Nanny christmas bonus

[Letsgetouttahere2023]

I love my nanny and want to show her that this Christmas. Been googling Christmas bonus for nannies and a lot of people say they give 1 week net salary as bonus, which for us would be £500. I just can't afford this!!! Nannies is this what you expect? For context I don't get a Christmas bonus in my job, hence not sure.

Why does it make no sense? Not everyone who has a nanny is super rich, for some they just have jobs like shift work or whatever so require the flexibility of the nanny but have to prioritise one in their finances.

OP if you can't afford it then don't worry, far more important that you're a decent employer and treat them well all of the time than throwing money at them for Christmas. If it works for you I'd explore possibly offering a bit of extra paid time off over Christmas? A gift card, card and maybe a small gift are fine though- plenty of people, including nanny's don't get a bonus.

Our nanny often commented on the fact that we paid her until 6.30 knowing that, 90% of the time, she'd be finished by 6.15 and would always be done by 6.30 unless there was a crash on the motorway or the trains were down rather than paying her until 6.30 and hoping against hope we'd get there on time some of the time was worth much more than any one off bonus or expression of gratitude.

That's what I used to receive plus a present.

I am a nanny with over 17 years experience and Iv never received a £500 bonus.
Iv always had two families part time but have had around £100 in vouchers and few little bits to open all the way down to some sweets/chocolate/toiletries.

A complete mixed bag.

But for me it’s a nice card with some words of thanks. And a small gift that’s really been thought about, for example - voucher for my hobby or something they know if I’d like but wouldn’t necessarily buy myself.

Toiletries are the worst for me as i have sensitive skin which employers know so then I can’t use them

Has she got a partner ? Id be tempted to write a lovely card and then get a voucher for 2 for a lovely spa day plus treatment

I’m quite sure you can afford the £500. Imagine yours and the children’s life without her . This needs to be viewed as an annual retainer and please don’t leave us for a family that pays higher wages/ bonuses, travels extensively and provides a better car for the nanny. Just pay the £500 and thank your lucky stars that you have a decent nanny that you and the children love.

When I was a nanny I got thoughtful gifts never a bonus and I appreciated it very much. But I worked for people who needed the flexibility of a nanny not super rich.

I had the world’s best nanny for years and only gave her a (decent) present costing around £100-150. That was a while ago in fairness.
She never expected a bonus as far as I know!

Or just be a decent employer who treats the nanny with respect, a fair wage, offers flexibility and is always appreciative of their hard work. I doubt a content nanny who felt supported in their job and well respected would leave because they didn't get a cash bonus.

I wonder if this is a new thing like Christmas Pyjamas..

Why not? A lot of people get a Christmas bonus, me included

Vouchers are so subjective - we don't all like the same things. Give her the cash/bank transfer, and let her choose what to spend it on.

For those asking why give such a bonus a nanny, I am not big on tips/bonuses per se, but a good nanny can be such a life saver and bring peace of mind in difficult/stressful times for lots of folk. If you have a good one then do all you can to keep them (happy).

I guess you're right. Why not! I've never received a bonus of any description although last year I did receive a bottle of prosecco 🙄

How about Xmas bonus being half? So €250 then plus some little thing from the kids .

You're quite sure that she can afford it?

How is it that you're so familiar with the OP's finances, exactly?

£100 John Lewis voucher, a token gift from the children ideally something you make with them otherwise chocolates, and a homemade card if they are old enough to help

Great, homemade tat, that she will say is wonderful and then chuck away at the earliest opportunity

My sister is a nanny and is expecting a significant bonus this year, but that's because she works for super rich, when she worked with average families she was grateful for time off and a small present.

I'm sure your Nanny knows you aren't rich so isn't expecting an extra weeks pay. Also you don't want to set a precedent for future years.

I seem to remember giving something like £100 cash plus £70ish gift or something. I didn’t know about the week’s net salary thing 😳 oops. This was about ten years ago. I thought of it more as a Christmas present than a bonus though

Never had one so don't know.......would a nanny really appreciate a mug with a photo of their work on it?

Surely their time away from work / the kids is their time to unwind and not think about work. Would you appreciate a picture of your work mates on a mug? Or is it a mug to keep in your house?

I'm no longer a nanny, but I still work for the same family as a PA, (15 years+). I get a month's wages in cash, plus a very generous present. They also buy my DC an expensive gift. I appreciate that I'm very lucky - they're amazing employers.

I’m very confused by People asking how you can afford £2000 a month but not a £500 bonus.

I’ve been a nanny for 18y and have worked for families at pretty much every level of income you can think of and for many a nanny is a necessity due to working hours, £2000 a month net can often take up one parents monthly wage but it’s something they factor in for the years before going to school in order to keep working which either they want to do or need to do for their career. It’s not an endless pit of money! Most can’t just Chuck another £500 at their nanny!

You do not need to give your nanny a weeks wage, cash or voucher is always, frankly 😂, incredibly appreciated but spend what works for you! A heartfelt card is also appreciated (but don’t just leave the thanks until Christmas! Express it regularly!)

Ive had gifts from a card and a box of chocolates to a weeks wage and a luxury hamper, I’ve had gifts chosen by the children, jewellery, food hampers, bags…there’s no right or wrong!
I appreciate them all and do not favour one over the other! Don’t be taken in by what everyone thinks you should do

Using a popular Mumsnet saying, 'not all nannies are homogeneous!'

Some of us work for very, very rich families, some work for families who scrape the money together as they have no other option for childcare..

Some of us work in areas where nannies are scarce and the families want to make sure their nannies feel appreciated and are not tempted/poached by other families.

There are also nanny's who 'demand' high bonuses (it's written into their contract) and some of us are happy with what we are given!

OP.. Please don't feel under pressure to pay what you can't afford. But OTOH as a nanny it's nice to think that your nanny family really appreciates everything you have done for them over the year, especially if you have gone above and beyond to make their lives easier?

I'd go with the £100 John Lewis voucher and something personal.

My very favourite present was one chosen by the children, a silver plated table bell! I still have it 35 years later and it brings a smile to my face every time I see it