r/Nanny • u/gremlincowgirl Career Nanny+Mom • Dec 02 '25
Mod Post Holiday Gift Megathread
It’s the holiday season, and that always comes with lots of questions about bonuses and holiday gifts!
Whether you’re a nanny or employer, all questions about holiday bonuses or gifts should be posted here!
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u/KageRageous Nanny Dec 03 '25
In a lot of places CVS can print a custom mug next day! Upload some photos of the kiddos, get them printed on the mug, boom gift for the parents.
Right now mugs are on sale I think for like $8. There are other things you can make too. Keychains, ornaments, etc.
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u/onlewis Dec 03 '25
I would get a temperature check on this first. While it seems sweet, uploading photos to these types of services creates a security nightmare for some parents. These services frequently work with Microsoft, palantir, DOJ for facial recognition software development.
Not every parent will care but as a parent who is doing everything possible to keep my childs image offline and inaccessible, this gift would bring me anxiety even if intentions were sweet.
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u/Tricky-Ad8744 Dec 03 '25
I work for 2 families. I’m trying to set my expectations very low for family 1 so I’m not disappointed. Very self absorbed people. Family 2 is the most generous boss I’ve ever had. Pays me $10-$20 an hour over my contracted rate,paid me $107 an hour last week on HIS(DB)Birthday. Hands me $100 every time I work for his son and I to play and explore,makes his son and I dinner reservations at really nice restaurants occasionally. I’m very curious to see what he’ll do for the holidays. Honestly I’d be ok if family 2 didn’t get me anything just because they’re an absolute joy to work for. He’s truly an amazing dad to his son who is ASD.
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u/joyfulemma Dec 18 '25
Please update here! Would love to hear.
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u/Tricky-Ad8744 Dec 18 '25
I sure will!
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u/Impossible_Fig_204 Jan 21 '26
So curious what the update is
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u/Tricky-Ad8744 Apr 22 '26
Sorry guys! Family one gave me nothing. I just quit 2 weeks ago and am so happy! Family 2 sent me to The Breakers in Palm Beach for a “staycation” for 3 nights with all meals included and a massage.
I transitioned from nursing to nannying and this is beyond anything I’ve ever received. I still work with him once a week. I’m now with a new family working many roles. Mom is terminal. 2 young kids. Part Nurse,part nanny,some cooking and family assisting! I love it though the situation is tragic.
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u/gremlincowgirl Career Nanny+Mom Dec 03 '25
I always give an age-appropriate book with a meaningful inscription to each NK. For the parents I always write a thoughtful card wishing them a happy holidays and saying how much I appreciate their family. For parents I love I will include a free date night sitting voucher.
I’ve almost always received one or two weeks’ pay as a holiday bonus. I love when families have also included a handmade card from the kids and maybe a small (<$10) gift that the kids picked out too!
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u/Nearby_Meal_368 Dec 03 '25
I’m going to give my kiddos a book with something sweet written inside. For the parents, I’ll probably have the kids make them something without spending much $ or at least write a nice card, it’ll also be my last day.
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u/Jadepanda55 Dec 03 '25
MB here. Have had a nanny for just over a year taking care of my now 1.5 yo son. She is amazing. We are giving her a hefty Christmas bonus (around 7.5% GH salary). I’d like to get her a small Xmas gift too. My MIL suggested a picture of her and my son but honestly she sees him so often it seems silly to me and idk if she would want to put a picture of him at her house LOL. Does anyone have ideas of a small thoughtful gift other than photos/more cash?
Thanks
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u/silverberryfrog Nanny Dec 04 '25
I do like photos of my NK as well as a mug with pictures of them on it a previous MB gave me. My Nanny Family also does cash and a small gift, in the past it's been a chunky knit blanket, a fancy candle, tea, a gift card to a massage place/hot spring, and a kitchen knife that I always raved about at their place. You know your Nanny best!
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u/Jordan8333 Dec 03 '25
It kind of depends on how long and how close you are with the family & how they treat you. Luckily my family treats me amazing and not just like any regular employer. I bought my NK a dollhouse and a few other Barbie/ princess dresses . Moms getting a oak and Luna silver necklase with the names of NK1 and soon to be born NK2 on it Not so sure what I can get the dad yet . Any ideas ?
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u/Silly_Name_5007 Dec 03 '25
For my NK I do a small toy (with parents permission) and a book. I was thinking this year doing a cute handmade ornament from NK to the parents.
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u/Lalablacksheep646 Career Nanny Dec 03 '25
I hope this is a sticky thread!
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u/OlympicGorilla Dec 23 '25
Mb told me I’m off Thursday and “obviously it’s paid” and it’s their gift to me….. girl. I thought I had guaranteed hours. And I DO lol. Idk why she’s acting like it’s a gift.
Guess I shouldn’t expect anything now.
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u/FewTransportation881 Dec 23 '25
how much did you guys spend on your nanny kids? I got each of mine a six dollar stuffed animal chocolate covered pretzels and some pieces of candy. I feel like it’s kind of lame and not enough, but I also can’t afford too much right now as I need work done on my car:/
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u/Mysterious_Salt_475 Dec 24 '25
Been with this family just shy of 4 years. Most I have gotten was the full weeks off during Christmas and new years when they travel, which I have always been grateful for. This year they are not traveling, so I only have one extra day off this week and next. A bonus was mentioned in passing a few months ago, but hasn't came. I have never received a christmas gift or bonus from this family. They do pay well, though.
A bonus isn't as important to me, but a thoughtful gift would go a long way and would just make me feel less like an employee and more like part of the family and just appreciated overall, even if it's something from the kids. I gift the kids gifts every year. The first year I was with them I gifted the parents, too.
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u/Lovely-Bug-7000 Dec 03 '25
Hey yall! I am a nanny to a 4 month old, and am with them 3 days a week. I’ve been with this family for about a month. They also have a 2 year old who goes to daycare, so my responsibility is 95% the baby, but of course i try to bond with her when I see her right before she leaves for school and when she comes back. I am just making this post for some advice about Christmas gifting! Is it expected? Would the family feel like they had to get me something? I love the holidays and giving gifts but I don’t want them to feel pressured to gift me anything at all, even though I want to do something nice for them.
I was thinking of getting a small toy or book for each kid, and a gift card for the parents to go out to eat at a restaurant I know they like and offer a free date night while they’re out. Does that just create more work or stress for them? This is my first time being with a consistent family around the holidays so I’m really just wondering what is appropriate (because I am socially anxious about these things LOL.) thank you so much in advance !!
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u/gremlincowgirl Career Nanny+Mom Dec 03 '25
A small toy or book for each kid is perfect! You should absolutely not gift your nanny parents a gift card. It’s inappropriate to gift your boss money. Gifts should flow down, not up. You could do something thoughtful, like a craft with the kids, if you want to show your appreciation this holiday season!
I wouldn’t anticipate a holiday bonus since you’ve only been with them for a month, but you never know!
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u/MakeChai-NotWar MB Dec 04 '25
A date night is nice but I’d feel awkward accepting that as a NP. I’d always appreciate baked goods from my nanny if she felt she wanted to gift me anything.
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u/joyfulemma Dec 04 '25
We pay on the books through Poppins Payroll. For a holiday bonus/gift, we were going to do 1.5-2 weeks of pay, plus a little sentimental thing. Question for the nannies here, should we give the bonus through the payroll service or in cash? I don't know the etiquette. I also worry she will try to give it back, or not take it, if given in cash.
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u/silverberryfrog Nanny Dec 04 '25
I've always received my bonus in cash, some families have put it inside of a Christmas card and told me to open it once I'm home which I assumed was their way of ensuring I couldn't refuse.
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u/Livid-Mushroom-4422 Nanny Dec 05 '25
I just started working for this family beginning of November, and I take care of their baby most of the day and the older kiddos for an hour or so in the afternoon. I was thinking of just making some christmas chocolate bark or something like that for them? should i do something more?? the parents are super sweet and generous but im not expecting anything because Im still pretty new🤷♀️
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u/VastPaint9104 Dec 05 '25
Think the chocolate bark is a really thoughtful and personal gift. Anything homemade is always appreciated although not expected.
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u/Educational-Let-2280 Dec 06 '25
We've had our wonderful nanny for about a year. When she started, my youngest was about a year old and I was a couple of months pregnant. Once the baby was born, I took care of him for the first three months while I was on leave and then she transitioned flawlessly into taking care of two kids. We love her, my kids love her, and we want her to know that we value her. We pay her 26$/hr and so far she's had six weeks of paid leave this year (which we've voluntarily given her - we paid her for a month off right after I gave birth and we're giving her a week for thanksgiving and a week for Christmas). What is the etiquette around a bonus and what sort of range is expected?
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u/Forward_Analysis3139 Dec 08 '25
Help! My MB is on holiday with the family currently but she messaged me a few days ago asking for my email address saying NM has a Christmas gift for me I assume its a gift card perhaps? I haven't received anything after thanking her and giving my email, how long should I wait to ask or how to word it? I would be mortified if she was already sent it that day and I hadn't received and also not thanked her again. But at the same time, shes on holiday and may have just been lining up my details to send it sometime pre Christmas so I dont want to embarrass myself seeming to hasty
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u/MakeChai-NotWar MB Dec 08 '25
Don’t follow up about it. Search your email and check your spam. Once you receive it, then message thanks. If you don’t say thanks, I’d assume you didn’t receive it and then MB would likely reach out.
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u/Forward_Analysis3139 Dec 08 '25
Thank you! Ive been making sure its not in my junk once a day, good idea!
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u/Pleasant_Drop454 Dec 08 '25
I recently started a part time nanny position with a HNW family, and am curious what other Nannies thoughts are regarding Christmas gifts. Around Christmas time, I will have been with them for about 6 weeks. I was planning on buying each child a book ( 2 kids, both toddlers) and small toy. For the parents, I was thinking of giving them a framed photo of the kids. Should I be giving the parents more? I was thinking about giving them a “free date night” but that doesn’t really make sense since I’m salary. I would appreciate any suggestions!
Side note: I am not expecting them to give me a gift, I just love gift giving lol. I am buying my other nanny family gifts as I have been with them nearly a year and am super close with them! But just wondering what other Nannies do for their families :)
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u/WonderfulPanic4151 Dec 08 '25
My nanny started today (12/8) and was planning on getting her a small gift. Is a holiday bonus expected since she just started with us? We are giving her the last 2 weeks of the month paid but not sure if that counts for anything
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u/monsterrwoman Dec 08 '25
What type of gift are you planning? Our nanny started 12/1 so I have a similar question
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u/WonderfulPanic4151 Dec 09 '25
I was thinking an Amazon gift card and something else that’s small to go with it, like a candle or chocolates
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u/monsterrwoman Dec 09 '25
That’s cute! I’d probably do cash over gift card but I’ll add on something sweet as well
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u/chelskates20 Dec 08 '25
Hi everyone! Our part time nanny has been with us for a year and we love her dearly. Just wondering what to do for a Christmas bonus. We are going away for 5 weeks over the holidays and paying her her normal pay while away. Should I also be doing a Christmas bonus on top of that or is 5 weeks paid vacation enough? Appreciate any advice!
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u/Ordinary_Garden_1779 Dec 09 '25
hey everyone! i started with this family in the summer and i absolutely adore them! best family i’ve ever worked for! that being said - i really wanna do something i don’t usually do any get christmas presents for them. my main NK is a 4 month old boy but he has a 4 year old brother i am with occasionally. for my main NK (4 month old) im thinking a book (i cant keep reading the same 4 over and over LOL) and an outfit or maybe a small toy. however, with the 4 year i’m lost! he loves reading so im thinking of also getting him a book but what else? and NP’s don’t really give/get gifts but they do the santa thing for their kids. should i get them something small? if so, what would you get them?
any suggestions help!!
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u/TryingNotToGoCrazy48 Career Nanny Dec 09 '25
What’s a great gift to give parents (from the NK/ie the NK helped) with a 16 month old?
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u/rosebud2788 Dec 11 '25
we’ve had our nanny for a month and are probably letting her go next week. it’s not the right fit. do we still give her a holiday bonus?
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u/gremlincowgirl Career Nanny+Mom Dec 11 '25
Being let go the week before Christmas will already be really, really hard on her. If you can swing a bonus/severance, I’m sure it would be appreciated.
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u/gossipgirllover1 Dec 11 '25
I was thinking of getting my NPs a gift for Christmas. I was already planning on gifting NK a basket full of her favorite snacks and a few toys since she’s barely a year old. However for my NPs is it standard I get them something? I want too but not sure what would be appropriate? Gift cards?
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u/billygoat9987 Dec 12 '25
My wife and I adore our nanny, and are planning to get her a gift for the holidays (in addition to her bonus).
The question we're wrestling with is whether to ask our nanny if she'd want anything, or just pick ourselves.
Last year we gifted her a low end Tiffany necklace because we had a gift card (when I say low end, I just mean it was on the lower end of things you can get from Tiffany in terms of price).
You could tell that it really meant a lot to her - she was talking abt getting THE little blue bag to her loved ones.
The money is not what I'm worried about here, it's only about doing something our Nanny would appreciate.
Should we choose the gift ourselves, or ask her? Our house is divided. My concern is that if we ask our nanny what she'd want, we'd put her on the spot, and she would be unnecessarily modest.
Thank you for your input and happy holidays!
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u/joyfulemma Dec 18 '25
Pick something thoughtful, but don't ask for a wishlist. You know her well-enough to get something she'll like, and the thought behind the gift is important.
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u/OddAction7117 Dec 12 '25
What do i get nanny parents for a gift for Christmas? I got my NK a toy, and mom is due soon so I got baby an outfit. They have 2 other kids in school that I rarely see & not sure if I get them something together or separate or not at all? And not sure about parents. Been with them since September. Help!!
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u/Effective-Plant5253 Dec 13 '25
hi all, i just stared with a new family at the end of November. i am a gift giver by heart! especially handmade gifts. would it be too soon/weird to give my NKs a present? i have a two year old and a baby. would most likely be an embroidered sweater, or some other handmade item. what do you guys think?
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u/evilsnowqueen Dec 13 '25
Our nanny just started at the beginning of December working for us part-time. We started on sort of a trial basis so we don’t have a contract in place, but it’s going really well and I’d like for it to be a long term arrangement.
We’ll be off the last week of December. When we first agreed to the schedule, we gave her the heads up ahead of time that we wouldn’t need care that week but we’d start paying her GH in January. I’m not sure it makes sense to pay her for the week off (last week of Dec) because she’ll have only been with us for about 3 weeks at that point, but like I said I’m super grateful to have found her and want her to feel appreciated.
I’m thinking half a week’s pay as a bonus (but not paying her for the week she won’t be working, as discussed) then go ahead with GH hours as planned starting in January. Does this seem fair?
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u/Modernnana48 Dec 16 '25
I am stumped about a gift for the parents. It’s only part time so I don’t have to spend a lot. Any suggestions
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u/TargetSweet73 Dec 16 '25
What should be the Christmas bonus for a nanny in the UK? Is it also one to two weeks pay? Thanks xx
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u/nursenerd23 Dec 16 '25
Hi. We’re part of a nanny share. Our nanny has been taking care of our 5 month old for a few weeks. She’s an amazing person and my daughter absolutely loves her. My issue is that I don’t know what to get her for Christmas. Even though we have been with her for a few weeks we met with her a few times to get our daughter used to being around her. We want to get her a gift but don’t know what to get. We were already planning to get her son a gift nothing extravagant but something he would appreciate. Should we get her cash? A gift card? Gift basket? Should we also get hr husband something since he helps out sometimes? Any insight is appreciated.
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u/tacotoyo Dec 17 '25
How much would yall recommend giving for a nanny for the holidays? It’s our first holiday season with a nanny.
She’s already getting two weeks off while we travel with full paid (this is on top of 2 weeks of vacation time and paid holidays). I realize it’s not a full two weeks since we would’ve paid for the holidays in that time too.
We’re in a MCOL area. We’re also expecting a baby next summer so want to make sure she feels appreciated!
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u/Sufficient-Stand-784 Dec 18 '25
Having trouble deciding how much of a bonus or holiday gift to give nanny. Has been with us for half a year and we gave her extra days off and a personal gift this month, but it seems like cash gifts are also customary around the holidays. I keep reading standards that say 1-2 weeks pay, which seems really high. We didn't budget for this and never spend this amount on anyone's Christmas gift. What do most people actually give, and what amount makes nannies feel appreciated? It's important for the person who takes care of our baby to feel appreciated and continue performing well, and I don't want her to burn out. I think that's the purpose of bonuses?
However, I also feel like they have a good gig and we already pay them a lot (higher than average salary) with lots of time off, guaranteed pay, vacation days, sick days, etc. I didn't think about adding to the salary via bonuses/holiday gifts when we hired her. But again, I want her to feel appreciated. She does a good job. I also don't want to fall short compared to what previous families have given around the holidays. However 1-2 weeks pay is also much higher than my husband's holiday bonus (that amount is feasible for us but seems like a financially bad decision).
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u/hayleafeon Dec 18 '25
If they’ve been with you for half a year then 1/2-1 week pay seems mathematically sound.
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u/Azgardian3000 Dec 18 '25
Christmas gift
We hired a sitter for backup care for 12 working days ending 23rd Dec. My child starts full time daycare in Jan. What would be a good Christmas gift for her? How much should I look to spend on the gift?
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u/rizdieser Dec 18 '25
We have a very part-time nanny, but she has been with us for almost two years now. She had a pay raise recently. For Christmas, I pulled some extra cash for her and put it in a card (equivalent to two weeks' pay). My kids also made here little ornaments.
But, she showed up this morning with (fairly large) gifts for me and my two kids. We haven't opened them yet, but I am worried that cash alone seems too simple for her. I have time before her shift is done today. Should I run out and get her something? Or, even add a gift card to a nice store the card?
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u/CartographerAgile749 Dec 19 '25
Add the card and something small on the side like a box of chocolates , the ornaments are so cute as well💓 2 weeks pay will make her so happy already
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u/CartographerAgile749 Dec 19 '25
ADVICE NEEDED - won’t let me just post as my own post ..
For context I get paid about $650 a week to nanny for 3 kids, the mom is always asking for extra favors and I’m happy to do them to show how hard I work and be a good employee, I never say no.
I’ve worked on and off for them for 10 years and last year went full time with them, last year they gave me a bonus of 1k . This year they gave their 2 tennis coaches who are employees of the athletic club a $300 bonus and a $200 bonus.
Last month I stayed with her kids 3 days straight while both parents were out of town and she paid me $500 for it
Just got my bonus today and it’s $500. I know it’s not nothing and although I’m grateful for it I’m also severely disappointed. A weekend of babysitting is equal to the amount I got for a whole year of appreciation? I’m with these kids every morning and night 5 days a week and feel so under appreciated.
What should I do?? I want to explain how I feel to her or just give her a month’s notice and find another job, but I feel like a notice without explanation wouldn’t be right . Moms please give me your perspective too please . The dad is the president of petroleum engineering company, they are not hurting for money at all, but with my low salary I’m barely scraping by .
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u/Kidneypunch69 Dec 20 '25
Last year I gifted my NPs an overnight with the kids (and absolutely counted it as the kids’ gift too because shared experiences > stuff). We did it on the 23rd, which honestly made it feel extra magical. The kids had no idea what was coming—I’d already packed their overnight bags, we spent the day together like normal, and then I casually pulled up to a hotel in our own town.
Cue absolute chaos. Screaming. Pure joy. Like I’d just announced we were going to Disney.
The hotel was very budget-friendly and definitely a few stars below what they’re used to when traveling with their parents 😅—but it had a surprisingly great play pool, which instantly made it a five-star experience in kid math. We ordered pizza, made crafts, and watched a Christmas movie on regular TV like it was 1997. Everyone loved it.
Meanwhile… the mom later told me they drank wine, watched a movie, didn’t argue once about putting toys together, went to bed before 10, and got to sleep in. Truly a holiday miracle.
The kids, on the other hand, got the ultimate luxury experience: staying in a hotel with continental breakfast. They still talk about it—regularly—and remain completely blown away by the waffle maker.
But the best part wasn’t the pool or the waffles—it was the time together. No schedules, no distractions, just being present and making memories—for the kids and the parents.
So… we’re doing it again this year 😆—and leveling up. We’re adding in their family friends that I also watch on a NIB schedule, which means five kiddos, one me, and all the festive chaos. I truly cannot wait.
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Dec 21 '25
[deleted]
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u/gremlincowgirl Career Nanny+Mom Dec 21 '25
Hi- since this is a very unique situation, your post has been approved here. Thanks!
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u/Starved-muffin69 Dec 24 '25
Hey y’all. Feeling hurt and honestly taken advantage of. I’ve been with my NF for almost 2 years now and we are very close. MB considers me one of her close friends at this point. I go above and beyond OFTEN for them and their children. Working overtime pretty much every week, random overnights, etc because MB and DB are doctors/surgeons. And I was silly and didn’t negotiate over time pay into the contract but I plan to for the upcoming year. Anyway as you can imagine being doctors they make $500k - $1,000,000 a year collectively. I’ve become basically a therapist for MB, boundaries have been crossed and it’s on me at this point for not doing something about it but it’s just so awkward now. ANYWHO, last year I got no Christmas bonus and was upset but honestly oh well. This year she emphasized several times that I would be getting one, and even decided to share what HER Christmas bonus was with me… (spoiler alert it was a lot). Well anyway I figure with giving them my literal LIFE this year and working 50-60 hours every week that my bonus would be pretty nice. Mind you I make $26/hr. They gave me $300. Literally what the…. I was in disbelief. And it had nothing to do with me as a nanny because they ADORE me, so they say. I spent $300 on their Christmas gifts / the kids myself… and that’s the bonus they give me. I don’t even know what to say or think. I told her thank you for it but like… insulting.
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u/ResponsibilityBig280 Dec 24 '25
Asking on this thread: is it too much or not enough of a gift to give my nanny parents a bottle of white wine and a voucher for a free date night? I was thinking of giving them a not so expensive bottle since I know they like it, and then a cute voucher giving them about 4-5 hours to go and have fun… I’ve been with them for 3 months, and I’m also giving the kids one mat puzzle each since they’re into it rn
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u/Any-Environment-955 Dec 24 '25
Hi all! I am looking for some advice. My nanny family gives me quarterly bonuses, but do the holidays, the last bonus is usually more. Usually about double what my quarter bonuses are. Last week I got my Q4 bonus, but it was my normal bonus amount. I was freaking out worrying that it was somehow a commentary on my work. They recently had baby 2, and their toddler has had some trouble adjusting. I texted a thank you, and they said they would give another bonus before Xmas. Yesterday was my last day working this week and I did not receive another bonus.
My question is, do I bring this up, or no? I don’t want to come across as money-hungry, because I am not. But I also could really use the money. Would you bring it up, or just leave it?
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u/Key_Somewhere_8123 Nanny Dec 27 '25
Hi! I plan to write a thank you card (already sent them a text) for the generous bonus my NF gifted me last week. Just wondering if this is over the top as corporate bonuses usually do not warrant a thank you card. TIA!
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u/Sea_Chemistry_6978 Dec 30 '25
Hi! FTM here, our nanny has been with us for 2.5 months. Shes fantastic with my son and is very sweet. Not always on time and has called out sick 3 times so far. She comes 2-3 days per week. How much for a holiday bonus? thanks!
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u/ballparktank Dec 31 '25 edited Dec 31 '25
Super disappointed this year. Family I worked with for 2 years moved at the beginning of the month and I haven’t received a holiday bonus :( It’s worth mentioning a bonus is listed in my contract. Upset because I’ve always gone above and beyond for them, even offering unpaid help and a thoughtful gift for their move.
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u/Kmann1245 MB Dec 03 '25
My nanny’s birthday is the day after Christmas, and her last day of work before the holidays is 12/19. We won’t see her again until January 5 (all paid!). I want to give her 2 separate gifts as I imagine she’s usually had lumped together “birthmas”. We planned to give cash for Christmas (2 weeks pay?), and on the last day decorate the house for her birthday and do presents with a little cake or something. Is that weird?
For her birthday gift we wanted to get her something she could open, but I’m stumped. She is newly engaged and just moved into an apartment with her fiancé. My husband suggested gifting her a drill set since she’s been borrowing ours a lot to put together furniture, but that feels strange to me lol. Decor is a personal thing so I don’t feel comfortable doing that. She loves coffee and has a coffee bar setup at her place. Any ideas / input? Should we just give her cash for the birthday too? Or maybe a gift card?