Welcome gifts - local tote bag she will use throughout the year to carry things for kids and herself, swell water bottle, metrocard, a few toiletries to get her through the first few days/weeks, flowers, cards/signs made by kids, a bunch of maps & local guidebooks, a journal

Goodbye gifts - we’ve done different things based on personality, our most sporty au pair got a personalized basketball jersey from our local team (we are not in DC), others have gotten bracelets with photos of the kids, most recent ap we have a keepsake box (she was very into mementos) and a keychain with photos of the kids in little medallions. She loved it and I know she will use it for her keys to her new apartment back home.

We are not big gift people and asked the au pair not to bring us gifts. Instead we stock her apartment with toiletries and snacks, and then give her $100 on a metro card (she has a dedicated car, but just in case she wants to take the metro to explore). When she leaves, we give her an extra $100 in cash. Weshe do not celebrate Christmas, but give her an extra $100 during her vacation. In our experience, they just want money to travel with or pick out their own gifts.

Arrival-- after doing this a few times the things that get the most use are a water bottle, travel umbrella and a Metro card. I also like to include something local (Nats T-shirt or baseball cap).

Going away I do a small picture book that's easy to pack and cash. We also do a going-away dinner at a restaurant of their choice.

Welcome gifts ideas :

- Toiletry basket
- Flowers, balloons, card signed by the kids (and/or drawings from them)
- Little souvenirs from where you live : postcards, mug, water bottle, tshirt, notebook ...
- Little baskets with treats : m&ms, granola bars, water bottle (in case she's too shy to go into your fridge)
- Metrocard, cvs/starbucks gift card ...

Goodbye gifts ideas :

To me the perfect combination is a) a sentimental gift (a frame of a picture of the AP with your children for instance, a framed drawing from them ...) + b) something she really likes and a bit more pricey like a jewel, some $ to travel c) a goodbye little party - doesn't have to be fancy, a special dinner at home with your family will be great.

We keep it simple as far as welcome gifts: we put together a basket with toiletries, a metro card, and a Starbucks card. The goodbye gifts are tailored and match our APs’ interests/personalities.

What do you typically do for each of these?