A Nanny Holiday Gift Guide — From Nannies, For Nannies!
Holiday gifts your nanny will actually love (and use!)
Are you still trying to figure out what to get your nanny for the holidays? Don’t worry — we’re last-minute shoppers too, and we’ve got your back!
When December rolls around, it’s easy to get caught up in shopping lists, school events, holiday cards, parties, and all the beautiful chaos that comes with the season. But there’s one person you absolutely don’t want to overlook: the person who keeps your home running smoothly, your kids cared for, and your sanity intact — your nanny or family assistant.
But what should you get them? What do they actually want?
Good news… we handled that part for you.
This year, we asked real, local CT-based nannies what their favorite holiday past gifts and bonuses have been and what they’d genuinely appreciate receiving again. Their answers were honest, practical, and surprisingly simple!
1. The #1 Gift — and Forever Fan Favorite: CASH
No surprise here — the top answer across the board was (and always will be): cash.
If you’ve ever asked The Nannies Nanny Agency for holiday gift advice, you already know our go-to recommendation. We always suggest giving a holiday bonus of 1–2 weeks of your nanny’s regular pay at a minimum, while other thoughtful gifts are always greatly appreciated.
And honestly… after the year (or let’s be real, the last few years) we’ve all had, a little extra financial breathing room just makes everything better.
2. Memberships & Annual Passes
This one came up far more often than we expected — and they were specific!
Some of the most-loved gifts from families included memberships to:
Local gyms
Costco or BJ’s
Local museum, zoo, and aquarium passes (for their off hours, not work days!)
Movie theater memberships or subscription passes
These gifts feel thoughtful, useful, and fun — and they last all year long!
3. Clothing & Outerwear They’ve Been Eyeing
This category surprised us… but nannies loved it!
Multiple nannies shared that some of their favorite gifts ever were:
A high-quality winter jacket
UGGs or staple winter boots
Cozy, luxury pajamas
A really nice sweatshirt
Outerwear or clothing items they mentioned wanting or complimented earlier in the year
Families who listened — even casually — and later surprised them with that exact item? Those gifts meant everything.
4. Gift Cards — Practical, Easy, And Still Thoughtful
It might feel a little impersonal to you, but trust us: nannies adore gift cards when they’re chosen with intention.
Popular picks included:
Sephora or Ulta
Their favorite restaurants
Restaurants they’ve talked about wanting to try
Starbucks, Dunkin, or local coffee shops
Spa or massage gift certificates (this was a big one)
One nanny shared that her family gave her a spa gift card and a dedicated PTO day specifically to use it. That was a huge win!
5. Tickets to Experiences
If your nanny has mentioned wanting to go somewhere or see something — listen closely! Experience-based gifts can feel incredibly personal, such as:
Concert tickets
Comedy shows
Sports events
Local theater performances or musicals
Tickets to a special event they’ve brought up in conversation
These gifts say, “I know you, and I pay attention.” And they create memories, not clutter.
6. Extra PTO — The Secret Gift Nannies Adore
This was mentioned repeatedly — and families often don’t realize how meaningful it is. Even if it’s not written into your nanny’s contract, if you have the flexibility, gifting additional paid time off (especially around the holidays) is a huge win.
It could be:
A bonus day off before or after a holiday
A day to relax, regroup, or spend with family
A dedicated day to use a spa or self-care gift
Time is valuable. Giving your nanny a small breather during an already busy season can mean more than any physical gift.
7. Honorable Mentions — Small Gifts, Big Smiles
Other nanny-approved favorites included:
High-quality travel water bottles (Stanley, Owala, HydroJug),
Cozy blankets,
Personalized but thoughtful items
A really nice work tote or everyday bag
And in one very lucky case…
A domestic plane ticket to anywhere in the U.S. (Okay, that one was extra. But wow!)
Do You Have to Go Big? Absolutely Not.
While some gifts on this list are generous, every nanny agreed on one thing:
It’s the thought that counts. You don’t need to overspend to make your nanny feel appreciated.
What matters most is:
Recognition,
Appreciation,
Thoughtfulness,
Acknowledgment of their hard work,
And genuinely knowing the person who supports your family every day
A well-chosen gift — even a simple one — can make a huge impact!
Nannies pour their hearts into their work. The holidays are a perfect time to say, “We see you, we appreciate you, and we couldn’t do this without you.” Whether you choose cash, an experience, cozy clothing, a thoughtful membership, extra PTO, or something personal to your nanny, the goal is the same: Make them feel valued and celebrated this holiday season.
If you want help tailoring gift ideas to your nanny’s personality or needs, The Nannies Nanny Agency is always here to assist.
Happy gifting, and happy holidays!
Ready to find your perfect nanny match? We'd love to help! Drop us a line at The Nannies Nanny Agency and let's get started on finding your family's perfect fit.
📧 Email: cassidy@thenanniesnannyagency.com
🌐 Website: www.thenanniesnannyagency.com
📍 Location: Connecticut
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