National Nanny Recognition Week: 15 Easy Ways to Show Appreciation to Your Nanny

Sep 20, 2024 | GTM Blog, Household Employee Management

During National Nanny Recognition Week, we honor and recognize the hard work of nannies who care for our children. Here are some easy and fun ideas to show your nanny some love. Even small tokens of appreciation can go a long way.

National Nanny Recognition Week is September 22-28. This is a great time to show your nanny appreciation for how much they mean to you and your children. Remember that even small tokens of gratitude – like a handwritten note or a homemade card from your children – can go a long way. Involve your children in whatever you decide to do. They will love to be a part of it, and they should know that you appreciate your nanny as much as they do.

Here are 15 ways to show appreciation for your nanny:

1. An INA membership

The International Nanny Association provides information, education, guidance, and a sense of community for nannies. You can purchase a membership online.

2. Subscription to Nanny Magazine

Nanny Magazine is the premier trade publication for nannies. Each issue is filled with industry news and insights, trusted tips, and expert content just for nannies. Subscribe online.

3. Pampering at a spa

Treat your nanny with a gift card for a day at the spa. Give them the day off to take advantage of some extra-special indulgence and pampering. Your nanny will return to work refreshed and ready to take on the day!

4. The gift of cash

We said this would be about easy ways to show appreciation. What can be simpler than surprising your nanny with some extra spending cash? Maybe it is an extra day’s pay or more. That way, they can spend the gift however they wish.

5. Gift card to their favorite store or venue

If you would rather not hand over cash, a gift card to one of your nanny’s favorite stores can be more personal and will always be appreciated. It could be a department store, coffee shop, bookstore, etc. If your nanny enjoys going out, look for movie theatres, performing arts centers, and concert venues as possible options.

6. Car wash and detailing

How about treating them to a premium car wash and interior detailing? It may be especially nice if they use their car to chauffeur your kids to the park, appointments, lessons, and practices.

7. Fresh flowers

Flowers are an excellent idea for any occasion, and recognizing the hard work of your nanny is no different. They brighten any room. Have your family sign a card to accompany the flowers.

8. Restaurant gift card

You could give them a gift card for eat-in, takeout, or delivery at their favorite restaurant. Another option would be to order takeout, and your family and nanny can all enjoy a meal together.

9. Make their favorite meal

An alternative to restaurants is a homemade meal. Make their favorite dish and invite them (and their partner if it makes sense) to stay for dinner. If your children are old enough, they can help with the preparation.

10. Homemade gifts

Your children can make a craft, draw or paint a picture, or do something else their imaginative minds create. Homemade gifts are often more meaningful than store-bought presents. Another idea is a photo book of your nanny and your children. Creating a video of you and your children expressing your appreciation is easy using just your mobile phone.

11. Pay for a streaming service

Home entertainment keeps growing in popularity. With so many options, why not treat your nanny to a year of a streaming service? Make a dessert or include wine and/or popcorn to create a fun “night in” experience.

12. A paid day off

Who couldn’t use more time to run errands, schedule appointments, or kick back and relax? Offer your nanny a paid day off (in addition to what you already provide) so they can do just that.

13. Personalized gift basket

What does your nanny love? What are their hobbies? Put together a gift basket around those ideas or create a themed basket.

14. Entertainment tickets

Give tickets to an event like a concert, play, sporting event, or any other type of performance. Or a gift certificate to a venue. You could include cash or a gift card to a restaurant to make it a night out on the town. We can all use one of those, right?

15. Health benefits

Medical coverage is not a standard benefit in the household employment industry, and many nannies struggle to find adequate health care. However, a pre-tax health reimbursement account like a QSEHRA is an affordable way to provide your nanny with the necessary coverage. GTM can help you set up a QSEHRA and tie it to your payroll account to make it easy for you and your nanny.

GTM can help with legal pay

The best way to show that you recognize your nanny as the professional caregiver they are is to pay them legally. Every other professional enjoys the advantages of legal pay, so why not your nanny? If you think it’s a hassle or too complicated, let the payroll experts at GTM Payroll Services handle it all for you. We’ll set you up as an employer, pay your nanny, withhold and remit employer and employee taxes, and help keep you compliant with tax, wage, and labor laws. It really can be that easy. Call (800) 929-9213 for a complimentary, no-obligation consultation and speak with a household employment expert. Or schedule time with us at your convenience.