Nanny's birthday

[Anonymous]

I want to give my wonderful nanny a birthday present.

Nannies - would you just prefer cash bonus or something nice you would never buy for yourself?

[Anonymous]

Either would be lovely but neither are necessary. I got a photograph of my charge in a cute frame that read, "I Love My Nanny" for my birthday last year and was thrilled.

Bonuses are for Christmas, IMHO.

[Anonymous]

In general, I prefer a thoughtful gift over cash.

[Anonymous]

My previous NF always gave me a gift card to my favorite restaurant. Then when I found out I have an allergy that prevents me from going to that restaurant, she started giving me Visa giftcards. I really appreciate anything, but two of my most precious items from my previous charge is a finger painting and a picture of him, so a thoughtful gift like that can really go a long way!

[Anonymous]

Cash is very thoughtful.

I have tons of sentimental crap. I love your kid and your a great boss but give me an envelope with cash! or an I pad.

[Anonymous]

My favorite gift was a gift card to my favorite day spa. Another family gave me flowers and a couple of magazine subscriptions which was a lot of fun. A thoughtful gift is nice because it shows you put some thought and effort into getting to know me but cash is fine too, or even the day off paid.

[Anonymous]

My favorite gifts were theatre tickets, a massage voucher, a gift card for art supplies, and of course cash.

[Anonymous]

First choice: Cold Hard Ca$h.

Second choice: A Visa Giftcard or a giftcard for my favorite store. (Not iTunes.)

Third Choice: Perhaps something nice like you stated.

~~~~~~~~

You sound like you truly appreciate your nanny. Good for you!

[Anonymous]

OP, really anything thoughtful would be great. The fact that you came on the forum and asked, and that you're giving it that much consideration, would already be so touching to me, as your nanny (if I knew you had done that). Good for you for caring so much about it.

I've received cash with a nice card and something cute the kids drew or made, and loved it. I've received non-cash gifts too, which I loved. I've been a nanny a long time. Looking back over the years, the things I remember most is when MB has noticed what I like, and given me something along those lines. Examples: She noticed I drink coffee every day, so got me a gift card to a coffee place. Gift cards for restaurants I mentioned only once/twice that I loved. Gift cards for spa services because I mentioned I don't do spa stuff, but I should. She noticed I like the theater/symphony/ballet, so got me two tickets for once of those. She knew I was a reader, so book store gift cards. For me, the fact that she cared enough about me to know me as a person, and remember what I like, is what made all the difference.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, really anything thoughtful would be great. The fact that you came on the forum and asked, and that you're giving it that much consideration, would already be so touching to me, as your nanny (if I knew you had done that). Good for you for caring so much about it.

I've received cash with a nice card and something cute the kids drew or made, and loved it. I've received non-cash gifts too, which I loved. I've been a nanny a long time. Looking back over the years, the things I remember most is when MB has noticed what I like, and given me something along those lines. Examples: She noticed I drink coffee every day, so got me a gift card to a coffee place. Gift cards for restaurants I mentioned only once/twice that I loved. Gift cards for spa services because I mentioned I don't do spa stuff, but I should. She noticed I like the theater/symphony/ballet, so got me two tickets for once of those. She knew I was a reader, so book store gift cards. For me, the fact that she cared enough about me to know me as a person, and remember what I like, is what made all the difference.

+1000000!

[Anonymous]

Agree with the PP. A good gift is a gift that shows that you know what your nanny likes and that you spent some time paying attention to her.

My best gift was a handmade necklace they picked up on a trip in the shape of Mary Poppins. They had kept it for the four months until my birthday and gave it to me with a lovely card. Most wonderful present ever! It's been years and it still makes me smile and remember them when I see it. Another time my MB made me a cake and had a celebration for me because they knew I wasn't in contact with my family at that time.

But in general, think of what your nanny likes - and then add a thoughtful note to the gift.