Nannies/CMs: would you prefer a small gift + more cash or larger gift + less cash?

[PacificDogwood]

We have a fixed sum of money we'd like to spend on our nanny for Christmas.

Her handbag recently broke as she left us and I thought it would be nice to replace it.

DH however pointed out that a handbag is a rather personal thing and she might prefer to buy one herself.
I cannot really disagree with that, but just somehow want to give her something more personal that just money.

So, what would you prefer: box of chocolates or something similar and small and a more generous cheque or naice handbag (I've got my on one on TKmaxx ) and smaller cheque?

TIA.

I'd give her the chocolates plus a cheque with a card which says "We thought this could go towards a new handbag as yours broke recently"

This shows you've thought about what she would like, but also leaves the choice up to her - I wouldn't want someone to choose a handbag for me I am very fussy.

I'm not a nanny or CM though I'm a MB grappling with the same nanny christmas present dilemma!

Yep as a nanny I agree a small gift, plus money with a note about a new handbag.

Ok, great, thank you both.

I am sure you're right, that's what I'll do.

It may require me buying the chosen handbag for myself though

Sounds like everyone will be happy then!

Ditto small gift and money towards something

My brother once brought me a handbag - was very exspensive but so not me :(

I told him and exchanged it but felt bad doing it

Normally I'd say whatever has been thoughtfully chosen is fab! But if you're wanting to help her towards a new handbag, maybe a box of choccs, bath smellies etc would a nice thoughtful gift to have alongside a bag so she can choose for herself. If it was me, I'd be over the moon!

Small token present, more cash for me please. I like the idea of a note with it, saying about putting it towards a new handbag. I am another one who just likes of pick my own stuff. She might have her heart set on a new bag, but be trying to save up for it, so to buy her a bag of your choice, which she then feels she has to use as she sees you everyday, may be more of a disappointment to her.

Oh, good point, she might feel obliged to make sure I see her using the bag, if I got her one.
Ok ok, much as I hate to admit it, DH was right on this one.

That is so thoughtful of you and I'm sure your nanny must feel appreciated by you already!
I'm in support of the small gift and little bonus option as I'm also a very fussy person and would prefer to choose my own handbag.
It's really nice that you would think to buy her a gift as well as give money