Our Nanny Gift Guide

It's that time of year again! 

At the end of each year, it's pretty typical of families to provide some type of year-end bonus as a way to say thank you. (If this is new to you, check out our blogpost from last year here, detailing some of the "norms" in NYC.) In addition to a cash bonus, some families like to give a little gift to show the appreciation, too! While I don't recommend reducing the cash bonus much if at all, some families do choose heartfelt gifts for nannies as a little extra something.  

​Needing a little inspiration?

Here below are 12 fun ideas and gifts for nannies for all budgets and all occasions!
​

---

1.  "Bad" weather gear
​      •  As the saying goes, "There is no bad weather; only bad clothing."  When I was a nanny, I had clothing that simply could not brave the Upper West Side, Riverside Drive winds, and every spring, my rain boots would somehow tear, rendering them worthless. Quite frankly, I couldn't afford the awesome gear that my bosses had, even though I knew it was worth the investment!
      Nice boots, a rain or winter coat, or mittens make wonderful gifts for nannies, along with a note that says, "We appreciate your willingness to get out there and get the job done! Hope this makes your life a little easier!"  

2.  Nanny's Day Out:  self-care and pampering to the max!
     •   Getting a massage is wonderful! Your nanny may appreciate a gift certificate to a spa, but the crème de la crème is doing this while getting an extra paid half-day off!  What a nice treat.  If you have the ability to come home from work around noon to relieve your nanny, it will truly be a “Nanny's Day Out”. Book the appointment slot, and make it into a whole afternoon planned for their relaxation and rejuvenation. It doesn't have to be the highest end package! A simple massage plus the gesture of the whole "event" is incredibly touching.
      But, are they not much of a massage/pedicure/manicure person, or is that on the higher end of your budget? Get them a movie theater gift card instead, and put a date in the calendar to them off just a few hours early instead of a half day. 

3.  Nanny Swag!
     •   One of our favorite small businesses, Nanny Tees, has some cute gear that nanny's love - trust us! Coffee mugs, bags, hoodies, t-shirts... What more could a nanny want for a relaxed day off?

4.  INA membership
      •  Your nanny is a professional, and you respect that person as a vital part of your family. As such, providing them opportunities to develop as a professional is key! The mission of the International Nanny Association is to serve as the umbrella association for the in-home child care industry by providing information, education and guidance to the public and to industry professionals. By giving your nanny a membership, you're making a statement that you respect them as a professional and desire them to keep growing in their work! 

5.  Handmade goods from your kiddos
     •  Ok, I know this is a bit more traditional, but frankly, nannies are really touched by heartfelt, handmade goods that are memorable. When first nanny position in NYC ended, the children made me a flower pot, and it sits in my kitchen holding one of my favorite plants in it to this day. A picture frame is also nice with a photo of your nanny and children, too. Anything that is extra special will go a long way! There are some cool places in Brooklyn and Manhattan where you can spend the morning making memories with your children, and then pass along the crafts as a gift. Not just great gifts for nannies, but also great for grandparents, too!

6.  Host a family dinner together with taste of their home flavor
     •  If your nanny isn't from your neck of the woods, research a regional dish or food item to give them a little taste of home. Don't wait long though - if it needs to be special ordered, do it now! You can even take it a step further and sit down together as a family with your nanny to show him or her your appreciation. Even if the dish doesn't taste 100% authentic, your nanny would be completely touched by the gesture and your efforts.

​7.  Matching socks!
      •  Want to make your nanny feel a part of the family? Get some fun socks for him or her, and also the kiddos! Your children will love matching with their best buddy. Just a little something cozy and fun to wear around the house. These are great gifts for nannies AND kids!
      We personally love Socks & Souls, a company that gives an additional free pair of socks to someone in need with each pair of socks purchased. Think Warby Parker and TOMS.

​8.  Gift card to get their car professionally detailed!
          •  Does your nanny drive your children around in their own car? Chances are, there has been some wear and tear. If you have a nanny or manny who is neat and orderly in other areas of their life, they may really appreciate having their car look brand-spankin' new!

​9.  Drinks for Days!
​     •  ​What drink does your nanny always have in her hand? (Or rather, wishes they had in their hand [if it's wine, you hopefully wouldn't see that on the job! ;)])  If it's coffee or a juice, get them a large gift card to their favorite place with a note that says, "Hope this will keep you warm through the winter (or healthy and strong through winter), as you push Kayden around town!" 
       If you'd really like to be an overachiever, stash the gift card inside a cute travel mug or to-go cup with a straw!

​
10.  "Tile" - a GPS gadget
     •   Has your nanny lost her keys before (and is this something they're able to laugh at yet? ;)) This cool little gadget comes in handy! It is a square little tile to clip on to a key ring, connect it with the app on a smart phone. When the keys are lost, pull up the app and it will tell you roughly where the item is located. Hooray! No keys lost again! 

11.  Something fancy!
     •   If your nanny has an eye for the finer things but doesn't treat themselves, a little spoiling never hurt anyone! Give him or her a nice designer handbag, or a gift card to a luxury store. Bloomingdales or Smythson, anyone?  These are really great gifts for nannies because they may not normally treat themselves to something so extravagant!

​12.  Out-of-NYC Wilderness Adventure 
     •  If you employ an adventurous, outdoorsy person, spring for a day-trip gift certificate for them (and maybe an extra gift certificate for them to bring a friend)! There are many hikes and overnight trips that leave right from Manhattan subways, with full transportation provided. Discover Outdoors or Destination Backcountry​ are two wonderful companies who sell gift cards.

---

​We hope this guide helps! Remember that it's not what you give, but truly is the thought that counts. Your nanny will just appreciate you thinking of them, and as we all know, a job where you feel valued is a job you love to be at, and your all to. 
​

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Love, KITH & KIN