Nanny Bonuses, Gifts, Severence Pay
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Dec 2007
This is the second Christmas with our daughter and the first
with her nanny. I am wanting to give the nanny something for
Christmas, but have no idea what.
Gifts are so culturally driven. If she had kids, I would get her
something related to them, but she doesn't. It's just her and
her husband. They are recent immigrants from Central America,
and they both work in service type of jobs. In lieu of vacation,
our nanny has always preferred money instead of time off. She
works 5 or 6 days a week and is always interested in getting
extra shifts from us or her other employers. (We have her only
part-time.)
Ideally, I would give her money, but our budget for this is
about $100, which doesn't seem like much. I thought about
getting her an English language tape course, but I thought she
might find that insulting. She was taking English classes at
night, though, and recently had to quit, so maybe she would
appreciate it??
For our daughter's (first) birthday, she gave us a few very cute
outfits, a balloon, etc. It was very special and unexpected. I
would like to give her and her family something that resonates
with them, that shows our appreciation for the caring she gives
our daughter, etc. Any good thoughts out there?
Mom on Hayward Fault
Give her the $100. I doubt she will buy English language tapes
with it. She is special to your family, but she is an employee
and you are in a business relationship with her. Also, it
should be a year-end bonus as opposed to a holiday gift (this
way you avoid the cultural issues you mentioned).
Anon
From what you've told us about your nanny, I would definitely go
with the $100 in cash. It seems pretty clear that what she needs
most is the extra money. How could she not appreciate $100? You
could also get her something small and more personal to go with it.
anon
Please give your nanny the $100. She is working extra a hours
and asking for extra shifts because childcare does not pay well,
and Spanish-speaking immigrant women are not seen as valuable,
skilled, talented workers. Do not buy her the language course.
She would much rather have the money. Please.
Give her the $100. It is ''enough.''
Heck, I make six figures and would be DELIGHTED if my employer
gave me $100 for Christmas.
anon
i always heard nannies are supposed to get a bonus of 1 to 2
weeks' pay for the holidays. i definitely think you should give
her the cash rather than trying to come up with a gift that she
may not want, which would be a total waste of money. i don't know
how things are done here, but her caregiver-friends may have
conditioned her to expect a big bonus, and she may be quite
surprised.
I worked as a nanny for several years, now just date nights. I
got between 1-2 weeks salary as a bonus for Christmas and
birthdays. Now that I just work date nights, my family gave me
3x what I make for the one night I work. I know you say money
is tight, but I count on that money (build it into my budget)
and even though I love the kids, if the family did not give me
the bonus, I probably would have started looking elsewhere.
Good luck, but please understand that money is tight on the
other end too.
nanny
I think you have your answer. Cashola. Even if it is only $100,
that is a lot better than a $100 gift she doesn't need. I would
stay away from English tapes or any kind of gift card, which is
basically deciding how to spend her money for her.
anon
As a former nanny and as you describe it, she will be more
grateful to get a Grocery store gift card. with a nice box a
cookies.
or a Mall gift card rather a store gift card, so she can pick the
store she likes best.
Happy Holidays to you too!
We have tried to give the equivalent of one week's salary and a
small gift to our nanny each year. She too is from Central
America and while she appreciates little gifts, she also is
supporting a lot of family back home and cash is really a big deal.
You say you don't have much cash to give. I am sure anything
would be appreciated. If it just doesn't feel like enough, give
cash and something else. English tapes are not a bad idea if you
know she has wanted to learn, but perhaps also something that is
just purely about the holidays, or about her. A basket of
cookies? A gift card for Target? One year, we got a free used
computer, refurbished it, and gave it to our nanny with money for
6 months of internet.
Love our nanny too!
The English Tape thing is not cool...or very festive. Give her a
small personal token (nice lotion etc.) and the $100 that you
have in your ''budget.'' She'll appreciate the money. Maybe that
isn't a lot to you, but i'm sure for her, it is.
peace
It's very thoughtful of you to think of her this holiday season.
Give her cash. It's probably what her and her husband need most
and it allows them to buy what they need or save up for something
they really want.
mother of 4
You already know the answer to this. Despite that it's nice to
get gifts, the best gift someone struggling with finances can get
is more money. Believe me, I know.
Poor
Oct 2006
How much do people give as a holiday bonus to their childcare
providers? One week, Two weeks wages .. more? Or do people give
them a physical present? What is appropriate? Background: We
hired a *fantastic* nanny in June to take care of our 12 mon old
child 10 hrs a week. We pay her $13 per hr and did not offer her
any paid vacation. But we pay her when she is sick or we take
vacation (which is about 4 wks a yr)
curious
Our wonderful nanny has worked full-time for us for almost
three years. We've given her a $1000 holiday bonus the past two
years plus a small gift to open. (We currently pay her $17/hour
with COLA increases on her employment anniversary date, plus
health insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, time off on most of
the U.S. national holidays, and a cell phone that's part of our
family cell plan.) I realize our situation is different than
yours, but seeing a range of practices should be helpful.
- An appreciative mother
Definitely give her cash instead of an item. $13/hour is very
difficult to live on in the first place, but clearly she's a
part-timer (perhaps she's in school?). It's likely she will
always need extra money at this point in her life.
Give her whatever seems generous to you, but not over the top. I
also strongly feel you should give her yearly paid time off as
part of her contract
anon
The ''apropriate'' amount is 1 or 2wks salary. Though, I think
any amout in keeping with your income level and living style
will be appreciated.
Margaret
March 2006
Our nanny has been with us about 1 1/2 years and don't know
what would be an appropriate birthday gift. Any suggestions
would be appreciated. Also curious about what others have
done. Thanks!
curious
I think a gift certificate for a massage is an excellent idea.
Nannys need a break too and probably need to release some stress. If you
don't want to spend a lot of money you can get one from National
Holistic Institute (NHI) which is around $30 or if you don't care about
money then you can get one from The Claremont.
I gave my daycare provider one for Christmas and she loved it!
skashan
I am currently a nanny for a wonderful family and have recieved (from
the child) simple gifts picked out by her (a scarf, a small travel
toiletries bag and the like) Mom and dad make sure I get a nice card,
signed by each of them personally.
Gifts don't have to be extravagant to have meaning to your nanny. The
big monetary bonus comes at the holidays only for me and that is fine.
I suggest choosing a gift that would be best suited to your nanny. Is
her job the only source of income for herself, her family or a 2nd
income? Maybe a gift certificate to a pedicure/manicure if she likes
that sort of thing. I had a friend who adored chocolates and was most
happy with a fancy ''up market'' variety box once a year. Put a little
thought into it and if your child is old enough to help - they should
choose a gift or make a card. It will truely be appreciated!
Nanny knows
M-O-N-E-Y. It's a great color and it always fits.
susan
Depending on your Nanny's age and the degree of intimacy you have with
her: a $50 to $100 gift certificate to an appropriate store or a small
gift and dinner out.
Miguel
I was a nanny for quite a while and it is hard work without much time
for rejuvination. I suggest a gift certificate for a spa treatment like
a massage. Also, restaurant.com has dining certificates, and I love to
give/use these.
heather
As someone who has been a nanny and has hired a nanny, a nice cash bonus
is ALWAYS appreciated. It may seem a little impersonal, but believe me,
as a nanny it was so nice (and sometimes a relief if I had pending
bills) to get an unexpected extra amount. And when we've given such a
thing to our nanny she has really has thanked us profusely and usually
says something along the lines of how it was really needed at that
particular time. You can make it more personable by having your
child(ren) help make a nice card and write something in it to the nanny
about how much you sincerely appreciate specific things that your nanny
does for them. Being a nanny can often be a job where a lot of extra
efforts on the nanny's part may not be recognized, so good for you for
doing something to show some appreciation.
Former nanny, current mommy
Dec 2005
We are part of a nanny share and are giving our nanny a week of paid vacation at
Christmas time. I'm wondering if it's also customary to give a bonus and how much
that should be (or if a gift would be more appropriate?) She's been with us for just a
couple of months now and this is all new to us.
I got my first holiday bonus as a nanny last year and nearly fell over! It was about a week and a halfs salery. In addition, I had time off with pay and a small gift personally picked out by the child.
I suggest any or all of the following: Time off with pay, a cash bonus (whatever you can afford..and make it cash! Not a check the nanny has to take to a bank.), a gift certificate, a small gift chosen and wrapped by your child.
Nannies come from all backgrounds, try to match your bonus/gift to what your nanny might really need and want! It will be very much appreciated!
A happy nanny in El Cerrito
Sept 2005
It is time for us to say a fond farewell to our nanny, who currently cares for our
daughter with another child three days per week. Our daughter is starting preschool
in the fall and it is an amiable parting. We want to give her a goodbye gift, and her
husband suggested a gift certificate for the Gap. I am wondering if other people give
parting gifts to nannies (we like her a lot), what they give (cash or gifts?) and for
about how much.
Thanks for the advice
When our nanny left our employ we gave her a cash bonus (I think
equivalent to 1/2 mos. pay but I honestly can't remember - it's
been a while) and a gorgeous bouquet of flowers in a vase. I
felt money would be most useful to her, to spend as she chose,
but I wanted her to also have a traditional gift that let her
know how much we cherished her.
Amy
Nov 2004
My family is moving out of state so we will be leaving our nanny-
share situation. We have been using our nanny for the past 16
months and my daughter truly loves her. She is amazing with my
daughter and the other little boy whom we share her with.
Obviously I am feeling sad and somewhat guilty over taking my 18-
month old daughter away from a situation in which she is
completely thriving in, but our decision to move is based on
many factors (mostly to be closer to grandparents). I want to
get our nanny a gift or do something special for her to show our
appreciation. English is not her first language, so I don't know
how much she understands when I verbalize to her how much she
means to us. Any suggestions on a meaningful gift? I know she
probably mostly needs money, so maybe that would be best, but to
me it seems inpersonal. Also, should I do some kind of farewell
dinner, or just pick her up on the final day and say good-bye?
Finally, Is there someway to prepare my daughter for this major
change in her life? She is losing her nanny (who she often asks
for by name), her best friend (the little boy whom we share
with), moving out of her home to a new and unfamiliar place, and
getting a new sibling all within a few months. I appreciate any
responses.
felicia
When we moved away from our nanny of 4 years, I made a photo
album for her and gave her a pair of earrings. I invited her
over to say good-bye and we gave her the gifts, drawings, hugs
and tears. It is very hard to say good-bye and to make a big
change. Like all changes, you and your little will be sad and
then it will get better with time. Good luck!
becky
I think you can do something that is very personal that is not
expensive, like give your nanny a framed picture of her and your
daughter, or a framed piece of art that your daughter made, or a
typed list of all the nice things your daughter has said about
her over the years, or some sort of corny thing where you spell
out your nanny's name and for each letter you make a word that
describes how you value her/her character. And then when you
give her the personal item you also give your nanny *cash*. I
really do believe that most nannies would much prefer cash to
expensive gifts of another type. I know friends who got their
nanny a day pass and massage at the Claremont and the nanny was
so bummed. She would have much rather had the $200 to spend on
her family, or herself, in a way that she could choose.
Another gift is to carefully write your nanny a strong formal
recommendation letter that she can take with her on job
interviews in the future (even if she has already set up her
next job, she can still use it in the future), and make yourself
super available as a reference.
Give the gift that keeps on giving...
Christmas Gift, Year-end Bonus
Dec 2000
Can anyone provide some guidelines regarding Christmas bonuses for
childcare providers? Are there any rules of thumb for the appropriate
dollar amount? I would appreciate any feedback given.
Thank you
Maria
I had this same issue this year. I spoke with 4 other families and
everyone had a different idea. I think it depends on how well you like
your nanny and what her financial situation is. Our nanny is a single
woman and is supporting a teenage son so we wanted to give a little more.
We decided on one week's pay, in cash. That worked out to about $300. Our
nanny just started working for us in August and only works 3 days/wk. Next
year we may decide on two weeks pay. our neighbors want to give their full
time nanny who started in Sept. $500 - $1000. Other people said they were
going to give $100 but those tend to also give a gift as well as other
perks during the year (trip to Hawaii with the family, extra days off with
pay, etc.) Hope that helps a little.
Nov 2000
As the holidays approach, I am curious about what people do for their
nannies/sitters as a xmas/holiday gift. I remember hearing a colleague at
work last yr say that it it not unusual to give the nanny a bonus as much
as one month's salary! That is much more than we can afford, and I was
wondering what others have done. I certainly think my nanny deserves the
best, but need to stay within our budget. Thx.
We have two babysitters who each work only one day a week for us, and have
done so only for about 3 months now. What would you recommend as a holiday
bonus in this situation, and when should it be given?
To the person inquiring about a holiday bonus. We have a full-time nanny
and have given 1 week's salary for a year of service at Christmas. If the
nanny has worked less than a year, we prorate the bonus with a minimum of
1/2 week's pay.
Nov 1999
I'm trying to decide what kind of bonus to give our nanny, and would
love to know what other people consider to be appropriate. The nanny,
who is wonderful, takes care of two 8 mo. old boys together in my home
full-time. Both families essentially split the cost of $15 per hour (which
we pay as a straight salary of about $650 per week). We give her paid
holidays and two weeks of paid vacation and 5 sick days per year. She's
worked for us since June of this year. We have an informal contract that
says she'll get a year-end bonus. We'd like to give the bonus around
Christmastime, in addition to some smaller gifts from the babies. We have
some good ideas for gifts, but have no idea how much cash to give. We're
broke, of course, but we'd like to do the right thing, whatever that is.
Most people whom I've seen/heard of giving bonuses, give a bonus tied to
the person's compensation. So, say, an extra week's salary (or, since
the nanny has worked a half year, say half-a week's salary -- though
since you're happy with her, maybe a week's salary isn't crazy).
We generally have given our Nanny a nice personal gift plus a bonus.
Our bonus benchmark is a week's salary, which of course increases as she
gets raises over time. You might reduce that benchmark a bit for a new
nanny with only a half year's service, but if she is as great as you say,
I'd give her a whole week.
I want to respond to the issue of Nanny Year End Bonus recommendations.
Someone suggested a week's salary for good service.
While I don't philosophically object to this advice, some of us are paying
at the highest level we can afford throughout the year and an extra week's
wages, even if one month a year, is simply not in the budget. I believe
that our ongoing commitment to fair financial treatment is adequate and
that I'd like to share in the celebration of this season, with our nanny
as well as with our families and friends, in heart-felt ways when
possible instead of or in addition to limited use of cash gifts. We
(2 families in a shared childcare situation) are therefore are
planning to give our nanny an extra $100/ per family plus a color zerox
photo collage of her with the children documenting their year together.
We will also make an extra copy of the color zerox and copy some video
tape excerpts made throughout the year for her to send to her family,
and probably make her a gift from the babies (their hand prints with
warm message glazed onto a large coffee mug at Brushstrokes for
example). I do beleive that it is possible to be fair and during
this season without spending a lot of money which we don't
have.
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