jo jo - I'd say that a card is enough at this stage of the game. If the kids want to make it, even better. Its the thought that counts. You shouldn't feel pressured to give gifts or bonus'.

I don't get a Christmas bonus... and would find it hard to so given my salary just covers the nanny costs! But I always gave gifts and made sure our Nannies knew they were appreciated...

We are just inducting our nanny starting tomorrow to do 4 days before nannyshare begins in january.... should we give a bonus or do you think a present from the little ones will surfice? I dont want to start off on the wrong foit and her be disappointed. thoughts?

Oh my...

I just find some of these comments so smug and reminiscnet of Downton Abbey... I can't help myself. Either give a bonus if you can afford it and your nanny deserves it, or don't - but don't expect gratitude in return...s/he is an employee who will hope its earned

"Half-arsed"
Because there are more thoughts into giving cash?
Also dont forget it is not mandatory to give anything for Christmas as much as gifts, so the person who receives something is usually grateful.

I would always give cash as a bonus, vouchers are so half-arsed. If you are going to give a bonus, let her decide how to spend it. Believe it or not, John Lewis isn't everyones cup of tea!

Good point well made.

I think (and a few people i know agree) that John Lewis is like giving money without giving cash if you see what i mean. They can buy food, clothes, or anything. I gave about a 3/4 of a week wages in vouchers.
I value my nanny to the highest, she is a dearest member of our family but i show her that in our everyday life... For us it is not just at Christmas.

I think you shouldnt worry, whatever you do, do it genuinely not because you have to (even if cash is always nice, it is nicer when it comes from the heart).

Well of course it's all got to be relative and within what anyone can afford. God forbid it gets into the oneupmanship that presents for school teachers has become!

I think our position is that the previous nanny we had, really didn't work. No slight intended but it wasn't a great situation so when our current nanny came on board, we were very relieved how good she was.

I think my nanny is great but a weeks wages is quite a lot! I guess the Christmas bonus thing is quite foreign to me as I have never had one from my employer. Golly- will have to look at finances!

We're giving ours a weeks money because we think she is great. I think it would be vouchers if only ok but that's just my opinion.

I have always been given (by various families) a weeks wages as a Christmas bonus bu would never EXPECT to receive this! Some nanny friends have been given as much as £1000 as a Christmas bonus. I guess it depends on circumstances of family etc....

We will be giving her some john lewis vouchers, a little present and the children will be making a card each for her.
On top of that she has xmas week off and paid.
No need to go over the top in my opinion. If you love and value her, something that comes from the heart is always very well received.

Wow! A month. Can't afford that. I was thinking £60-80ish (she's with us 2 days a week). Plus a little personal present.

Hi

As a nanny myself, I was very surprised and delighted when I recieved a whole months wage as a Christmas bonus. It definately made me feel appreciated and work extra hard as well as meaning I never dreamt of leaving (not that I would have anyway as I loved the family so much).

However, I think that this may be an extreme case and I would never have expected that employer to give such a bonus and wouldn't expect my current employer to do so now I am in a new position.