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This is my first year hiring an au pair to live with us from Germany and help out with the kids. My question is what should I do for Christmas? In the past, I've had one babysitter come a day a week or so, and I would give her 100-150 dollar gift card. But the au pair will be with us christmas morning and she works 5 days a week. Any ideas? I was thinking giving her a weekend at my ski house for her and a few au pair friends without us there, but I need to give her stuff to actually unwrap...any ideas are welcome. I am looking to spend about 500 on her? thanks!

2006-12-18 13:40:08 · 14 answers · asked by eric 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting Parenting

I guess i should specify what I meant... I am already going to give her the free weekend at the lodge- but I need 500 dollars worth of gifts on top of that. Thanks!

2006-12-18 13:50:49 · update #1

14 answers

You are very generous! I think the ski house sounds great. You could take a picture of it, put it in a box and let her unwrap that. Maybe you could also include a nice gift certificate from a favorite restaurant near the house.

I would think that a young woman from Germany might want to go home. Could you get her a ticket home and give her the time off?

Picture frames or mirrors are nice. What is her favorite store? Get her something that you think that she would like and stick a gift receipt in it and make sure she knows you wouldn't mind if she returned. If you live in a cold place, cashmere is always nice. A nice cashmere scarf and hat set is great.

Think about her interests, her tastes and her needs. You can always wrap gift cards or include the cards with small little gifts that don't cost much, like a CD.

2006-12-18 13:50:00 · answer #1 · answered by Mom In Training 4 · 2 0

Anyone in this position needs cash most of all.
So, put a check in a card AND give her a $35 dollar silver keyring from Tiffany's.

The box will be the classic Tiffany's box and will be appropriate to an adored Au Pair.

And also, no matter what you do, have your wife sign off on it all.

And if you want to have a little pride in your culture, you could also add a Breakfast at Tiffany's DVD.

Also, $500 does not go as far as you might think for a European. You might consider an even $1000

2006-12-18 13:55:06 · answer #2 · answered by J D 3 · 0 1

A lovely picture of your kids in a nice silver frame, with their "signatures" on the back and a message from them. If they are too young to write their names, hand prints on a folded piece of paper are nice. Use colored tempera paint and let the kids make them knowing who they are for and that it's a secret so the gift will be a surprise.

I was a Nanny from the time I was 15. I am Grandma age now, but I always still think about all my "kids". I have no pictures, and I don't feel it's appropriate to contact the families, as I haven't been in their lives for many years. I was with each family an average of 5 years, and all my "kids" are grown up parents now, and I'm proud of them. I don't want to try to "follow" them, as I feel that would be like "stalking", but I DO wish I had pictures and stuff from them as kids. Money isn't everything.

Been there, done that.

2006-12-18 14:39:15 · answer #3 · answered by musemessmer 6 · 0 0

Thats a great idea. The way to do this would to ethier be make up a nice looking certificate online kind of like a coupon that says good for one weekend stay for you and x number of friends at ethier address of your ski house or just your ski house. Another way would be to get a big box and fill it with a bunch of stuff like gloves and a hat and ski goggles or something similair and then tell her what you have planned. good luck.

2006-12-18 13:49:23 · answer #4 · answered by bluedevils2302 3 · 0 0

First off I would like to apply for the job. The weekend is a great idea. Maybe a gift card for the proper clothing and ski lessons, if she is not already an accomplished skier. Most of all it is just really nice to be appreciated. I have been a nanny for seven years and would not have any other job.

2006-12-18 14:55:39 · answer #5 · answered by nanas502004 1 · 0 0

The weekend at your ski place sounds good also you could give her a package for a spa treatment. Or something like that. Something that will pamper her. That will show her appreciation for her hard work. Also if you know anything she really likes get her things like that. I think any gift will be much appreciated. Maybe you could even ask one of her friends what she has been wanting for chirstmas.

2006-12-18 13:51:30 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

I live in a tourist area. Many of our employees are from overseas. One of the most sought after items is a digital camera. If she has computer access, it is a way for her to keep in touch with her family. This is a gift that unless she has one, you can not go wrong with!

2006-12-18 13:59:21 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

Some ideas (trying to think of a variety not knowing her tastes):
digital or video camera (to send pics home)
desktop computer (Circuit City has some for around 400)
tickets to a concert/play (enriching her cultural experience)
satellite radio
capuccino machine
spa treatment (facial, massage, manicure, pedicure)

2006-12-18 13:52:31 · answer #8 · answered by Wendy F 2 · 1 0

Make her feel really special, buy her a really beautiful, but warm jacket, something thats really soft on the inside....maybe I am weird but something that you can put on every day that was a gift from some one special always brings back wonderful memories.....jewelry would be good to :)

2006-12-18 15:19:39 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

How about a weekend not at your ski place? Wrap the ticket up

2006-12-18 13:46:37 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

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