MB'S/DB's, How do you feel about nanny buying birthday gifts?

[Anonymous]

I'm fine with an inexpensive gift, and I agree it is a lovely gesture. My confusion with our nanny is that she frequently complains about how many expenses she has and how she is always looking for evening baby sitting jobs to earn more. Then, she turns around and spends $50 on my kids for a birthday gift. I've told her I am happy to reimburse her for the gifts, but she refuses. She says she wants to give the gift. It is a lovely sentiment. However, she asked for a significant raise only a couple months after she started. We gave it because she is really good with the kids , but her entire basis for the request was that she simply needed more money to pay her bills. This despite 100% clarity in writing, in our contract, about what she would receive each week net and gross. (And which she acknowledged was clear).

Sorry for the vent, just frustrated with our situation and this thread reminded me of it.

[Anonymous]

I spend about $20 or so on my charge. I enjoy buying him gifts and I am pretty sure my MB/DB don't overthink it and are just happy I care about their kid.

[Anonymous]

No no presents for my charge I need my money I just congratulate them If they are very young they don't even care about present until they are 4 and up . So no presents

[Anonymous]

Live-in nanny here. Depending on the family, I spend between $30-75 per birthday and $25-50 per child for Christmas. My agreement with the parents is that the toys always have an educational or other growth focus (Legos are great for kids who need to work on executive function and/or fine motor skills!), books are appropriate to their level, and I don't do clothes.