I have been the nanny of an 11-month old boy for about 5 months now. The family has been great and I have really enjoyed watching this little guy grow up over the past few months. Throughout the time that I have been working for this family the have been nothing short of the perfect boss. They discuss any important issues, trips, or any new things they may be introducing to my charge at least 2 weeks in advance, they always pay me on time and sometimes even include bonuses, and they have bought me passes to the aquarium, the zoo, and to Disneyland. They are also very understanding of the fact that I am a full-time student taking online classes, and have no problem with giving me time off around midterms and finals. The reason I am writing this is because my charge's 1st birthday is quickly approaching. I hope to stay on with this family for quite a long time, and have no sign that they feel any different. I am wondering what I should do for his birthday, should I not just get him a present but also the family? Should I write the family a thank you card? Would you readers give me some ideas of some appropriate and genuine things to do? Thanks for any help.
Saturday
♫ Happy Birthday! ♫
Received Saturday, July 3, 2010
I have been the nanny of an 11-month old boy for about 5 months now. The family has been great and I have really enjoyed watching this little guy grow up over the past few months. Throughout the time that I have been working for this family the have been nothing short of the perfect boss. They discuss any important issues, trips, or any new things they may be introducing to my charge at least 2 weeks in advance, they always pay me on time and sometimes even include bonuses, and they have bought me passes to the aquarium, the zoo, and to Disneyland. They are also very understanding of the fact that I am a full-time student taking online classes, and have no problem with giving me time off around midterms and finals. The reason I am writing this is because my charge's 1st birthday is quickly approaching. I hope to stay on with this family for quite a long time, and have no sign that they feel any different. I am wondering what I should do for his birthday, should I not just get him a present but also the family? Should I write the family a thank you card? Would you readers give me some ideas of some appropriate and genuine things to do? Thanks for any help.
I have been the nanny of an 11-month old boy for about 5 months now. The family has been great and I have really enjoyed watching this little guy grow up over the past few months. Throughout the time that I have been working for this family the have been nothing short of the perfect boss. They discuss any important issues, trips, or any new things they may be introducing to my charge at least 2 weeks in advance, they always pay me on time and sometimes even include bonuses, and they have bought me passes to the aquarium, the zoo, and to Disneyland. They are also very understanding of the fact that I am a full-time student taking online classes, and have no problem with giving me time off around midterms and finals. The reason I am writing this is because my charge's 1st birthday is quickly approaching. I hope to stay on with this family for quite a long time, and have no sign that they feel any different. I am wondering what I should do for his birthday, should I not just get him a present but also the family? Should I write the family a thank you card? Would you readers give me some ideas of some appropriate and genuine things to do? Thanks for any help.
I see no need to get the family a present but I do agree that it would be right to get him one. Think of a special present that would mean something to them and to him instead of something like a toy. What about a scrapbook? You probably have lots of pictures of him. I am trying to think of other meaningful gifts but am currently drawing a blank! But I think something meaningful for his birthday would be a gift for the family and for him.
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me, I'm annoyed with Fisher Price. Fisher Price stopped making the Amazing Animals Sing & Go Choo Choo. That was my default gift for 1st and 2nd birthdays and what I would have suggested for OP!
ReplyDeleteI've managed to find a replacement for 2nd birthdays, but sorry OP, I don't know about 1st anymore. Last time I got gifts for a 1-year-old I got a Winnie the Pooh bib, a teething ring and a gloworm. Dull, I know.
I will say this though, focus on the baby. You're welcome to say something along the lines of, "I really enjoy spending time with him, and your family" to the parents, but no need for a card for them.
When my youngest charge turned 1, I got her a little toy I knew she'd like (I think it was a teething ring or something) and enough cupcakes for her big brothers and parents, plus one that I gave her one and let her make a complete mess with it. Chocolate cake was EVERYWHERE, but it made for some awesome pictures.
ReplyDeleteYes...since the family has treated you great, I would definitely give the child a gift, however no need for the family. A personal keepsake such as a scrapbook would be my #1 choice. But if you do not have any pics of your charge, then an age appropriate toy would work just fine!
ReplyDeleteYou have a great heart.
Take video clips and compile a little movie set to music :) Babies love to watch themselves and the parents will love it!
ReplyDeleteI'd suggest a really good quality classic children's book, and write a meaningful little note to him inside it.
ReplyDeleteJust get a gift for the child.
ReplyDeleteI always get books for 1 yos, unless they already have tons of hand me downs from older sibs. Kids between 1 & 2 want to read the same books over and over, so I want to make sure they have the ones I like!
For my charge's first b-day I got him some clothes since he was growing out of his other ones and I found some cute ones on sale at gymboree and pumpkin patch. I gave those to him ahead of time...just put them in the drawer and started using them. The main thing I gave him though was a hardcover version of the book "On the Day You Were Born." It came w/ a CD and I wrote a note saying something along the lines of wishing I could freeze time and keep him the way he is for another day and that as he goes through life there will be ups and downs but no matter what there will always be people in his life who are glad he's here. (The last line in the book is about a baby being born and the family saying "we're so glad you came.") I've also given the board book version as a gift to a friend who had a baby. It's a really neat book. Another mom I work for uses it as a default gift for new babies.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for taking the time to respond to my post! I decided to go a head and get a present for my charge and something small for his family.
ReplyDeleteFor my charge, I got a small swimming pool, some pool toys, a pair of swim trunks and matching rash guard.
For the family, I made a small video montage of videos and pictures that I have taken over the time I have spent working for them. I also used some of their favorite songs.