The Holidays are Upon Us!

Every year we get an influx of e-mails from past clients around the holidays asking about bonuses and gifts for their nanny. So here is all the information you could wish for this holiday season!

The typical holiday bonus for a nanny is 1-2 weeks’ pay. If your nanny has been with you less than one year, it is standard to prorate the bonus accordingly. If possible, we love the idea of giving your nanny’s holiday bonus to them earlier in December so they can use it as-needed for travel, buying gifts, or other expenses incurred at that time of year.

Another common inquiry is if we have any ideas on a small gift to include alongside the bonus. Anything handmade by your child(ren) will be great appreciated- an ornament for the tree, a picture frame, even a hand drawn card will undoubtedly be kept for years to come. If you are looking for a store bought gift, something to make your nanny feel extra welcomed and comfortable in your home can be a hit. For example, a pair of nice cozy slippers or a personalized coffee mug for them to keep in your kitchen. If your nanny uses her personal vehicle for driving your child(ren) throughout the work day, a gift card for a car wash and detail is a practical, meaningful gift. Car seats, muddy shoes, snacks, and little handprints leave marks on nannies’ vehicles that may otherwise very well be a kid-free car.

We know that holidays can be hectic for everyone, but we encourage you to extend paid time off to your nanny if possible. Nannies often regularly work more than 40 hours per week without breaks; pouring time, effort, and love in to your family; it is always greatly appreciated to give them time to recharge and focus on their own families.

Lastly, we want to acknowledge the fact your nanny may not celebrate the same holidays as your family. This can be a great learning opportunity for all parties. To the extent all parties are comfortable sharing, maybe your nanny has a holiday treat she would love to bake with your children or fun tradition she can introduce. We encourage you to keep an open dialogue so everyone feels valued and satisfied with the nanny-family relationship.