Is it horrible not to get a Christmas gift for you employers?

[Anonymous]

Tomorrow is the last day I see them before Christmas and I have no gift for them. It has been a hard couple of months emotionally and financially and time just got away from me. I'm not sure if they are planning to give me any gifts or a bonus tomorrow, but if they do I will feel horrible if I don't have anything to give them. Should I be running to the store or is it ok not to get your employers a gift?

[Anonymous]

It's not horrible at all, but at the very least, I would get a $1 card and bake some cookies from the frozen section. This is $5 tops and a good gift.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's not horrible at all, but at the very least, I would get a $1 card and bake some cookies from the frozen section. This is $5 tops and a good gift.

+1 A card and some cookies works, but you should have gifts for the kids at least.

[Anonymous]

MB here and I think it's totally fine if you don't get them anything. If you have time it would be a nice gesture to get something for the children but if not I don't think it's that big a deal. I gave the nanny her bonus a few days ago. She's already given gifts to the kids (for hanukkah a few weeks ago) and tomorrow is her last day before the holidays. I don't expect anything from her at all and think it's not a big deal if you don't.

[Anonymous]

I always get stuff for the kids, do I need to get something for MB & DB? I always buy nice stuff for the kids but its just too expensive now with the new baby. My Xmas budget for the parents last year is now bring used for the baby's gift. I don't want to spend more than $100.

[Anonymous]

I am an MB and I don't expect a gift from our nanny. I know she is on a tight budget and I would rather she saved her money.

[Anonymous]

Nanny here. Cookies & a card would suffice. And maybe takes the kids to do something special tomorrow -- indoor pool excursion, frozen yogurt, etc.

I am not getting MB and DB anything. It seems redundant. It's like they're buying the gifts for themselves. Plus, they know exactly how much I make and would probably feel bad I spent money on them. A card is just fine! Write something thoughtful about the children.

GL

[Anonymous]

If you have time maybe you can get some sculpy clay or make some salt dough and make a handprint ornament or something like that. I got the kids I care for something...around $15-20 each but was thinking I'd offer to make dinner a couple of times for the parents "gift." I have never given the parents anything before (I've only been with this family about 3 months or so, but it feels like a good fit.) Maybe you could offer that...offer to have dinner ready 3 times or whatever.

[Anonymous]

I only buy gifts for the kids. If you didn't, then I think you could do something fun with them, your treat. Be sure to mention to the parents that you thought it might be for fun to take them out rather than buy presents, as they will be getting so many as is.

[Anonymous]

OP ATLEAST give a card and cookies or something. Don't just walk in like a fool with nothing. It doesn't take much emotionally or financially to bake a couple cookies unless your completely lazy and ungrateful.

[Anonymous]

Another MB here that would be happy with a holiday card from the nanny. I wish my nanny would not get us gifts but she has told us that giving gifts is her way of showing love so we accept them graciously. She also showers our DD with presents. We give our nanny a nice bonus and several personal gifts from DD.

[Anonymous]

I know its redundant in a way to give them gifts, but it makes me uncomfortable to accept gifts with nothing in hand. So I give them a card, baked goods, and a "night off" where I take the kids out to do something fun, and they are free to go out themselves, or stay in and go to bed early if they like. Not really spending money, but trying to show my appreciation. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I only give to the children. The kids gave me gifts and the parents a nice bonus. Works for us !

[Anonymous]

Not at all as employees are not expected to give a gift to employer. A nice card is fine.

[Anonymous]

I'm not a nanny, but I certainly don't give a gift to my employer or supervisor (my workplace actually forbids it). A small gift for the kids would be nice, but I wouldn't expect a gift from my nanny. If anything, perhaps a framed photo of their child that you took during the year, or a craft that you made with the kids.