Do I buy our nanny a birthday present??

[mulberrylover]

I apologise if this is an odd question.

Our nanny started with us last week- and it is her birthday next Wednesday. I asked my ex about it (as he had a nanny many years ago with his older children) and he told me they never brought their nannies present.

I thought it a bit odd?? My friend gives hers a bit of a cash bonus but she's a "giving" person anyway.

Is it expected? I'd hate to make things awkward.

I have no idea what the right thing to do is, but as she's only, been with you a tiny amount of time I'd just maybe buy a box of chocolates or something. Just a small gesture. Next year if you feel she warrants something more, ie bonus or proper present then I'd get / do something more substantial. But that's just me, I don't have a nanny!

I would. As just started just a card made by kids and bottle wine/ or small box chocs would be a nice gesture. A larger cash gift can be given next year if you want to do that

My bosses always buy me a present!

I've had spa vouchers, money or something to do with my hobbies (photography and reading) costs from £25 - £250.

However, I don't expect anything other than a card and something from the children (a homemade card from them and/or a small gift that they have chosen or made (cup/photo frame they have drawn on or their hand/foot prints) ) anything extra is a huge bonus.

As she has been there a short time a card and box of chocolates/book voucher depending on how much you appreciate her! (My new boss gave me £200 for a new handbag 6 weeks after I started as I broke the zip on mine and she said that she is so happy that I am working for her! Which is so lovely and I did tell her that there was no need!)

Don't have a nanny, nor ever had a nanny, but I certainly would give her a card and something small as mentioned above. Who doesn't like receiving things on their birthday? It'll make her feel welcome.

My bosses get me presents but they are in no way expected. I also get their ds's pressies for bday and Christmas. I spend about £15 on them each but my bosses go overboard on me (which is lovely) but I can feel uncomfortable. It shows how much they appreciate the effort and extra hard work I put in. As sometimes at the end of the day there's not enough time to say thanks

I'd definitely get a card and box if chocs and then see how you feel next year.

As a nanny I've always received a present from my bosses on birthdays, but then I always buy for my charges.

On my birthday this year I was 4 weeks into a temp job when my bosses surprised me with a lovely orchid and box of chocolates. I think a small gesture this year to your nanny does help build good relationships and will show that you appreciate a hopefully good start to the job.

Have always had card and pressies from my bosses - tho some nannies I know their bosses forgot/got nothing :(

That is hurtful

A card is a must and yes your nanny hasn't been with you for long but flowers or wine and finishing even an hour early is nice if you can

Ummm...I guess you could flip the question and ask yourself would you feel it a nice gesture if you or your dcs received a gift/card from her?
My eldest is a nanny, and bought thoughtful gifts for the family she works for, although she has been with them for much longer.
They (rightfully) adore her and reciprocate.

Lovely idea from Blonde to give an hour off work early - if possible.

I've been working for the same family for 5 years, my birthday always falls when they are away on holiday and I have never received a present from them - I get a card through the post - just one they bought, not made by children or anything. It does upset me because I buy for all 3 of their children and whilst I don't expect them to buy me something, a homemade card or even an hour off would be so appreciated, given the amount of time I've been there.
So in response to your OP, I think it would be lovely if you got her a small gift.

I always did, usually a voucher from her favourite shop and a card made by the children.
I actually don't like receiving a present from our nanny on my birthday though, so I make it clear when giving her a gift that I don't want one in return!

My previous family, hired me a few weeks before my birthday and they bought me a lovey selection of cakes from a bakery.

I think it's a nice way to show appreciation for your nanny by giving a small token.

I always give free babysitting as a present, and a card from the baby.

i dont buy pressies for parents, but always give a card, as i buy pressies for the dc i look after

As she's only just started, then something small from the DCs, box of chocolates would be good.

In the future, then yes, a birthday (and Christmas) gift would be appropriate.

oh and it might be nice if your DCs are old enough to make a card for her this weekend.

I have always been given a card and gift from the families I work for and always get the children a gift.I usually give the parents a nights baby sitting,I live out and rarely baby sit for them.

Yes! it's a lovely opportunity to get your relationship onto a warm footing. Agree with card, chocs or wine, and an hour off. Marvellous.

In a word ..yes. Get the children to make a card at least.

The children make a card and cupcakes to eat at our house for their "afternoon snack" which they have with their nanny. We also buy her a bunch of flowers from the whole family and 50 pounds of department store vouchers.

With our old nanny the children wanted to give her a "party" and her birthday is always during school holidays so they always had an afternoon out (usually going to see a kids´ film then getting milkshakes or ice-cream - probably not her idea of a perfect birthday but really it was just an opportunity for the kids to enjoy a treat with her). With the new nanny we will see what feels right but I imagine the "gifts" will be similar. Her birthday is around Easter time so may sometimes fall during school holidays.

Card & a cake to have with the children seems ideal

Presents are always appreciated! I was always jealous of a nanny friend of mine who always had a party thrown for her by the family she worked for, like a kids birthday party type thing with surprise presents, and party food and music.

I've had my birthday fall between nanny jobs 3 times now, so often miss out... It's lovely to feel appreciated, especially when you buy presents for he children on their birthdays which I always have done.

If you don't know what to get you can't go wrong with amazon or department store gift cards.