Because we’ve gotten this question from almost every mom we know, here are the guidelines to follow when gifting the nanny/sitter/daycare/teacher this holiday season. Hint: The answer is always cash. We worked with the experts at UrbanSitter to make sure we were on the money 😜. Read on for how much and the exceptions to the rules.
Warning: You’re about to open your wallet and empty all contents. But no one is more deserving than the village that helps raise your kids.
First Things First
- While some of these people may be like family, they still work for you in some way, and a bonus/tip is based on performance. It’s important to keep that in mind.
- Put any bonus or tip in a card with a heartfelt note to really drive home how much you appreciate the person.
- A small gift, especially if your child is old enough to make something, is a thoughtful cherry on top. Our favorite is a work of art on canvas by your kid(s) that they can hang at home.
Nannies
The General Rule
If your nanny is like family – makes your life one million times easier, loves your kid(s) like they are her own, you would be lost without her – a holiday bonus of 2 weeks pay lets her know that.
The Exceptions
- If you can’t swing 2 weeks as a bonus (it’s a lot of money), opt for 1 week + any extra paid days off you can give her around the holidays.
- Your nanny has been with you for a short time. If things are going well and you see her going the distance with your family, we recommend pro-rating her bonus based on how long she’s been with you. But let her know that next year, she’ll be eligible for the full 1-2 weeks’.
Babysitters
The General Rule
- If use the same sitter on a weekly basis, a $50-$100 holiday tip is a nice sentiment.
- If you have a rotation of 2-3 sitters, using each 1 or 2 times a month, $25 per sitter is sufficient.
Daycare Staff
The General Rule
- You should tip anyone that has direct contact with your child regularly. If that’s multiple people, $25-$100 each, depending on each one’s level of involvement.
- If there is only one person caring for your child, $100-$200 is appropriate.
Teachers
The General Rule
- Only tip teachers when your kids are in elementary school. Once they change teachers in middle and high school, you’re off the hook.
- Make sure your school allows teacher gifts – some don’t.
- $50-$100 for your child’s teacher
- $25-$50 for teacher aides.
- $20-$40 for any administrative staff that makes your life easier (school psychologist, nurse, carpool superviser).