Friday

Penny For Your Thoughts?

opinion dec
I'm not sure where/if this is something I can post on I Saw Your Nanny. I'm just now getting into the blog, and I very much love it! I think it is a great tool to help nannies and parents alike! I hope it keeps gaining popularity!

I moved from Idaho to Syracuse with my fiance for his graduate school in August and began working for this family right after - a little over 4 months now. The family and I began talking last March (she found me on sittercity.com) as it was planned MB would go back to work from maternity leave in August. Our dates matched up, the only issue was because I was living in Idaho I wasn't able to do a face to face interview. We skyped a few times. Anyway, she basically 'hired' me online (my references are amazing, which is why she didn't just find someone local, and I was VERY persistent) but made it clear we wouldn't sign the contract until actually meeting incase either of us felt uncomfortable with the other. What I'm trying to mainly get at is that we have been talking/getting to know each other since March. I have worked for her for only 4 months but because of the extended pre hiring process I feel much closer to her than I would someone who I had only known four months. The job is wonderful and I couldn't have gotten any luckier. The 1 year old baby is amazing and perfect in every way. He makes me excited to go to work every day. I just wanted to give you a little preview of my situation before I ask my question.

Should I get my employers a Christmas gift?! I didn't with my past employers, but we didn't have as close of a relationship. I got my past charges presents, but would have felt awkward giving ones to MB and DB. The toddler (so sad he can be called a toddler now!!) and I are making a hand print picture frame and I'm putting an adorable 5X7 photo of him in it for a present from him to MB and DB, and I got baby some skill building toys. I'm a sucker for any toy that can also help learn! But should I also get Parents something?? MB LOVES my wallet, I was thinking about getting a similar one for her?? Opinion from nannies or parents desperately welcomed!! Thanks!

11 comments:

Nanny shows that she cares said...

If you get them anything- make a hand crafted gift with the baby!! They make great gifts. Hand print dinner plate, scrapbooks or in your case (sense you have only been there a short time)_ I did a collage of activities- hoping your took pics!!! Hands and feet make great gifts, too.

Nanny J said...

Does she already have one of those picture frames with 12 photo slots in it, each photo representing months 1-12 in baby's first year?

That could be a good idea!

Anonymous said...
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Manhattan Nanny said...

Gifts go down the pipe, not up. Many employers would be uncomfortable receiving a gift from their nanny. Mine always tells me I shouldn't give the kids gifts, but of course I do anyway.
Gifts for the kids, and something you help them make for their parents is what I think most of us do. The toys and baby picture you described sound like very good ideas, and I'm sure your employers will be pleased.

NaytheNanny said...

I really think it depends on your relationship with the parents. Usually something having to do with the child is best(maybe an ornament for the tree with the child's picture?)

Just My Two Cents Just Now said...

I don't think it is mandatory to give an X-mas gift to your bosses at all. However, if you really want to give them something, I would recommend something homemade vs. store bought. The thing you made should be enough. Or if you like to bake, perhaps a plate of fudge or cookies in a cute Christmas tin.

Just don't spend too much money or you may embarrass your bosses. After all, you work for them.

Anonymous said...

Gift down, not up. You gift the children, the parents gift you. A card is enough for the parents.

ELam said...

I gift the children. I am simply giving the parents a card with a "voucher" for one free night of childcare (if they want to have a date night or something). I've always done that and it is always an appreciated gesture without having to buy them a gift that they may feel awkward receiving.

Nannycaroline said...

I made a nice little photo album for my bosses with cute pictures of their baby and got the baby a little toy. So what you were thinking sounds good.

Syracuse Nanny said...

Hi! I'm a nanny in Syracuse too! I'm always looking for nanny friends. Can you email me? feildy1017@aol.com Just put "Syracuse Nanny in the subject heading. Thanks!

NY Nanny said...

My bosses are awesome and so are the kids. I have been working with this family for a little over 4 months and I absolutely love my job. They are constantly letting me know how much they appreciate me and the kids are always telling me how much they love me. Three months into working at this job they gave me an expensive designer bag for my birthday. For the Holidays, I thought it would only be right to give them gifts- since I love them so much. I gave each of the kids 3 inexpensive toys I knew they would like (all ranging $10- $20) and gave the parents a card and a picture I took of the kids that was burned onto a stone tile and a bottle of wine (since they are wine drinkers).