Goodbye gift for a nanny

[Anonymous]

What kind of gift is appropriate in this situation:
- nanny promised a year commitment but decided to quit (career change) in 6 months.
- wonderful to DC, DC adores her
- gave us plenty of time to find a replacement
- we are heartbroken to see her go
Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Are you are good writer? Give her the most heartfelt reference letter you know how to write. I wish you the best,OP. I hope you are able to stay in touch with her. I'd like to think that would mean the world to her.

If I were her, I'd love a photo of myself with your children. I've worked with dozens of families over the years, and I still think about every child on a regular basis. Some I've lost touch with, sadly.

[Anonymous]

Give her a good bonus and a picture of her with you kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are you are good writer? Give her the most heartfelt reference letter you know how to write. I wish you the best,OP. I hope you are able to stay in touch with her. I'd like to think that would mean the world to her.

If I were her, I'd love a photo of myself with your children. I've worked with dozens of families over the years, and I still think about every child on a regular basis. Some I've lost touch with, sadly.

Reference letter will do no good if she's changing careers.

[Anonymous]

I was a live-in nanny for 5.5 years. All I got when I left was a nice reference letter. I am grateful for the reference letter, but felt heart broken that I didn't get anything else. It just would have been nice to be invited to dinner or something. I felt very discarded.

[Anonymous]

Eh, nothing but a heart-felt thank you. She should have completed her obligation and THEN began her new career.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Eh, nothing but a heart-felt thank you. She should have completed her obligation and THEN began her new career.

Parents end nanny relationships all the time for reasons outside of performance. I don't understand why you fault a nanny for doing the same so long as she does it professionally. She gave lots of notice, and her employer seems to have valued her performance. This is why you see the whiny jaded nannies on this site. We are expected to be eternally devoted to the families we work for, and to put our own needs last, but we are to expect nothing more than "market rates" or lower if you can't swing it, and a thank you (if you remember!) I don't get it

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you are good writer? Give her the most heartfelt reference letter you know how to write. I wish you the best,OP. I hope you are able to stay in touch with her. I'd like to think that would mean the world to her.

If I were her, I'd love a photo of myself with your children. I've worked with dozens of families over the years, and I still think about every child on a regular basis. Some I've lost touch with, sadly.

Reference letter will do no good if she's changing careers.

Uh, yes it will. I'm not the pp who suggested it but why wouldn't it be useful? A ref doesn't have to be from the same field. Whatever position she's going to can look to see that she was a good employee and what positive traits she embodies. Even if she's got the job already it's something you hold on to for future use, if necessary.

[Anonymous]

What is her new career? If it is in an office, I would get her a nice pen. Since she was with you for only six months, a bonus or expensive gift (over $100) is not warranted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Eh, nothing but a heart-felt thank you. She should have completed her obligation and THEN began her new career.

Parents end nanny relationships all the time for reasons outside of performance. I don't understand why you fault a nanny for doing the same so long as she does it professionally. She gave lots of notice, and her employer seems to have valued her performance. This is why you see the whiny jaded nannies on this site. We are expected to be eternally devoted to the families we work for, and to put our own needs last, but we are to expect nothing more than "market rates" or lower if you can't swing it, and a thank you (if you remember!) I don't get it

But she'd made a year commitment. Now she's not honoring it.

[Anonymous]

I agree with above - a gift, or cash in a card, valued around $100-$150.

[Anonymous]

People quit jobs every single day.
(Regardless of contracts, promises, and commitments)

Bosses fire employees every single day.
(Sometimes for no reason other than they found someone cheaper...and regardless of contracts, promises, and commitment).

It's part of life. Especially because being a nanny wasn't her long term goal, you can't blame her. AND she gave ample notice. Stop being so pissy, moms! (not you OP)

[Anonymous]

Is give her a nice card and picture of DC and that's it. She didn't fulfill her commitment and didn't deserve a bonus or expensive gift.

[Anonymous]

I agree w/ others. A nice gift, maybe a parting dinner or small party, etc... A bonus isn't necessary after this tenure, or when she clearly didn't stay as long as was requested.

She gave good notice - great, honor that w/ a warm farewell, but I don't think you have to bend over backwards.

Hope you find a great new nanny easily!

[Anonymous]

I am a nanny and can say that receiving a non~taxed ca$h gift is the best way to go.

Second would be a gift card to Target or Amazon, but money would be best.

Or if you prefer a homemade gift, how about something personalized from your child?
Even a hand made card from my charge can touch my heart like you would never ever believe.