Should I be giving presents to the kids I babysit?

I think that if you give to one child/family, you should give to both. Especially if you know that the kids will talk about what they received from you.

^ That, definitely.

I think a box of PEZ dispensers could solve your dilemma. They’re cheap and they always go over well. Yes, everybody get one.

You can’t play favourites with children. All or none. If you regularly look after these children, buying them each a very small present would be nice, but if that’s going to be a financial burden, buy none of them a present and perhaps buy each family a small token. Some choccies, flowers or something or make them something – some flavoured popcorn or cookies perhaps.

I think that if you know you’ll be getting gifts from them, it’s a good idea to return the favour.

It doesn’t have to be anything expensive. A box of chocolate, for example. A pack of trading cards if the child is into that. It’s the thought that counts. :)

You can get a stack of inexpensive children’s books and give them out one each.
Hot Wheels cars are still appreciated by kids and they only cost about $1.00. I don’t know how but 25+ years later my “kids” still remember who gave them many of their cars.

No.
Maybe something for the parents, but the kids, definitely not.

I would get the kids an inexpensive gift each, but more because I like to give gifts than out of any sense of obligation.

Maybe you could give them each a $5 and make a trip to the Dollar store a part of a baby-sit. Kids love useless, inexpensive crap if they get to choose it themselves. :)