Nanny appreciation - suggestions please

[Anonymous]

We had a really tough 2017 between fussy kids, transitions at my work, sick and stressful grandparents.
Our nanny was a gem throughout and worked tirelessly to keep everything smooth at home, often without being asked.
We pay her hourly, and 1.5x for over time, but we still used her a lot more than usual and I want to find a way to recognize that.
I know she's paid well and appreciates being well compensated, any suggestions for something we could do to reward her, other than giving cash?
Thank you

[Anonymous]

What does she seem to enjoy? Restaurants, day spa, a day trip to NYC? Or would she be most appreciative of a heartfelt thank you note with an unexpected bonus?

[Anonymous]

Write her a letter or a note in card. List out 10 reasons why you think she is awesome.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What does she seem to enjoy? Restaurants, day spa, a day trip to NYC? Or would she be most appreciative of a heartfelt thank you note with an unexpected bonus?

At this point in her life she’s very focused on her income level. She got married a few years ago and bought a house last year.
I think she’s been grateful for the extra income but maybe a trip would be a good idea.
In the past I’ve bought her clothes but I think she returns them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Write her a letter or a note in card. List out 10 reasons why you think she is awesome.

Thank you. Our kids do this already

[Anonymous]

Thank you card plus gift card to help furnish/appoint the house. Could be Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Williams Sonoma, Crate and Barrel, etc. Perhaps you know where she shops.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you card plus gift card to help furnish/appoint the house. Could be Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Williams Sonoma, Crate and Barrel, etc. Perhaps you know where she shops.

I like this idea, thank you. She’s very frugal so probably Kmart is a good idea

[Anonymous]

Nothing on earth is better than an unexpected bonus, OP. Money (cash) in a letter of thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nothing on earth is better than an unexpected bonus, OP. Money (cash) in a letter of thanks.

Thank you, we paid her a lot more than usual last year
i was thinking of planning a weekend away, but all these responses are pointing back to cash, I'd probably prefer cash myself to a gift card i might not use

[Anonymous]

I’d love it if my boss gave me a couple of paid days off unexpectedly. Maybe a massage gift card or pottery barn or west elm card, but really, an extra day or two off would be great.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thank you card plus gift card to help furnish/appoint the house. Could be Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Williams Sonoma, Crate and Barrel, etc. Perhaps you know where she shops.

I like this idea, thank you. She’s very frugal so probably Kmart is a good idea

I agree with this. If she just bought a house, a gift card to Lowe's or home depot might come in handy.

You could buy her a thing for her new home OP. Maybe a wipe your feet mat for outside the front door? A patio set? A barbeque grill?

I am a nanny. I am frugal. If I had just bought a house, I would be going to estate sales in my area. Estate sales are like a yard sale of all the stuff a couple has acquired over a lifetime. And when you first buy a house you realize you need things like a ladder, a hose, trash cans, curtain rods, lawn mower, mop, the list goes on ad infinitum it seems. Estate sales can be a treasure trove for all those basic things, at bargain prices. Estate sales dot net lists upcoming estate sales and shows pictures of what will be for sale.