Holiday gift in addition to bonus?

[Anonymous]

Our first nanny has been working for us for about 4 months. She is FANTASTIC. We plan to give her a holiday bonus in her paycheck at the end of the week (probably a week's pay, maybe slightly less as she hasn't been with us that long), but I know she is going to get us some kind of gift, or at least gifts for the kids. Seems like we should be giving her a gift as well? What do others do?

I realize that the week's pay bonus is the norm, but am looking for response from people who have a great nanny and a great working relationship with their nanny.

Also, this is a silly question I realize, but we pay her by direct deposit. How do people communicate the bonus - verbally? somehow write in the card? Do a one time check?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Um, we give the bonus in cash.

Honestly, I suggest you slow down here. You're already going overboard by giving more than half a week's pay when she's worked for you for less than half a year. Now on top of that you ALSO want to give a physical gift? Dial it back a couple of notches here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Um, we give the bonus in cash.

Honestly, I suggest you slow down here. You're already going overboard by giving more than half a week's pay when she's worked for you for less than half a year. Now on top of that you ALSO want to give a physical gift? Dial it back a couple of notches here.

I disagree. My employers gave me a weeks bonus and a gift certificate for a full day at a very nice spa my first Christmas with them. I had been with them about 4 1/2 months at that point. 3 years later now and this is still the best job I've ever had!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Um, we give the bonus in cash.

Honestly, I suggest you slow down here. You're already going overboard by giving more than half a week's pay when she's worked for you for less than half a year. Now on top of that you ALSO want to give a physical gift? Dial it back a couple of notches here.

I disagree. My employers gave me a weeks bonus and a gift certificate for a full day at a very nice spa my first Christmas with them. I had been with them about 4 1/2 months at that point. 3 years later now and this is still the best job I've ever had!

Of COURSE you disagree that the nanny should be given less. Because you're a nanny. Hopefully this isn't the best job you've ever had only because they give you big holiday gifts.

[Anonymous]

You could have your child give a small token gift--like if she likes chocolate have your child give her a box of nice chocolate or something. I'd keep it at $20 or less.

I would give the bonus in cash in a card, rather than direct deposit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Um, we give the bonus in cash.

Honestly, I suggest you slow down here. You're already going overboard by giving more than half a week's pay when she's worked for you for less than half a year. Now on top of that you ALSO want to give a physical gift? Dial it back a couple of notches here.

Mao de vaca!!!

[Anonymous]

MB here. We give the bonus in cash. And we also give a small gift or two.

[Anonymous]

I give a very small gift (an ornament this year) in addition to the bonus.

[Anonymous]

MB here. We give cash bonus of a week's pay (with an increase by $50 each year)--this year about $900. And I've always given a separate Christmas gift (gifts have ranged from $45 to $100).

[Anonymous]

Bonus should be cash. A weeks pay for a fantastic nanny even though she is new. Also a small gift. Think of what she might like. If you can't think of anything a gift card to target or Amazon for 40 seems nice

[Anonymous]

OP here - thanks for all the positive/constructive responses. I am curious for all those who say cash. We pay our nanny 100% on the books for everything given our occupations/security clearance and I am not inclined to go off the books for something like a bonus. Seems all downside to us. I am surprised by so many suggesting cash as I assume this means you are paying the bonus off the books. Do all of you not pay on the books for everything else?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - thanks for all the positive/constructive responses. I am curious for all those who say cash. We pay our nanny 100% on the books for everything given our occupations/security clearance and I am not inclined to go off the books for something like a bonus. Seems all downside to us. I am surprised by so many suggesting cash as I assume this means you are paying the bonus off the books. Do all of you not pay on the books for everything else?

Nanny here. I can't speak for everyone else, but I want any bonuses on the books if it's cash. Gifts don't need to be reported, as far as I'm concerned.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - thanks for all the positive/constructive responses. I am curious for all those who say cash. We pay our nanny 100% on the books for everything given our occupations/security clearance and I am not inclined to go off the books for something like a bonus. Seems all downside to us. I am surprised by so many suggesting cash as I assume this means you are paying the bonus off the books. Do all of you not pay on the books for everything else?

We pay salary and overtime on the books. Bonus is cash, off the books.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - thanks for all the positive/constructive responses. I am curious for all those who say cash. We pay our nanny 100% on the books for everything given our occupations/security clearance and I am not inclined to go off the books for something like a bonus. Seems all downside to us. I am surprised by so many suggesting cash as I assume this means you are paying the bonus off the books. Do all of you not pay on the books for everything else?

I get a cash envelope with one month's pay, but it is taxed.

[Anonymous]

I get paid on the books. But if I work extra like a date night its cash. Also bonus is cash.