You're already giving her a generous bonus. I find it a bit weird when I am given clothes or purses or things of this nature because I'm quite picky about what I wear. I think a good small gift would be something to do with her work - a nice set of hand creams because we deal with water a lot, a big mug, coffee or tea and chocolates, warm gloves for when the goes outside with the kids. I love getting photos of my charges and gifts made by them.

But seeing as how she has a daughter, tickets to a show or something along these lines that somebody mentioned sounds really nice.

I prefer to make my own food, not go out to eat. I don't use perfumes, scented lotions or other chemical crap, especially around their children. I am extremely picky about the fabrics that I wear (nothing synthetic, thanks), style and color, so nobody gives me clothes or cloth accessories. I have one set of jewelry for special occasions and one necklace that I wear whenever, and that's all I want. I don't have any interest in advertising a brand, so I don't carry high end bags or purses, I use something functional.

I would be happy to get a generic gift card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover), happier to get a bonus in my paycheck for the week and downright disgusted by almost anything else. If the kids make me something, that's great.

Perhaps you could ask your nanny what she would actually want? Or just do a generic gift card she can use anywhere.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You are putting WAY too much thought and angst into this. A gift card to a restaurant she likes is fine. Something from Nordstrom with a gift receipt is also fine.

I'd quit if my MB gave me either of those things. I like to think we have a better relationship than that.

you'd quit because your boss gave you the wrong gift. Nice. (And grow up.)

Anonymous wrote:You are putting WAY too much thought and angst into this. A gift card to a restaurant she likes is fine. Something from Nordstrom with a gift receipt is also fine.

I'd quit if my MB gave me either of those things. I like to think we have a better relationship than that.

Nanny here. Personally, I'd love some cashmere accessories, such as a hat, gloves, or a scarf, or even some nice cashmere socks. If you get something in a simple design in a solid color (ideally gray, but black or white could work, too, or if you know her favorite color...) then it would likely be something she would use. I know cashmere is expensive, but I think you could probably find a simple knit hat or gloves or even a skinny scarf for under $100. A gift receipt is always a good idea, just in case.