What can I buy my diamond CM when we move at the end of the month?

[LadyBiscuit]

She's looked after my DS for over two years and she feels like a part of our extended family. I'm sure we'll see her again (I hope she and her family will come and visit) but I want to get her something from my DS that says thank you properly.

What would you like if you were her?

A bonus? That is the ultimate in flexibility, and there is no reason why a CM should be obliged to receive gifts in kind, rather than money.

I'd give her money but I think she'd be horrified and think me very impolite. I could give her vouchers maybe. I might ask her daughter next time I see her - she will have a good idea I suspect of something she might like (apart from a crate of Bacardi :o)

Such a shame people are hung up about money in these circumstances. In any other job, a bonus would be very welcome!

Asking her daughter sounds a very good idea. If she demurs, too, you could always make a donation in her name to a charity like the NSPCC or a health charity (e.g. if she has a relative who has suffered from something). This is my fall-back option with a family member who "has everything".

Gift voucher for an expensive spa?

(Expensive)Cashmere sweater?

New handbag?

Personally I really don't like the idea of "giving" someone a "present" of a charity donation at all. Your instincts re a money present may well be right so I would buy her a luxury item that she might not treat herself to.

I'd also get her something tangible and then maybe, if you can afford it, a gift of money as well. That way it's obvious that it's a present and you're not being impolite but she can use it as she wants.

I am a nanny & I would prefer money tbh, I got given an expensive (£30+) bottle of wine one Xmas which although was v.nice of the family, I would have prefered money even if of a lesser value. I dont understand why she might think money impolite but maybe I am just being a bit thick!

I think it's always nice to receive money but I would be if someone gave me money. I agree with you on that. I would also be embarrassed to give cash as a present.

sorry first read that as can i give a diamond to my cm.. nearly fell off the table..lol..

I would b a bit embaressed reciving money.. dont know why though... bottle of wine, chocs or a voucher for salon massage.. nice

It's such a shame, though, that some people are so embarrassed about money (both the CMs and the parents), as why shouldn't CMs get the same sort of bonus as office workers, who have no qualms about accepting a monetary bonus?

Is it to do with the "personal" relationship of parent and childminder? Does it feel too uncomfortably like tipping?

Clothes vouchers ... ask her where she buys her clothes and get her a voucher for that shop.

i have no problem in receiving cash a bonus in money :)

i also have no problem giving cash/vouchers for weddings and birthdays - much easier imho

if you really dont want to give cash then maybe a voucher at a shopping center that can be used in any shop there - ie like bluewater or a john lewis/waitroise

I'm not sure why. I'm a teacher so I guess it's similar, but I don't ever get monetary bonuses and would feel very uncomfortable getting money as a gift.

I've had vouchers and they have been very welcome. One person gave me an orchid and other parents have seen it and then gave me another and I have had a succession of them. One was lovely but no more please. Another gave me biscuits and they were gorgeous too and very short lived.

I'm not a CM but I love getting vouchers as gifts - my family and friends know I like reading and gardening so I always get vouchers related to my interests (Amazon vouchers most desired!).