I was an AP when the weekly stipend was $140 ... so a long time ago lol
At that time I would have loved to have some extra cash to use for traveling.
Or some tickets for a show, something I could remember

I received a scarf, sweater and gloves from GAP and it was perfect for NY winter

$200, divided up amongst cash and gift cards.

up to as much as we spend on the kids. Usually something I know she wants, a memento (ornament) from the States, and a few gift cards. We don't do a huge Christmas.

We usually give a combo of cash, a gift card to a store she shops at a lot, and something small that I pick out to have something physical, but knowing that it may or may not be to her taste.

Cash is pretty much king for babysitters/nannies/daycare providers. I think it’s fine to give it to an au pair but I would also give something more personal - at least something small from the kids, or doesn’t have to be expensive but it should be meaningful. Or give the ap and kids a “gift certificate” for an experience together, like movie tickets and a gift card for a treat.

Anonymous wrote:Is it ok to just give her cash? My AP needs money. She recently has some expenses she didn’t anticipate, I would rather give her cash than some useless present.

Yes its ok to give cash and gift cards. Personally I think cash and a handmade gift or card from child is perfect.

Is it ok to just give her cash? My AP needs money. She recently has some expenses she didn’t anticipate, I would rather give her cash than some useless present.

Previous responder - I’m giving a little more than we usually do because we aren’t taking ap on our holiday trip (multi-family trip planned years ago before we knew we would have an ap). We always give our ap two tickets to a show (usually if her choice at some time during the year, previous aps choose a Knicks game, Lion King and Rockettes), and a gift card and a small personal item like nice gloves or a hat. I usually give @$300 worth including the tickets, this year it’ll be a little more because we aren’t going to be with her. I may give her some cash to supplement her travel plans too. Ap arrived beginning of September.

We have a 21yo French au pair. I’ve gotten her tickets to see the Radio City Christmas show (we live in nyc), a cashmere sweater, a fancy tea cup/infuser and loose-leaf tea, and will probably give her a gift card for Zara or Century 21 or another store I know she shops at.

My budget is ~$200 but I will stretch depending on the relationship.

What’s everyone’s budget? Best suggestions for 22 year old French AP? She’s only been with us 6 weeks so don’t know her that well...