Good non-cash parting gift for nanny of two years?

[Anonymous]

We will soon be leaving our nannyshare of almost two years for preschool. I'm wondering what an appropriate parting gift for our nanny might be. We will be paying out accrued vacation time in cash, which is equivalent to a month's salary, so unfortunately we aren't in a financial position to add cash to that. I am planning to do a card from the child and a recommendation letter from us, and of course both families will be helping to connect our nanny to a new position in the neighborhood. This is a long planned transition so no concerns on that front as far as notice, etc. What would be a good gift of some sort to add to this? We have about $100 to spend and are wide open on ideas. (We could also just add this as cash to the vacation pay, but it seems pretty insignificant as a tack-on there--feels like it would be better to make it a separate stand-alone gift, but maybe not...?) Would love to hear from both other parents as to what they did or plan to do, and from nannies on what has been most meaningful to them in the past. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

My past families have done a variety of things but some of my favorites are books and pictures. One family gave me "Will You Fill My Bucket?" By Carol McCloud, another gave me "Chicken Soup for the Caregiver's Soul" both of which were really touching. Another family gave me a beautifully framed picture of me with their 3 children that I still have in my living room I've also received books that were favorites of the children I was watching and that we read over and over. As you can probably tell I'm a huge reader and these are things that meant a lot to me.

[Anonymous]

Put the 100$ towards a spa gift card, I think that would be nice

[Anonymous]

The best reference letter you can write, is most thoughtful.

[Anonymous]

I have a photo book that one mom made me with pictures of her daughter from the entire time I had care for her (birth through 3 years) and cute captions with each picture. You inevitably become very attached to a child you've cared for from birth, and that gift really touched me and I pull it out whenever I'm missing her. Also, a genuine offer to make plans to let her see them in the future is also appreciated. Its sad to know you cared for a child that long and they will eventually forget you completely.

[Anonymous]

Thanks all--I really love the book ideas (both photo and picture book). I had thought of the spa gift card (and also a restaurant gift certificate for a night out) but wasn't sure enough of whether our nanny would actually enjoy/use those things.