Gifts Should Convey the Right Message, Not a Price TagThis week we are sharing the results of the Be the Best Nanny Newsletter holiday gift-giving survey for nannies and au pairs.
When giving a gift to your employers (the parents) you want to appear generous, but not as a gift show-off. At the same time, cheap gifts send the message that you are only offering a gift because you felt that you had to.
Before selecting a gift, ask yourself what message does the gift (and the reason for giving the gift) convey about you? The right gift should show that you cared enough to give an appropriate and thoughtful gift out of appreciation and respect.
It is appropriate for nannies and au pairs to share handmade gifts with their employers' because they work very closely with them and their children. When giving handmade gifts to the parents try to consider the parents' interest -- not yours. Handmade gifts should either appeal to the personal tastes or interests of your boss, or have some practical use.
Knitted scarves, hats, blankets are welcome keepsakes. Scrapbooks made with photos you have taken of the children over the year and memory books about the children are always treasured gifts. But, if you have a passion for making sock monkeys, you might think about purchasing a gift rather than making them something they might not use, need, or treasure. Stop by on Thursday and Friday for holiday gift giving ideas from nannies and au pairs.
When choosing a gift for your employers' this holiday season remember the main goal of giving them a holiday gift is to show your appreciation and respect. That doesn't always require much money.
Here are the results of the Be the Best Nanny Newsletter holiday gift-giving survey about how much nannies and au pairs spend on a gift for the parents?
If you purchase a gift for the parents how much do you spend?
55% Under $30 per gift.
10% No more than $50 per gift.
5% No more than $75 per gift.
5% I have no budget, I just buy what I think they will love.
2% Other which included responses such as: I try to buy one gift for both parents. I spend much less than $30 per gift.
Before selecting a gift, ask yourself what message does the gift (and the reason for giving the gift) convey about you? The right gift should show that you cared enough to give an appropriate and thoughtful gift out of appreciation and respect.
It is appropriate for nannies and au pairs to share handmade gifts with their employers' because they work very closely with them and their children. When giving handmade gifts to the parents try to consider the parents' interest -- not yours. Handmade gifts should either appeal to the personal tastes or interests of your boss, or have some practical use.
Knitted scarves, hats, blankets are welcome keepsakes. Scrapbooks made with photos you have taken of the children over the year and memory books about the children are always treasured gifts. But, if you have a passion for making sock monkeys, you might think about purchasing a gift rather than making them something they might not use, need, or treasure. Stop by on Thursday and Friday for holiday gift giving ideas from nannies and au pairs.
When choosing a gift for your employers' this holiday season remember the main goal of giving them a holiday gift is to show your appreciation and respect. That doesn't always require much money.
Here are the results of the Be the Best Nanny Newsletter holiday gift-giving survey about how much nannies and au pairs spend on a gift for the parents?
If you purchase a gift for the parents how much do you spend?
55% Under $30 per gift.
10% No more than $50 per gift.
5% No more than $75 per gift.
5% I have no budget, I just buy what I think they will love.
2% Other which included responses such as: I try to buy one gift for both parents. I spend much less than $30 per gift.
Stop by tomorrow for more results from our Holiday Gift-Giving Guide.
6 comments:
I can honestly admit that I have given very expensive gifts to the parents, not out of competition but probably out of guilt. They do so much for me and are so generous I try to be equal.
Really good to hear from this survey that it's not necessary for me to spend so much. I just felt like I want to share how much I thank them. But you're right, a price tag doesn't prove that, sentimental gifts do.
Although, in New York I think we must spend more than $30 since that won't buy much more than a pack of gum here!
Reyna H
I kind of agree with Reyna, under $30 doesn't buy much. This year I'm giving them a $50 gift certificate to their favorite restaurant and free babysitting that evening. They will still owe more money for the bill that night. $50 won't even cover the meal for both of them, but it's the thought that counts.
I suppose it depends where you live too. The cost of gifts are different. Also different nannies make different salaries.
I JUST STARTED THIS JOB IN NOV DO I STILL HAVE TO GET PAENTS A GIFT? OR JUST KIDS? ID LIKE TO JUST GIVE THEM A CARD
Anonymous: I think the article with the poll explains pretty much what I would do in your situation. I think a small token of appreciation would be great. If all you can think to do is give a card than that's fine. But a small, thoughtful gift means a lot more. Try to think of what they would like from you. Make a baked goodie, free babysitting for an evening, movie tix, that sort of thing.
Every time the child says something cute write it down in a tiny notepad. Bring your camera with you everywhere with you and the child. Then make a scrapbook each year for the family. Best present they could ever get.
I really struggle with this each year. Good to know most of the nannies that took this poll don't overspend. I won't feel so guilty in the future.
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