right place! In UrbanSitter’s 12th year of tracking average babysitting rates across the U.S., we analyzed the tens of thousands of babysitting jobs to provide this handy reference guide for families and babysitters. To find the going rate for babysitting in your city, check the chart and infographic below.

How much do babysitters make?

Generally, average babysitting rates in the U.S. rose significantly in the past year: a 9.7% increase, outpacing inflation at 7.1%. If you’re looking for a sitter, you’ve likely seen higher rates this year with $22.68/hr being the national average hourly rate for babysitting 1 kid and $25.37/hr the hourly rate for babysitting 2 kids.

Average Babysitting Rate by U.S. City

Area/U.S. CityHourly Rate for 1 KidHourly Rate for 2 Kids
National $22.68 $25.37
Atlanta, GA $21.14 $24.13
Austin, TX $22.81 $26.28
Boston, MA $21.67 $23.45
Charlotte, NC $17.27 $18.62
Chicago, IL $19.91 $21.44
Cleveland, OH $19.20 $20.00
Colorado Springs, CO $16.27 $17.25
Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX $18.82 $19.52
Denver, CO $19.81 $22.07
Detroit, MI $19.73 $22.81
Honolulu, HI $19.99 $23.10
Houston, TX $17.84 $18.77
Las Vegas, NV $19.34 $20.39
Los Angeles, CA $22.74 $25.61
Miami, FL $19.33 $22.80
Minneapolis, MN $18.53 $20.27
Nashville, TN $18.39 $20.07
New York City, NY $22.18 $25.06
Oklahoma City, OK $12.76 $15.85
Orlando, FL $19.51 $22.98
Philadelphia, PA $18.03 $20.78
Phoenix, AZ $17.61 $20.01
Portland, OR $20.94 $24.82
Raleigh/Durham, NC $18.02 $21.26
Reno, NV $23.23 $24.26
Richmond, VA $17.02 $18.00
Sacramento, CA $20.24 $22.44
San Antonio, TX $17.97 $18.16
San Diego, CA $21.58 $24.33
San Francisco, CA $25.24 $28.31
Seattle, WA $24.60 $26.28
Springfield, MO $11.35 $12.00
Washington, DC $20.91 $22.90

Fun facts about 2023 caregiver rates:

  • The least expensive city for a sitter is in Phoenix at $17.61/hr for 1 child and the most expensive city is San Francisco with a going rate for babysitting of $25.24/hr for 1 child.
  • What is a reasonable price for babysitting per day for 1 kid? For an 8-hour day, prices should range from $140 to $200 depending on your location.
  • The average pet sitter rate is $21.45/hr.
  • The average housekeeper rate is $27.76/hr.
  • The average non-medical senior companion care rate is $22.03/hr.

Key factors when deciding how much to pay a babysitter:

Beyond the average babysitting pay rate, there is a set of other key factors that can help determine what is a reasonable price for babysitting per hour for your child; or if you’re a sitter, how much to charge for babysitting.

  1. Location.
    • Start with the average babysitting rate in your city, then consider your specific neighborhood – are you conveniently located in the city center or in a suburb? For instance, if you live near a university where many babysitters live, babysitter rates will probably be much more affordable than a far away suburb that requires a long commute for sitters.
  2. Job responsibilities.
    • First, consider how many children will the babysitter be caring for. Babysitter rates don’t double or triple, but they will increase a dollar or two with each additional child.
    • Next, ask yourself if there are additional responsibilities such as driving, homework help, meal preparation, laundry, cleaning or walking the family dog. You can expect to pay more for these additions.
  3. Skills and experience.
    • Experienced sitters will certainly charge more than a high school sitter. Sitters with specialized certifications and Early Childhood Education degrees will command a higher rate.
    • You can typically get a feel for the sitter’s experience by asking about how many years they’ve been babysitting and what age groups they’ve worked with (newborn, infant, toddler, preschooler, grade schooler, etc).
  4. Transportation.
    • Some sitters expect parents to cover their cost of transportation to and from the job — either by reimbursing them for mileage or funding a subway or bus card.
    • If your child needs to be driven by the sitter (either in their car or yours), then consider a gas credit card specifically for the sitter’s use.
  5. Additional expenses.
    • Beyond transportation, the sitter may have additional expenses while on the job including meals, babysitting supplies, and children’s activity costs. Decide what you will cover, then factor this in when determining your overall child care budget.
  6. Special needs.
    • If you have a child with a disability, you should also expect to pay a higher babysitting pay rate for someone with qualified experience.

Historic Babysitting Rates

Curious about how babysitter pay rates have changed over time? See our data from 2012-2022:

Babysitting rates 2022
Babysitting rates 2021
Babysitting rates 2020
Babysitting rates 2019
Babysitting rates 2018
Babysitting rates 2017
Babysitting rates 2016
Babysitting rates 2015
Babysitting rates 2014
Babysitting rates 2013
Babysitting rates 2012

Looking for a babysitter or nanny? Join UrbanSitter to browse profiles, sort by pay rate, and book jobs online.

12 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day for Kids

Not sure how to create a special Valentine’s Day for kids? Holidays offer ideal opportunities to create traditions your kids will remember for life. Creating Valentine’s Day activities for kids is a win-win for both parents and children alike. Start making those special holiday memories and creating your own family Valentine’s Day traditions.

Here are 12 fun Valentine’s Day Ideas for Kids to make the day extra special:

  1. Make memorable meals.

    Create signature dishes you will have every family Valentine’s Day from here on out. Some delicious ideas to get you thinking:
Valentines Day Ideas for Kids

  1. Create Valentine’s Day decoration together.

    They are bound to pull at your heartstrings when you pull them out each year. For an easy, simple Valentine’s Day activity for kids, make paper chains to hang from the ceiling

  1. Decorate their duds for a festive day.

    We love these simple heart button covers and these, too. Or how about a red dotted bow tie?

  1. Celebrate with a little pampering by giving mini manis and pedis.

    Another fun family Valentine’s Day activity – draw teeny hearts with nail art pens!

  2. Host a perfect Valentine’s Day party

    Follow these tips and the neighbors will all be raving about the perfect Valentine’s Day party you hosted or have the kids host a special tea party for favorite friends, real of imaginary. A tea party takes snack time to a whole new level. Serve finger sandwiches spread with strawberry cream cheese or jam, cookies and tea, of course.

  3. Share the love with Valentine’s Day ideas for kids.

    Load up your table with craft paper, doilies, foils, markers, crayons and paints to create homemade cards to deliver to Mom or Dad, a favorite sitter, and the grandparents.

  1. Have a photo shoot.

    This Valentine’s Day Photo Shoot will give you some good ideas on how to use props to mark the day. Try some fun props, such as a chalkboard, balloons, streamers, or candy.

  1. Get crafty.

    Who doesn’t love making crafts out of hearts? Check out UrbanSitter’s Fun Valentine’s Day Crafts. If you need more ideas, you’ll love Martha Stewart’s roundup. Or tell kids Valentine’s Day jokes!

valentines day ideas for kids

  1. Do good.

    Do you know an elderly neighbor or friend who might not have a Valentine to celebrate with this year? Make their day by delivering a bouquet of flowers and a homemade card.

  1. Snuggle in for family movie night.

    There are many cute Valentine’s Day movies for kids, including: “Beauty and the Beast,” “Ever After,” “Lady and the Tramp,” and a sweet compilation of some of Disney’s best couples – “Mickey & Minnie’s Sweetheart Stories.”

  2. Whip up a special dessert to enjoy after dinner.

    You can’t go wrong with these impressive-to-look-at, even-more-impressive-once-you-bite them brownies from Smitten Kitchen. For something simpler, try Raspberry Cream Cheese Heart Tarts from Weelicious.

Valentine's Day for Kids Family Valentine's Day

  1. Choose a few Valentine’s Day books to read together before bed.

Finally after a full day of making special memories with your children, plan a night out with your partner or friends. Be sure to book a Valentine’s Day sitter early using these tips. Interested in what it’ll cost you to go out on that special night? Here’s a look at babysitting rates on Valentine’s Day.

Looking for a babysitter for Valentine’s Day? Visit UrbanSitter to find a caregiver nearby.

40 Funny Valentine’s Day Jokes for Kids

Spark joy and giggles with Valentine’s Day jokes for kids. It’s cold out and we’re ready for a little fun. Children love jokes and there are very funny Valentine’s Day jokes for kids. Not only do Valentine’s Day jokes and puns bring laughter, they can also be a fun activity. Teach your kid some of these jokes, have them write the jokes on paper and create their own Valentine’s Day joke cards for friends and family.

Let the laughter commence!  

  1. What did one volcano say to the other? I lava you!
  2. Knock, knock, Who’s there? Abby. Abby who? Abby Valentine’s Day!
  3. What do you call the world’s smallest Valentine’s Day card? A valen-teeny.
  4. What did the mommy sheep say to her baby sheep? I love ewe!
  5. How do snakes show their affection on Valentine’s Day? With a hug and a hiss.
  6. Do skunks celebrate Valentine’s Day? Of course, they are very scent-imental.
  7. What did the calculator say to the pen? You can always count on me.
  8. What did the big brother sheep say to his little sister sheep? You’re not so baaaa-d!
  9. On a hot day, what does one ice cream scoop say to the other? You make me melt.
  10. What type of shape is most popular on Valentine’s Day? Acute triangle. 
Valentine's Day Jokes for Kids
  1. What do you call two birds in love? Tweethearts!
  2. Who always has a date on Valentine’s Day? A calendar. 
  3. What kind of flowers should you NOT give on Valentine’s Day? Cauliflowers!
  4. What did Ketchup say to the tomatoes? I love you from my head to-ma-toes.
  5. Knock, knock. Who’s there? Arthur. Arthur who? Arthur any chocolates left for me?
  6. What did the stamp say to the envelope on Valentine’s Day? I’m stuck on you!
  7. What did the girl squirrel say to the boy squirrel on Valentine’s Day? I’m nuts about you.
  8. Knock, knock. Who’s there? Al. Al who? Al be your Valentine if you’ll be mine.
  9. What did one strawberry say to the other on Valentine’s Day? I love you berry much.
  10. What did the cat say to her best friend on Valentine’s Day? We are purrrfect friends!
Kids Valentines Day Jokes
  1. What did the painter say to his Valentine? I love you with all my art!
  2. What did the rabbit say to his girlfriend on Valentine’s Day? Somebunny loves you!
  3. Knock, knock. Who’s there? Egg. Egg who? Egg-cited to be your Valentine.
  4. How did the coin propose to his girlfriend? He gave her a jingle.
  5. What did one bee say to the other? I love bee-ing with you, honey!
  6. What did the train say to his Valentine? I choo-choo-choose you!
  7. How did the orca ask the other to be their Valentine? Whale you be mine?
  8. What did the pickle say to the other on Valentine’s Day? You’re a big dill to me.
  9. What did one cantaloupe write to the other in their Valentine’s card? You’re one in a melon!
  10. Knock, knock. Who’s there? Bea. Bea who? Bea my Valentine.
Kids Valentines Day Jokes
  1. Knock, knock. Who’s there? Olive. Olive who? Olive you!
  2. Why did all the other fruit ask the banana to be their Valentine? She was very a-peel-ing.
  3. What do you call an affectionate dog on Valentine’s Day? A Smooch Pooch.
  4. What kind of candy is never on time? Choco-LATE.
  5. Why did the banana go out with the prune? Because it couldn’t get a date.
  6. What is Cupid’s favorite card game? Hearts.
  7. What did the chocolate syrup say to the ice cream? I’m sweet on you.
  8. Knock, Knock. Who’s there? Haywood Haywood who? Haywood you be my Valentine.
  9. What did the light bulb say to his Valentine? I love you watts and watts!
  10. What did one monster say to the other monster? Be my Valen-slime.

Want more Valentine’s Day activities? Here are 12 fun Valentine’s Day ideas for kids to make the day extra special.

After you’ve delighted your child with Valentine’s Day Jokes, treats and cards, switch gears and go out on the town with your love. Book your sitter early using these tips and enjoy a night out! Here’s a look at babysitting rates on Valentine’s Day.

Looking for a babysitter for Valentine’s Day? Visit UrbanSitter to find a caregiver nearby.

5 Simple New Year’s Resolutions You, Too, Can Tackle

mom and daughter meditation

We could all benefit from a little betterment this new year, but it’s easy for good intentions to get lost in our heads or overrun by the daily grind and never amount to real change. We’ve pared some of the most popular resolutions down to a few simple changes you can certainly make to become a healthier, happier you.

1. Feed yourself and your family with wholesome, tasty goodness.

Just the thought of sifting through zillions of recipes on the Web is enough to send many of us into a tailspin. No need to build an entirely new repertoire. Choose one meal and just one dish is all you need for a good, fresh start.

Start here with this helpful round up of new healthy, delicious recipes from What’s Gaby Cooking. Choose one to try this week, and keep another in the back of your head for next (or another) week.

2. Make more time for yourself.

You’d love to jump on this bandwagon and actually carve out a bit of time for yourself, but not sure just how to find that extra hour in the day? Schedule it. If it’s on the calendar, it’s just as mandatory as getting your child to his well visit at the pediatrician.

Leave your kids’ bedtime routine in someone else’s hands one night a week and escape to a rejuvenating yoga class. Get a friend to join you, and it’s all the better. It’s really as simple as logging onto UrbanSitter and booking a sitter for that all-important me time. You’ll be a better woman and a better parent for it.

3. Build a lifestyle for your family that keeps you all moving each and every day.

Don’t think of exercise as logging time at the gym. Sure, you likely need to hit the gym or tie on your running shoes a few times a week to stay healthy and fit, but building an active lifestyle for your family is about changing the way you live to keep your bodies moving throughout the day. You’ll be amazed at how simple tweaks to your routines can really make a difference in everyone’s mood and well being.

Not sure where to start? Schedule a family hike as part of your weekend or make a habit of taking a family walk after dinner a couple times a week; bring your bikes and a baby seat on vacation with you; walk whenever possible, even if it takes longer; take a Mommy and Me swim class or take the whole family to free-swim at a local indoor pool; how about enroll your kids in tennis lessons and make matches a family thing.

4. Learn something new, something just for you.

Whether you are a stay-at-home parent, a working parent or you fall somewhere in between, you likely have a pretty defined image of yourself. Realize that you are a work in progress and that image of You can be expanded, tweaked or totally reworked at any time. Learning something new expands your mind and helps create the balance all parents crave.

You don’t have to take a class, necessarily, to engage your brain and learn. Instead, forego the time you spend on Facebook or in front of the TV and suddenly you have time to dive into a literary classic you always wished you’d read, teach yourself to knit, or brush up on that second language you haven’t used since college.

5. Have more fun with your kids.

Why let kids have all the fun? Playing dolls or building yet another Lego creation might not be too enticing, especially when you have dinner to cook, email to check and the laundry is threatening to overtake the house. Instead, become a more fun mom or dad by seizing the moments in between to share a laugh, surprise your kids or to just let loose. Try these:

  • Tickle your toddler’s tiny toes.
  • Make up silly songs to sing your preschooler while you get him dressed. Anything that rhymes is fun.
  • Don’t rush bath time. Pour a few extra capfuls of bubbles into the tub, give both of you bubble beards, and let your kiddos run around the bathroom in the buff before wrangling them into PJs and rushing them off to brush their teeth.
  • Search the web for a few jokes to tell your grade-schoolers at dinner. They will think you are the funniest comic on the block, regardless of how awful the joke.
  • Does your life at home have a soundtrack? Maybe it should. Turn up the music and dance, dance, dance.
  • Let them stay up a bit later for family movie night. The only requirement is your undivided attention.

It’s easier than you thought to be a better you, don’t you agree?

Meet your new favorite babysitter, nanny or caregiver with UrbanSitter!

5 Hints to Securing a Babysitter This Holiday

holiday sitter

You cut your own tree this year and the stockings are already hung by the chimney with care — what’s next on your holiday list? Booking a babysitter for your many, many, many holiday parties. Don’t fret! Start with these 5 Helpful Hints for Securing a Babysitter This Holiday Season:

1. Don’t procrastinate. Book early…or right now! December is a busy month for parents and sitters alike, so send your requests now and make it clear that these dates are important to you and that’s why you’re asking so early.

2. Pay a little extra. Increase your sitter’s hourly rate by a dollar or two to entice her/him to agree to those busy weekend dates. And, try booking multiple dates with the same sitter, so she/he feels assured you’re providing a steady December paycheck.

3. Go for the Early Bird. College-aged sitters love booking early jobs, because that means they can hit the town afterward with their friends. Why not start your Saturday night date at 4 or 5 pm, so you’ll be home by 9 pm?

4. Opt for a weekday. If you have the luxury of choosing the day of the week of your event, opt for a weekday or Sunday. There is far less competition for sitters on the “off” nights, so you’ll have your pick!

5. Stay at home (well not exactly). Picture hosting a fabulous holiday party at your home. Get a sitter to watch the kids and keep them occupied while you entertain. You don’t have to hire the most experienced (read: expensive) sitter for this, since you’ll be there in case of an emergency. Always remember to explain your plan to the sitter when you book them, so there are no big surprises.

UrbanSitter has all your holiday sitter needs covered. Book early and you’ll have one less “to do” on your list!

Babysitting Gift Cards: The Best Holiday Gift Ever

The holidays are quickly approaching, and everyone will be scrambling to find that “perfect” gift for family and friends. Make it easy this year – avoid the malls, the crowds, and send the perfect gift for the moms and dads in your life: UrbanSitter babysitting gift cards!

Every parent will appreciate the gift of babysitting, especially when it’s courtesy of UrbanSitter’s trusted and qualified babysitters. Parents love that UrbanSitter taps into their local community to find the best babysitter referrals from friends, neighbors and parents at school. With an UrbanSitter babysitting gift card, moms and dads can plan a stress-free date night, “me time” spa day, get a long overdue hair cut, or even enjoy a nap.

UrbanSitter gift cards are easy to use and delivered instantly by email (or printed at home, if you prefer). Your gift recipient decides how to use their gift card—to book and pay a babysitter, get membership, or both.

Don’t just wait for a holiday to purchase a babysitting gift card…

UrbanSitter babysitting gift cards are the perfect gift for every occasion:

  • Holiday gifts and stocking stuffers
  • Birthday presents
  • Baby shower gifts
  • Mother’s Day gifts
  • Father’s Day gifts
  • Gifts for co-workers

Buy a babysitting gift card now! Available in a variety of amounts to fit your budget: $25, $50, $75, $100, $200.

10 Fabulous Father’s Day Gifts – Round Up

Fabulous Father’s Day Gifts

Make his day with one of these great gift ideas for Father’s Day.

Follow UrbanSitter on Pinterest for more Fathers Day ideas!

Arc’teryx Versatile Fleece Jacket

If your baby’s Daddy is cool enough to go the playground with the kids, give him a stylish jacket to keep him comfortable in the elements.

Fathers Day idea

Front-Load Toolbox

No ordinary tool box, this box is expertly designed with a front loading door so you can access all your tools without having to remove the top tray. The powder coated toolbox is hand-made in America.

Best Made Co Toolbox

iPad Lapdesk

Let him comfortably eat his Father’s Day brunch in bed while perusing the daily news on his iPad or tablet. No juggle needed when he has a sturdy lapdesk. Here are the top picks for best lapdesks.

IPad Lap Desk via Coolmomtech

UrbanSitter Gift Card

Like a little bird whispering in his ear, an UrbanSitter gift card for free babysitting says go ahead and take a breather from the kids… and hopefully, dear man, you will take me with you. UrbanSitter gift cards are delivered instantly by email or you can print it at home. Now that’s a perfect last minute lifesaver.

UrbanSitter_support_center

Herschel Weekend Backpack

Stylish and functional, this durable backpack can carry everything he needs for the day. Use it for a day at the beach, a shopping trip or a weekend get-away.

BBQ Sauce & Rub Grilling Set

If he’s the Grill Master at your abode but hasn’t yet mastered his Secret Sauce, give him a little help. This set of barbeque sauce and rubs from Williams-Sonoma includes Sweet Onion Applewood BBQ Sauce, Smokehouse Rub and a Steakhouse Rub. Perfect for grilling just about anything.

Travel Cord Roll

He’ll feel a little like a Secret Agent Man when he unwraps his Travel Cord Roll. This cord roll holds up to 8 cords & 2 plugs. It’s a gorgeously simple way to wrap and carry USB cords, earbuds, and power cords.

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Father’s Day is Looming: 7 Great Gift Ideas

Fathers Day gifts, fathers day gifts, diy father's day gifts

Father’s Day is fast approaching. Don’t panic. Below is a helpful list of great Father’s Day gift ideas. We’re sure you’ll find a gift that’ll be perfect for that special dad in your life.

  1. Photo for His Office — Men aren’t always the most diligent about decorating their offices, but who can resist a precious photo of the kids or better yet, you AND the kids? Print and frame it, and have the kids make the card. Done.
  2. Night Out on the Town — Make a reservation for dinner at his favorite steak house. (Note: this should be HIS favorite restaurant, not YOURS.) He’ll love the fact that you took the reigns. Enjoy a bottle of wine and maybe even head to a movie or comedy club afterward. Be sure to book your sitter early — remember, UrbanSitter has trusted caregivers ready to watch your kids! 
  3. Homemade Gift by Kids — More than a card, give him a handmade paperweight or picture frame. Head to your local craft store and get some modeling clay and do hand impressions, or use popsicle sticks to make a frame (or even buy the frame and let the kids decorate it). Or, find a few smooth rocks and use markers to embellish. He’ll love it, guaranteed.
  4. Concert or Theatre Tickets — When another button-down shirt just isn’t going to cut it, do a little research on which band or play is coming to town. What will your husband love? Whatever you choose, he’s sure to be thrilled with your thinking outside the box.
  5. Breakfast in Bed — This one seems cliche, and might usually be reserved for Mother’s Day, but I think most men enjoy it, too. Have the kids help you (but not too much — no shells in the omelette!), and take it in on a tray after you’ve let him sleep in a bit.
  6. Office Visit — This is always a huge hit. Usually reserved for business, his office is also someplace he’d most likely love to share and show off. Most offices are willing to have kids visit, if only for a few minutes, and it’s a good thing for kids to be able to envision where Daddy goes every day. Afterwards, treat him to lunch at one of his favorite local eateries.
  7. Hobby Gear — Take the time to do some research or really *listen* to him in the preceding months when he talks about those cool shoes or the clubs he covets. Then go out and get them — and don’t be afraid to ask the salesperson for help.

Best of all, let Dad just enjoy his day. Tell him how much you and the kids love him — it’s truly the best gift one could give

Your community’s most trusted caregivers.

Find great care for your kids, pets, seniors, and home with UrbanSitter.
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Throw a Memorial Day BBQ Bash!

Cooking with Kids, Grilling with Kids, Family Barbeque, Memorial Day Party with Kids

No matter where you live, there’s no way your family can spend Memorial Day inside of a restaurant! If you haven’t received an invite to a backyard barbeque, it’s time to plan your own. Get the kids involved and throw a fabulous kid-friendly Memorial Day BBQ Bash. Our checklist will have your party planned in no time.

Your Guide to Hosting a Memorial Day Barbecue Party

The Vibe

Memorial Day is a day to celebrate our fallen soldiers and the country they’ve served. It’s about patriotism and red, white and blue.  Let the theme set the scene:

  • Fill mason jars with simple flowers, such as white tulips, daisies and blue hydrangeas. Tie the jars with a festive ribbon and, if you like, stick a miniature flag into it to add to the theme These make great centerpieces or decoration on a buffet or bar and are a fun, easy activity for children.
  • Twinkling lights always make a night feel special. Hang up strings of tiny fairy lights for a festive look when the sun goes down.
  • Use red or blue cloth napkins and simple white melamine plates so there’s no extra waste or worry over broken dishes.
  • Get the kids to organize some All-American entertainment. Who doesn’t love a game of kickball, flag-football or badminton, if you can get your hands on a net, racquets and a few birdies. It just might become a Memorial Day tradition on your block.
  • Give the kids a memorial day activity or craft, such as creating red, white and blue slime from I Can Teach My Child. It’s an outdoor party, right? Or create a patriotic suncatcher from A Little Pinch of Perfect.

Memorial Day BBQ, Kid-Friendly Picnic, Kid Memorial Day Party

The Food

It’s all about the grill, whether it’s parked on your patio or in the park. Choose two main entrée options – one for the meat lovers and one that’s vegetarian.

  • Burgers are always a fan favorite at outdoor barbeques. You’ll find every kind of burger recipe imaginable, all claiming to be “the best burger recipe ever.” To keep it simple and kid-friendly go with a classic burger and guests can make it fancy or not based on the toppings you have. For the kids, a side of ketchup and pickles is all they need.
  • Crispy Quinoa Sliders are a tasty and fun vegetarian option. Even the meat-eaters will be eyeing it in envy, so make extras.

    Quinoa Sliders from How Sweet It Is
    Quinoa Sliders from How Sweet It Is
  • Side dishes are the perfect option if a guest offers to bring something to the family barbeque. Popular sides include salad, pasta or vegetable dishes. Keeping the kids in mind, a patriotic fruit salad is sure to be a hit – add strawberries, blueberries and watermelon. A caprese skewer of mozzarella balls, watermelon and a blueberry or two on top also keeps with the red, white and blue theme and is enjoyed by kids and adults alike.

The Drink

BYOB (to share!) always works, as well as providing a good selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Since it’s an outside bash, forego anything fancy or fussy and stick with a few choices of good beer, and chilled white or rose wine

Another good route is to create a signature cocktail that guests can serve themselves from a big pitcher or punch bowl. Good Housekeeping has an extensive list of memorial day signature cocktails that may have your mouth watering. Try out their backyard lemonade or the ginger mint margarita.

The Finale (Dessert!)

Everyone loves a good dessert. Make it a DIY “event” and the kids will have a blast. With a little prep, you can create the ultimate s’mores bar or ice cream sundae buffet Here’s a handy list of what to pick up to make your dessert bar a success!

For S’more Building:

  • Graham crackers
  • Marshmallows (there’s one than just the  plain white ones)
  • Milk chocolate, white chocolate, and dark chocolate bars

For Sundae Building:

  • Ice cream – mostly vanilla, but throw in a gallon or two of chocolate, strawberry or pistachio.
  • Chopped fresh fruit, such as bananas, peaches, strawberries or whole blueberries
  • Maraschino cherries
  • Cookie bits (crush Oreos or chocolate chip cookies)
  • M&Ms or other candies
  • Raisins
  • Shredded coconut
  • Chopped peanuts or walnuts (if there are no allergies amongst the guests)
  • Candy sprinkles
  • Chocolate sauce or hot fudge sauce
  • Carmel sauce
  • Whipped cream

Ask your kids to help plan the memorial day barbeque bash and especially what to have for dessert! The more involved the kids are, the more fun they’ll have!

Now all you need to do is invite your guests. If your guest list includes a lot of kids, find a babysitter to help you out!

5 Strategies for Choosing the Perfect Mother’s Day Gift

Perfect Mother's Day Gift, perfect mothers day gifts, mothers day ideas

Choosing the right Mother’s Day gift for the mother of your children or your own mother doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Here are five strategies for finding the perfect Mother’s Day gift to show your love and appreciation for the special women in your life.

5 Ways to Choose the Perfect Mother’s Day Gift

  1. Choose something you already know she loves.
    You can’t go wrong when you buy something you know she’d choose for herself, such as her favorite perfume or skin care product, a gift certificate to a beloved restaurant or a fresh pair of her favorite sneakers.
    via Diptyque Paris
    via Diptyque Paris

 

  1. Give her time to herself.
    Any busy mother can attest that no matter how much she adores her children, time alone to do whatever she pleases is often the rarest and most cherished moments of daily life. Take the kids for the afternoon so she can have lunch with friends or lounge on the sofa with a good book. UrbanSitter always has available sitters who would love to help for an afternoon, night out or even for a weekend get-away. UrbanSitter gift cards are a fantastic gift for busy moms to use to get away whenever they choose.
  2. Turn to the classics.
    It may seem generic, but there’s a reason why classic gifts for moms are so popular. A lovely bouquet of flowers (extra points for remembering her favorite blooms), a box of decadent chocolates, and jewelry are timeless symbols of love and they never go out of style. Monogrammed or other personalized choices, such as these versatile bracelets and bangles from Mark and Graham are thoughtful and appeal to many tastes. Have one engraved with her monogram or the initials of her children.
    via Mark and Graham
    via Mark and Graham

 

  1. Give her your time.
    Many mothers would love nothing better than to spend some quality time with their always-so-busy children or spouse. Give your mother or your partner time spent together with you. Choose something that works for you both, like a cooking class, a visit to a new museum exhibit, tickets to a new play or just dinner made by you or even a special lunch squeezed in during the week.
Tante Maria Cooking School

Tante Marie Cooking School

 

  1. Deliver a gift from the heart.
    Sometimes it’s the simplest gifts that mean the most. You’re never too old to create a personal, handmade card or letter that tells your mom how you feel about her or reminds her of some of your most precious memories together. A collection of old photos that bring back happy memories and feelings of nostalgia or new photos of your children are always wonderfully heartfelt and memorable, too.

Our warmest wishes for a Happy Mother’s Day to our mothers and yours! Need a babysitter to watch the kids while you celebrate Mother’s Day? Join UrbanSitter to browse profiles, sort by pay rate, and book jobs online.