Agree with the PPs. I really like to have my hard work acknowledged. My MB habitually says thanks you as she walks out the door in the morning and as she sees me out in the evening. Not just a passing halfhearted thanks, but a genuine expression of how much she appreciates me. This is daily and without fail, and I know that I'd work for her until she no longer needs me.

If my employers leave me a nice card or note I'm happy and grateful beyond belief. I have received a massage gift card before and loved that...but I really just like hearing that I am appreciated and needed. It is nice to know especially after a hard week!

I had a particularly rough week once (not related to my job) and MB gave me a bouquet of flowers to cheer me up and let me I'm appreciated. It meant a lot to me.

For my birthday she wrote me a letter expressing their gratitude. It was very sweet.

RMy employer texted me that my 3 yr old charge said that I was the best part of his day. Felt so good. She also offers to buy me lunch/breakfast if she is running out for it.

Giftcard to whatever coffee place she likes, movie tickets, if you know she gets pedicures or manicures then a giftcard to wherever she goes.

I agree with 23:38... Words definitely go a long way! Hearing "thank you" or "you're the best" always, always makes my day and motivates me

I've never worked for a family that gave non-holiday gifts. Words go a long way! I just got an after hours text from my boss thanking me for organizing the bookshelves today. I love that she notices the extra things I do for them and takes the time to thank me. It really motivates me to do more. I once spent two hours deep cleaning my old employer's kitchen and she never noticed. Though I enjoyed my past job, I work much harder at my current one where they are very vocal about how appretiative they are of what I do for them. If you really want to spend a few dollars on her, I know I would really enjoy a craft from the kids (ranging from a construction paper card to paint your own pottery - it's all precious to a loving nanny). I would also appreciate baked goods (extra gold star if it fits into my diet/preferences), or getting off work a half hour early to beat traffic. Talk to her, ask her about her weekend. If she mentions a scratchy throat and you happen to be at the store, pick her up some tea. The point is, think about what what you can DO to show her you appreciate her, rather than what you can buy.

I think you'll find it varies from nanny to nanny.

In your range I guess I'd say I appreciate an extra day off, a massage gift certificate, theater tickets, having lunch or dinner ordered in (employer's treat). But seriously, my MB stopped on her way home and brought home fancy donuts for me and DB last week - that was probably $3 out of her pocket but still made me feel appreciated!

After the recent 2% payroll tax hike by the a-hole government we ate the cost difference so that the nanny's take home would be the same. We also have experience a 2% drop in our incomes. We explained this to our nanny and I hope she understands what happened and what we did.

Nannies,

What are some things besides a raise or a bonus that would make you feel appreciated. I am thinking things in the line of 20-40 dollars etc...

Do you appreciate a spa day, massage or is that just stupid?

Giftcards to target like 20-40?

Give me some ideas.

thanks!