I always include some type of photo gift of the kids from Shutterfly or MPIX. This year I did the Accordion Mini Photo Book from MPIX. It's super cute!
The bonus is part of the holiday gift and is not changed by the various gifts that I give so that she has some nice things to open.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:YMMV, but we've always done a gift that's more of a token (~$30) and made the bonus larger. The types of gifts I've given are: scarf, vase, fancy glass ornament.

I generally don't like giving adults purse, shoes, clothes types gifts, because they are so personal. My observation is that recipients rarely like these gifts as much as the giver thinks they will.

This x 1000

Guess that would depend on the people involved, right? Some people don’t have a knack for choosing gifts.

A piece of jewelry--pendat--in gold with birthstones of children.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it’s a really sad statement that the nanny spends Christmas at your house.

But as far as gifts, how about tickets to the symphony?

Why do you think it’s sad? Our nanny and her family come over every Christmas. Nanny’s boys are older and love to watch my little ones open gifts and play. For the last three years we’ve had a big brunch together.

+1. Our nanny always spends Christmas morning with us and then takes off to spend the next week with friends in Santa Barbara. (We’re in Los Angeles). It’s joyful and loving and my kids are thrilled!

+2. Yeah, I don’t get why a nanny spending Christmas with her charges is “a sad statement”. Christmas is for kids. Our nanny always comes over Christmas morning to watch the kids open presents and see what Santa brought. We exchange gifts with her then too. Our nanny lives close enough to walk over and the kids love that she comes over Christmas morning in her pajamas!