Yes, the holidays are amongst us… AGAIN. If you’re anything like me, you’re far from prepared. Ready or not, it’s time to start thinking about what and who should be on your shopping list!   Please be sure to include important people such as your nanny, babysitters, teachers, coaches, etc. as they make such an impact on our children’s’ lives.

In hopes to provide families with some gift ideas, last year we recommended a few popular gifts. You can read the blog here: The Perfect Holiday Gift for Your Perfect Nanny or Caretaker.

This year, we wanted to know- what holiday gifts are nannies typically receiving? We asked and they answered!

What gifts have you received or are accustomed to receiving? 

#1.        Cash

#2.        Gift cards

#3.        Other items such as clothes, jewelry, household items, blankets, mugs, luggage, purses, candles, plants, etc.

#4.        Personalized or sentimental gifts like a card, pictures, kid-made items.

Have you received a cash bonus/monetary gift at the end of the year? 

78%-     YES.

22%-     NO

How much was it for? 

28%-     $500+

25%-     $100-$250

20%-     $50-$100

18%-     $250-$500

9%-       Less than $100

What was the best gift you received from your employer? 
Nannies responded with:

• Cash. When in doubt, go with cash! Cash is always preferred over gift cards.
• Airline gift card or purchased plane tickets.
• Picture of me and the kids.
• A goodie bag with candy, a candle, fuzzy socks, and a bottle of wine.
• Extra paid time off.
• A weekend getaway.
• Apple watch.
• Nice luggage.
• Designer purse.
• Spa gift card.
• Snow tires.
• A mug with a picture of the kids on it.
• Starbucks gift card and mug.
• A handwritten letter of appreciation.

If you were to receive a gift card, where would you like it to be from? 

#1. Amazon

#2. Starbucks

#3. Bed, Bath & Beyond

#4. A tie between Kohls and H&M

Other top contenders: Gift cards to a local car wash, Target, Walmart, King Soopers, Visa cash cards, and airline gift cards.

What should parents consider or know about this holiday season? 
Nannies responded with:

• Being included in gift giving, we feel appreciated and a part of the family.
• Relaying appreciation is always valued.
• It’s nice to know you’re thinking of us during the holidays and to feel we’re important enough to get a gift for.
• If you plan on purchasing a specific item, be sure we’ll use it. For example, don’t buy a Nordstrom’s gift card- I’m a nanny, I don’t shop at Nordstrom’s lol.
• Meaningful expressions and thank you cards are felt and loved.
• Pictures or gifts “from the kids” are always fun and feel personal.
• To me, anything is appreciated. It’s the expression of appreciation that means the most.
• Offering PTO, especially during the holiday season, is very much appreciated. Though I absolutely love the families that I’ve worked for in the past and enjoy partaking in holiday crafts, activities, etc. with the children, having some paid time off to spend with my family is also important to me. A perfect work life balance is pretty much impossible to achieve but I always felt that with Nanny work, my balance was as close to perfect as possible.
• Know that we alllllllll share what we got in the nanny circles haha.

Clearly, showing appreciation through various ways is the most special gift of all. I promise this isn’t supposed to be a cheesy Hallmark message but do put in effort to show your nanny how valued they are. Especially this time of year!

Happy holidays!