Quick brainstorm: Christmas / birthday presents for aupairs and nannies

[CoffeeAndCarrotCake]

I know I'm probably jumping the gun a bit, but has anyone thought about Christmas presents for their au pair (or indeed nanny)? I'm not sure whether I'd be expected to pitch it at a nice box of chocolates, or a nice new car - or hopefully somewhere in the middle!! Any thoughts?

(Last time I asked about au pairs I just about had to go to therapy to recover from all the responses - so I've controversy-checked this post and I think it's clean....)

We are planning to give our nanny a nice bonus as we know she's in severe belt-tightening mode at the moment. I'm hoping that means I don't have to panic about a present as well, although I might get her something v small from DS.

I had to laugh at your OP, sorry! A box of choccies or a nice new car. And the therapy comment! MN can be like that, can't it?

Our last ap was with us for 7 mths. It was her b/d shortly after she went home. She didn't have spare weight in her bag for a gift so I gave her a card with x (can't remember the amount now but it may have been 20) Euros in for her to buy the item she wanted once back home. (We'd also paid for her flight home as a thank you.) I'd say that £20 to £30 is probably about right. I used to have a live-in job when I was the age my ap is and I'm sure I just got a birthday card from my employer and I certainly wouldn't have expected a gift. I worked, I got paid at the end of the week. None of this being nice and kind stuff that I do for my aps!

It is the thought that counts and doing little things for them that really help them out (like me picking ap up from the bus stop in our nearest town which is 20 mins walk away as our more local buses don't run that time of night) is much appreciated and, I'm sure, worth more to her than an expensive gift given once or twice during her stay.

As an au-pair, the family give me in the region of £50 and some chocolates for christmas. I also buy the parents and 4 DC's a present.

Usually a Tiffany's bracelet (thank goodness for Amex points!)

CoffeeandCarrotcake, I remember it well!

A Tiffany's bracelet are you for real?????

I think a token pressie, vouchers £20 is good lets them get what they want.

A new car hmm can I come work for you???

Was thinking vaguely of getting mine some proper walking boots, because she loves going walking with us and she doesn't have any. Wouldn't normally be thinking of spending that much money, but this would serve a purpose.

Yes, I am for real.

I reward hard work and enthusiasm, but it costs me nothing as I use amex points to 'buy' it.

TBH I have not done this for all APs only the good ones.