Nanny won't take money but any gift ideas?

[Anonymous]

My amazing nanny stayed with my daughters for two nights so that I could go to my mom's funeral and not have to worry aboit the kids and could focus on grieving.
She says that she's doing it as a friend and does not want payment. I'm so grateful to her, and I'd like to get her a gift. Is this appropriate? Any ideas welcome.

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Yes, a thank you gift would be appropriate. Something luxurious that you know she would like -- a basket of fancy bath stuff or fancy foods -- that she wouldn't or couldn't afford to buy for herself. And yes, you have an amazing and kind nanny.

I am so sorry for your loss, OP.

[Anonymous]

You have a lovely and kind nanny, OP.

I would steer away from gift certificates as they have such a clear monetary value and I would want to acknowledge the nanny's generosity.

You know your nanny, OP. What kind of things does she like to do? Our nanny is a wonderful cook and any gift basket from Williams Sonoma is always appreciated by her. My SIL loves TV and movies and for Christmas I gave her a DVD set of a TV show that is not available on netflix and she loved it!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You have a lovely and kind nanny, OP.

I would steer away from gift certificates as they have such a clear monetary value and I would want to acknowledge the nanny's generosity.

You know your nanny, OP. What kind of things does she like to do? Our nanny is a wonderful cook and any gift basket from Williams Sonoma is always appreciated by her. My SIL loves TV and movies and for Christmas I gave her a DVD set of a TV show that is not available on netflix and she loved it!

And please accept my condolences on the loss of your mother, OP.

[Anonymous]

Thank you PPs. She can honestly use the money. Would it be terrible to do a restaurant gift certificate and wine and flowers?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you PPs. She can honestly use the money. Would it be terrible to do a restaurant gift certificate and wine and flowers?

Not PP but everyone can use the money -- which is why I like the idea of a luxury gift basket the most so far. Treating her to something she couldn't do for herself. I think a gift certificate is money and she asked NOT to be paid for her kindness. Let her give you this gift of her time without putting a written dollar value on it.

Let me express my deepest condolences as well, OP. Losing my mother was by far the hardest thing I even had to endure.

[Anonymous]

I'm like your nanny in that it make me a bit uncomfortable to take money and huge gifts.
I do love notes of appreciation, I actually save them in a book for rainy days.
Maybe just a little card or hand written note thanking her and telling her how much you appreciate her.

My condolences, OP.

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone. I'm going to write a note and I sent a gourmet gift basket.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My amazing nanny stayed with my daughters for two nights so that I could go to my mom's funeral and not have to worry aboit the kids and could focus on grieving.
She says that she's doing it as a friend and does not want payment. I'm so grateful to her, and I'd like to get her a gift. Is this appropriate? Any ideas welcome.

Thank you.

I am not a nanny but I did something similar for a friend whose MIL died. I meant it when I said that I DID IT AS A FRIEND AND WANTED NOTHING. Do not insult her by giving her a gift because ALL that is expected in ONE thank you.

[Anonymous]

I did something similar for a nanny family except the mom was having early labor pains and went to the hospital at 11pm to get checked out and I slept in the couch. I didn't charge them for the time but they have me a gift which I appreciated. What about a gift card to west elm or pottery barn so she can buy a new lamp or something she needs/wants for the house.

[Anonymous]

Give her a generous giftcard to something practical like target, grocerys, gas, etc if money is tight for her birthday or holiday. Or, a nice gift like an iPad mini if she will use it.

[Anonymous]

Wow. What an awesome nanny you have OP. She is definitely worth her weight in gold!!

I would give her a generous gift card w/her next paycheck. Something that would appeal to her. I do not know what she is like, so something that you think she would be interested in.

I.e., a spa (massage/mani/pedi/etc.), iTunes if she is a music lover, a restaurant if she likes to eat out, etc.

[Anonymous]

Sorry for your loss, OP.

I've been in the same situation as your nanny, I spent the whole weekend with the kids while my MB went to her mother's funeral. I did truly do it as a friend and because I care about her and I didn't want any money or a gift. She got me my favourite chocolates and wrote a wonderful card telling me how much she appreciates me and my help and it was one of the nicest things she could have done.

[Anonymous]

Make it up to her later.

Every couple of weeks leave her a Starbucks card or $20.00 for lunch until you feel she has been fairly compensated.