I'm a first time mom and we have a nanny we all love like crazy and this February will mark one year. I'm new to your blog and from some of the stories I've read so far our family feels blessed to have such a great nanny. What should we do as far as a Christmas bonus? What is the standard rate? And what about her anniversary in February? Do we give another bonus then too or just a gift? Thanks in advance for all suggestions! - Anonymous
ReplyDeleteFor bonuses of any sort- I gather that one week's salary/average pay is pretty standard.
I also enjoy receiving framed pictures of the kids and/or handmade cards and gifts.
I had been given bonus of $500 (which I was speechless when I got that gift). To add to the list I have been given: Gift cards, pictures frames of the kids, books, a whole year subscription to the symphony orchestra. For my birthday: dinner surprise at a restaurant, or the kids and parents have made a birthday cake, and a gift card.
ReplyDeletein this economy, money is always needed - i like the PPs who say money and something personal also ;)
ReplyDeleteNow here's a truly classy MB!
ReplyDeleteMy current employer give me a month bonus at Christmas and a gift card to my favorite store for my birthday every year. I'm grateful for the gesture but I also know that it's not mandatory for them to do so. Typically a two weeks bonus will do. It's up to you what if you want to buy a gift for her anniversary.
ReplyDeleteWe just hired a new nanny a few weeks ago and we are planning on giving her christmas week off (not counting against her vacation time), a weeks pay (in cash, no taxes taken out), a handmade gift from the kids (we are having them paint her a picture frame and then putting a pic of both of them in it). For a one year anniversary, if you really do like her and value the work she puts into your family, another week of pay in cash is standard for my friends who have nannies.
ReplyDeleteMoney is awesome, also personal likes, like her favorite sweets and a gift card to her favorite restaurant or store. And some people think it is cheesy, but I love getting a picture of the child(ren)with a crayon scribbled card.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI would give her a nice cash gift or a pre-paid VISA credit card. Even a nice Amazon gift card would suffice.
ReplyDeleteKudos to you for being such an awesome employer.
You truly appreciate your nanny and other parents should think like you do.
Peace.
Treat your nanny just like you want your job to treat you when it comes to a bonus.
DeleteI would say a minimum of a week's pay as a bonus, and a personal gift - make sure she knows she's appreciated, whether it's in a card, or a sit down conversation.
ReplyDeleteRegarding her anniversary, once again - let her know she's appreciated. I recommend a raise, perhaps a bonus, and the promise of a retention bonus, because you'd love to keep her another year, would't you?
Nannies don't make a lot of money, and usually have a pretty tight budget - holidays are expensive, and she'll appreciate whatever you can afford. Nothing, however, replaces the words she hears that let her know you appreciate her contribution to your family.
I would say a week's salary in cash and a personal gift for Christmas. For her anniversary, I would say a thank-you gift and a raise. (I think 5% is standard? Not sure)
ReplyDeleteI like your suggestions MM, thats exactly what I was going to say. :)
ReplyDeleteThat’s exactly what I was going to say!! Treat her well I’m respect her as part of the family after all she’s taking care of your most prized possessions your children and she loves them and cherishes them just like you do !!
DeleteBonus for Christmas I think the standard is one week's salary and a homemade gift from the kids.
ReplyDeleteFor her anniversary a raise last I heard it's anywhere from 3-5%
I would also include a heartfelt thank you note. We nannies cannot hear to often how much we are appreciated and a homemade gift from the kids.
If you really want to give her a gift and you know a place she likes go with a gift card or certificate.
Also no candles unless you know for certain she loves them and the scents she likes. People often assume all women love candles and as a woman that doesn't just thought I would include that.
Thank you for being an appreciative and caring MB!
Bethany: a million times yes about the candles! That and lotions/bath products. Why does everyone on earth think we women love these? I am very sensitive to strong scents and will get migraines so I always end up regifting them.
ReplyDeleteFor the holidays, a bonus of a weeks salary for the first year. A small personal gift would be nice, but most important is a card expressing your appreciation. If your baby is too young to scribble on it, enclose a picture of him/her.
ReplyDeleteFor her one year anniversary, sit down together for a job review. You may want to discuss how the job will change going forward as your child grows older. Ask her about any suggestions or requests she has. You may want to go over your contract and make some changes or adjustments. This would be the time to consider a raise. A gift or bonus isn't necessary or expected, but of course anything you do to show your appreciation will make your nanny happy.
I completely agree with Manhattan Nanny. One week Xmas bonus first year and small gifts from the kids (that they buy and pick themselves), plus a long and thoughtful card from us. At one year, we just do a contract review and raise.
ReplyDeleteAt year two I increase the Xmas bonus to two weeks' salary. After that I usually round up to the next five hundred/thousand increment and stay there going forward.
I understand Miss Mannah that some women do not like candles, bath products that are scented, etc. However, it is very rude to give away a gift that was specifically chosen for you. When you receive a gift, you should always remember the thought involved and the time and care that went in purchasing the gift for you. Be thankful for the gift and do not take it for granted. Sure, regifting is economical for some, but if the person ever found out you gave their gift away, then are the hurt feelings and betrayal really worth it?? Also, imagine receiving a gift that was actually chosen for someone else? A cast-off gift.
ReplyDeleteI once gave my neighbor a lovely china set as a gift, only to see her try to sell it in a yard sale months later.
Tacky, much???!!!
Sunny, in theory that makes sense. You should treasure a gift that was chosen especially for you. But in the case of candles/bath products, I do not think they are lovingly chosen for a specific person. They are generic gifts that many people keep in their closets year-round just waiting for a birthday to pop up so they can get rid of the stuff. Sorry if I'm being too cynical.
ReplyDeleteMM, trust me, you're not being too cynical! I agree 100% and have been witness dozens of times in my life to the re-gifting of candles and cheap bath and body products. Those require very little thought in my opinion. One year a bride actually went to the dollar store and bought bath products as gifts for her bridesmaids! Horrible, huh? lol
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWell, to be fair, I don't talk at work about how I don't like them. But my MB does know that I have terrible allergies and get migraines so it would be a little thoughtless if she got me that kind of stuff. But the fact remains that some people are exactly that: thoughtless. I try not to be, I enjoy giving gifts and taking the time to pick out special ones for people.
ReplyDeleteMy sister (who should know better!) gave me a very pretty 4-pack of candles for my birthday. I tried taking them back to the store only to find out she had bought them at the outlet and that scent has since been discontinued, so I couldn't return it. So I regifted it to my Mother-in-law for her birthday and she loved it. Even said the scent is one of her favorites and thanked me for thinking of her. I felt a little guilty about it for not spending money, but it is the thought that counts and obviously my sister put no thought into my present.
I agree that regifting is very unethical.
ReplyDeleteIf someone gave me scented candles or perfumed bath products, I wouldn't just ASSUME they were thoughtless gifts. I would think someone wanted me to enjoy a nice scented bath, perhaps by candlelight. As a working mother, that sounds just delish.
I do not think these are horrible gifts at all. If you do not like them, then at least be gracious enough not to cast them off to someone else thinking you are being economical. If there is any INKLING of a chance that the person who gave you the gift may find out, is it really worth risking a relationship with someone special over some apple-scented candles? I think not.
Plus, people who get cast off gifts usually know.
Sometimes people give me gifts that I am 100% positive were not bought specifically with ME in mind. I have received CDs of artists who I have never heard of and that suit the person giving it to me better. Even though everyone knows I do not drink alcohol, I once received a bottle of whiskey...
Hi op, I am a nanny and I think the best thing you ca give your nanny for Christmas is money!
ReplyDeleteFor her one year anniversary working for you, it's not necessary to give anything, but I think a thank you card would be nice. I've never heard of anyone celebrating the years someone worked for them - that's very sweet of you!
I suggest money because you don't know the nanny's life, only what she tells you, so money is always welcome.
I got last year $300 cash and I was super happy. I have read that some people give one or two weeks pay to their nanny for Christmas.
Money for sure! I work for several families, none full time and some have been very generous which I always remember them for, and others ignore the holiday completely, which I also don't forget. :(
ReplyDeleteFor a year with your family I would take her out to a nice dinner, a weeks pay in cash and a nice collage of pics of her and the kids. The first time I got one of those I melted, and burst into tears :)
ReplyDelete