Nanny Rude or right?

[hannamaren]

My nanny is live out. She is Filipino and has 2 small kids and a H that live in the Phillipines. For most nannies in this situation , they live bare bones and send all the money they can home to their families until they have official status here and then they bring their families.

My Mom (who used to run an in home daycare) is constantly suggesting that every once in a While I should bring gifts for my nanny. I don't disagree with this sentiment but her suggestions are nice hand creams, pretty soaps (I work in a drugstore) because nanny wouldn't buy those herself.
Wouldn't it be weird to come home and say "here, I bought you some Vichy face cream" have a good weekend.
Or is my Mom being nice?

[MrsDarcy]

When I was a nanny it was very nice to receive unexpected little gifts/extras. If the dad knew I had plans that night he might give me a twenty or something, and when I went on vacation they reimbursed me for a nice meal (in Canada, too!). I thought it was nice they were thinking of me. Face cream might be a little personal. I guess it depends on your relationship with your nanny, what would be appropriate.

[Brie]

I think it's nice but not required.

My boss at a regular job would take us out to lunch or happy hour periodically, or give us some chocolates on Valentine's Day or pick us up a small souvenir when she went somewhere fun. I would probably approach it that way.

[krystee]

Maybe you could get things like a little Bath and Body Works basket so it looks more gift-like than necessities from the drugstore. Or a gift card for a pedicure as an occasional bonus, since that's something she'd have to use herself and couldn't send home. It must be so hard to be living an ocean apart from your little kids.

[anaps28]

I had a live out nanny for one year for LO and honestly we paid her a lot of money so I never once thought to give her any gifts. The only time we gifted her anything was at Christmas we gave her an extra weeks pay in cash, a gift for her son and a cute little picture frame from LO. I don't think it's necessary for other gifts throughout the year.

[jackie011]

I think it would be nice as things come up- special deals or promos that you don't necessarily want/need. I wouldn't think you need to do anything on a regular basis, as you do pay her a salary.

[kimibrighteyes]

Cash is king. I give my nanny money for gifts for her birthday and Christmas. I did put some stuff like that in her stocking

[cjeanette]

If you get a great discount on items I don't see the harm in giving her suprises now and then for doing a good job.

[takeonyou]

When I nannied, I often got gifts from my families. The best "just because" gift was tickets to Les Mis on Broadway. But the little thoughtful gifts really made my day and I realized how thoughtful my employers were.

My favorite family was from the Phillipines so they went there for about a month each summer. They brought me home a jewelry set -- a South Sea pearl bracelet and necklace. Her MOTHER (who I never met before this) came home with them for an extended stay. She brought me pearl earrings and a wonderful note thanking me for taking such wonderful care of her grandkids. It was so sweet that I teared up when she gave it to me.

Other things that were seriously thoughtful but cheap were giftcard to a bookstore since they knew I loved to read during naptime, hand lotions since I washed my hands often, a seat cover for my car since my car had leather seats and it was chilly in the mornings, chocolates, and flowers delievered to my house just because. That was all from the family I mentioned before. They were awesome and NOT rich at all.

The best gift you can give is a thoughtful note of thanks. It meant a ton to know that they appreciated the little stuff I did for them.