As the holidays approach, we were curious … do nannies and sitters usually get gifts for the kids they watch? Although nannies, babysitters and other types of caregivers are technically employees, they often become very close to the families they work with and are treated like family members.
We asked our community of caregivers on Care’s Facebook page if they give gifts to the kids they babysit, to their parents or even a group gift for their nanny family — and we got a lot of positive responses and holiday spirit!
Here’s what they had to say:
- “Yes, I got the kids each something and did a homemade craft from the kids to the parents. This year we did sharpie mugs and picture frames!” — Sarah Anne S.
- “Yes, for Chanukah.” — Izzy E.
- “Yes, primarily books but at least one toy or stuffed animal they have asked for. My boss is really wonderful to me so I give her a token, generally something I’ve picked up at a craft fair or a new ornament for her tree.” — Connie V.
- “I got the baby I nanny for gifts and her Mommy — however, I did not get gifts for the handful of kiddos that I date night sit for.” — Tori G.
- “I will for the family I sit for the most.” — Sara W.
- “I didn’t with the last family, but I decided to for my current primary family. I enjoy giving books because it encourages a love of reading and time spent together.” — Lauren B.
- “Yes. For the two girls I watch, I’m planning on getting them each a pillow pet and a few books. I’ve been watching them for years and the family is awesome!” — Jennifer H.
- “I have seven different families … they know I bake every year!” — Christine B.
- “Yes! I got the four boys I nanny for gifts, and I made the parents a scrapbook of all the pictures I have taken of the boys!” — Amy H.
- “I’m getting the kids two gift cards to their favorite stores, and then I’m making their parents a big gift basket full of goodies.” — Casey S.
- “I get gifts for the family that I watch regularly but not for the occasional ones. I get gifts for both the child and something for the parent.” — Amanda T.
- “I don’t celebrate holidays or birthdays, so I give the children presents on the anniversary of when I started with the families. I do a scrapbook for the parents each year.” — Janet G.
- “I always give a tin of home-baked cookies for the family and give the kids an ornament or something small. This year I am having the kids make gifts for the parents, and I will give the kids a gift.” — Megan D.
- “Yes, something for each child and a combo gift for mom and dad.” — Michelle H.
- “Yes! I believe in celebrating joy at every opportunity!” — Justina F.
- “For my full-time family, I always buy gifts for the kids and parents. The parents always give me gifts and a bonus too.” — Nikki L.
- “Yes! And as far as the parents, a DIY craft from the kids.” — Kristy R.
- “I got the kids I full-time nanny for gifts, and I’m baking some cookies for the parents.” — Karla K.
- “I did for the family I regularly nanny for. I’m going to bake treats for the other families I date-night sit for, as a little something.” — Sarah M.
- “Yes, I do stuffed gift bags for my kids. Things they would like.” — Betsy P.
- “Yes, one small thing each for the children. It’s about the thought.” — Patricia A.
- “Yes. I get the kids something, and I try to do something sentimental for the parents like a framed photo or have the kids make something for them like an ornament or go to a pottery place … The parents and kids love it.” — Karna H.
