How should I show appreciation to my wonderful au pair?

[fluffymouse]

We have had our au pair for 2 months now and she is brilliant in all ways. She is great with dd, who is not always easy, and does lots of housework too (far more than I ask or expect).

We have done everything possible to help her feel comfortable, but I am wondering what I could offer as a sign of our appreciation?

Ideas I have so far:

1. Pay rise (but I believe we could only increase to 109 per week without needing to register as an employer)
2. A one off bonus
3. Something else?

Thank you

Pay rise ... if you can afford it.

Why not buy her something like gym membership or offer to pay for language classes, an Oyster card, cinema tickets etc? Or book a day off work & give her a day off. A pay rise after 2 months seems unnecessary but a gift of appreciation would be lovely.

What is she into? A spa treatment, gig or festival tickets (with a +1), flight home, topshop vouchers? Something thoughtful is nicer I think...

Money!

an extra paid trip home

I think cinema tickets or tickets to a show would be great.
My old employer used to buy my candles and smellies occasionally because she knew i loved them.

I love reading about employers like you! Maybe ask what her favourite takeaway is and order it in for a sort of celebratory evening? Or something with a personal touch from your daughter?
I always love receiving things that the children have made/written that I can keep and look back on. But then I am quite sentimental and some people are not as much.

I would pay for something for her or take her somewhere she'd love to go - theatre tickets, gig, vouchers for TopShop, gym membership etc.

I wouldn't do a pay rise as it's permanent. If she carries on being great, carry on treating her!

Ok so it seems most aren't in favour of a pay rise. She is a sentimental type, so a card made by dd is a great idea, I'll just need to think of something else special to give her :)

How about plane fare home for a long weekend? Our APs were very grateful when we used to give them that as a present. Or if that's too expensive, coach fare, or a sightseeing w/e in UK somewhere.

Fluffy. Luck you to have such a fab au pair - and for the AP to have such a family.
Can I ask how you found her?

Au pair world.. and luck!