HELP! Nanny Christmas Gift

[Anonymous]

We adore our nanny, and are giving her a large bonus, about two weeks' pay. We are also offering her more money toward her health insurance costs.

What I am stressing about is the actual Christmas gift. I would like to get her something nice wrapped, but not too nice because I'm sure she would rather just have cash than have me pick out an expensive purse or something she might not like or need. On top of that, I don't know her tastes that well since what she wears to care for my child is not what she wears when she goes out, is on her own time, etc (she has a life). So it's hard to pick something like clothes, jewelry, or a handbag. Is it OK to just pick something from Nordstrom and give a gift receipt, and hope for the best? I have ALL my Christmas shopping done except this. I'm kind of stumped. Gift card to a restaurant I know she likes? Other ideas? What are other people doing?

[Anonymous]

Sounds wonderful to me.

[Anonymous]

You are putting WAY too much thought and angst into this. A gift card to a restaurant she likes is fine. Something from Nordstrom with a gift receipt is also fine.

[Anonymous]

Thanks. I think I am stressing about it because our nanny doesn't have a lot of luxuries in her life. It feels like a big deal to buy her an expensive pair of earrings or a gift card to a nice restaurant something because that isn't something she would normally treat herself to. I would hate to get her the wrong thing. I don't worry about getting gifts for spoiled rich family members, if they hate it they can go buy something else!

[Anonymous]

OP, I don't have a lot of luxuries in my life. Because I don't want them. A lot of people think I'm poor because for example, I only have five long-sleeve shirts, but it's just not how I choose to spend my money.

You're giving her two weeks salary. I'm sure she'll be thrilled with that alone.

[Anonymous]

Latisse. That's what I would want. Get her some Latisse.

[Anonymous]

LOL on the Latisse. Our nanny already has beautiful eyelashes, lucky for her!

To other pp: our nanny also chooses not to have a lot of luxuries, for various reasons (including putting her resources toward her daughter). Not saying she is poor, just saying I want her gift to be special because she deserves it, and isn't spoiled like some people I am shopping for this year.

[Anonymous]

A picture book of your children (if you can't get the Latisse).

[Anonymous]

A pair of earrings sounds great to me. I rarely buy myself stuff since being a parent but I'd love that. Or, maybe a nice purse/handbag. (I'd rather have earnings, especially if they are real gold).


I'd also get her kid a small gift too if you have not.

[Anonymous]

How old is her daughter? Something they can enjoy together? Tickets to a show. A reasturant give card is a great idea

[Anonymous]

I always find gifts meaningful when they are tied to something the family appreciates about mean--e.g., one family got me a photo printer with a nice card about all the beautiful photos I take of their kids. Another got wool gloves and a note about how they appreciate me always taking their active kids out into nature.

What makes your nanny so wonderful? What is her best trait as a nanny? Maybe we can help you get something related to that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks. I think I am stressing about it because our nanny doesn't have a lot of luxuries in her life. It feels like a big deal to buy her an expensive pair of earrings or a gift card to a nice restaurant something because that isn't something she would normally treat herself to. I would hate to get her the wrong thing. I don't worry about getting gifts for spoiled rich family members, if they hate it they can go buy something else!

I find it hard to believe you're an actual MB. You sound more like a nanny pretending to be an MB, which happens often on this site. But let's pretend you're real. You're already giving her a generous holiday bonus and it is unusual to offer both a large bonus and a gift. But if that is what you want to do, get her a gift card. It's odd for you to assume what luxuries in life your nanny has or how you feel it's a big deal to buy her expensive earrings. Just get her a gift card for a store or restaurant she might like. End of story.

[Anonymous]

You are one awesome employer OP. And your nanny is quite lucky to have you as I am sure you to have her.

Most adults pretty much buy for themselves what they need or desire.

So cash and gift cards would esp. work well here.

You can offer her bonus in cash payment and you can give her the gift card along with something that your child has hand made (considering he is old enough to do so!)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We adore our nanny, and are giving her a large bonus, about two weeks' pay. We are also offering her more money toward her health insurance costs.

What I am stressing about is the actual Christmas gift. I would like to get her something nice wrapped, but not too nice because I'm sure she would rather just have cash than have me pick out an expensive purse or something she might not like or need. On top of that, I don't know her tastes that well since what she wears to care for my child is not what she wears when she goes out, is on her own time, etc (she has a life). So it's hard to pick something like clothes, jewelry, or a handbag. Is it OK to just pick something from Nordstrom and give a gift receipt, and hope for the best? I have ALL my Christmas shopping done except this. I'm kind of stumped. Gift card to a restaurant I know she likes? Other ideas? What are other people doing?

You know am a nanny and I love when my boss asking to take a picture with them and flamed it and give it to me,plus the bunus..

[Anonymous]

You are wonderful family,my boss last year she's give me absolute nothing..
I felt so sad..,
Am stil there,I hope this is they remember am a nanny.