We would like to get a birthday gift for our nanny's 9 year-old daughter. We asked the nanny what would be good and decided on a gift certificate to Borders, as she loves to read.
Any ideas on what the amount should be? We want to give an appropriately generous amount since we are her mother's employer, but we don't want to outshine any gifts she got from her family. Also, as I am currently unemployed, we are on a budget, and the nanny has two other kids with birthday's coming up.
Our nanny is a drop off nanny; we drop our son off at her apartment during the day. So her daughters play with our son when they get home from school and are very much a part of his life.
Also, we're in New York City, which could affect the pricing, but I just wanted to a get a general sense from people.
UPDATE:
Very good points below! We were planning to give a Christmas bonus to the nanny of about $200, and give it to her before Christmas, so that she could spend it on gifts if she chooses. I don't think we were planning to do Christmas gifts for the kids, but I think that might depend on how it unfolds. We just started with the nanny in January, so we haven't been through this before. They are Latino so Christmas might be a big deal and they might get our son a gift.
I realize we're in a different scenario with a drop-ff nanny because many nannies have either no kids yet, or grown kids, whereas ours have school age kids that spend part of every week day with our son.
I was thinking $25 or $20; my husband wants to do less. We and the nanny's family live in the same neighborhood in Spanish Harlem in Manhattan. We live in relatively similar apartments in similar neighborhoods. They know my husband works in the non-profit world and I am under employed. So I realize this may sound a little strange, (and feel free to tell me I'm wrong!) but I feel like the dynamic we have with our nanny's family is a little different than other kinds of nanny-family relationships. When I was growing up in the 'burbs, the families I babysat for were clearly upper middle class, nice big houses, fancy cars, etc etc. If that was the case with us, I think we would be expected to do a certain amount of gift. But I think it is apparent that's not where we're at financially. (perhaps someday!) Of course, clearly we have more $ than the nanny's family. But I'm guessing this isn't a situation where the kids would think we're being cheap if we go $25 or less. But I'd love y'all's opinions. (Yes, some of us New Yorkers say y'all.)
We've set the budget at $20 per daughter and done books, iTunes gift cards, etc. Sometimes its a little over, sometimes its a little under. They have Wii, so we decided to get them 1 Wii game for Christmas, after consulting with the nanny because we wanted to respect her wishes re gifts. With gifts, I tend to lean towards getting some thing the person wants rather than the surprise, so we asked the oldest daughter what to get and went with Epic Mickey. For the nanny, we did a Christmas bonus plus baked goods and fair trade hot cocoa mix from the Dominican Republic, made by Equal Exchange.
I would say $15-20, but I live in Alaska, so I know nothing about what the costs of things might be like in a place like New York. Maybe go to the book store and see what the average price is for a book in the 9 year old range and base it off that.
A $20 dollar gift card will be fine.
Blessings....
I think a gift card to Borders for $15 is perfect, especially since you have two other of her kids to buy for. She can probably buy two books for $15.00, which is great! I wouldn't spend any more than $15 because I think you should put a lot more toward her Christmas gift/bonus. I think she would appreciate more money being shifted toward her (so she can use it to buy her kids stuff or whatever) as opposed to $20 or $25 on a Borders gift card for her kids. Her kids don't work for you - she does, so pamper her! I think a $15 gift card is a very nice gesture for her kids! And, it doesn't have to be equal - there is no law! My point - you don't have to spend $15 on her other kids. You can go to TJ Maxx or Marshalls (if you are close to one, I guess it would have to be in New jersey - oh well, maybe not). I was going to say to buy her other kids presents from those stores b/c they are cheaper and have great deals on childrens' toys and books.
Honestly, I think the expectation with a Border's gift card is that the child would be able to buy one or two books, right? For that age range I would think $20 would be plenty--actually I think $15 would be just right. Especially since you have similar economic situations and there are 2 other kids to consider thoughout the year. I would include a note that says something like, "____ has so much fun with you and we're so glad he has you to play with! I know you like to read so here is a little gift so you can get yourself a new book or two. Happy Birthday!" I'm sure your nanny will be touched that you thought of her child and be pleased.
How about taking her out to lunch or do something fun with her, so her mom gets a break also. Getting a hair cut or nails done etc. Or even going to the book store and letting her to pick out a book or so. Making extra effort for people and their families who help us with care for our children is worth every penny.
I would think what you would spend on any other friend or classmate's birthday gift would be appropriate. We spend about $15-$20.
I say you're right on the ball with $20 or $25.
Yes, I agree with you that your situation is not a typical "nanny" situation...in fact it sounds more like a babysitter. I would think $25 is perfect. She can get plenty at Borders for that amount, plus you have her other children to buy for.
- Happy Gift Giving!
Well, so there are the birthday's coming up for her 2 other kids... and then right around the corner is Christmas..... so you'd I assume, have to get all her kids Christmas presents too? Or do you just get something for your Nanny at that time???
Plan ahead... per budget. LOTS of expenses this time of year... and with Christmas coming up.
Another way to look at it is: how much would you spend on your own kids... and would the amount you spend on your Nanny's 3 kids... outshine that??? or not???
