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We're in the same area and although it sucks, I think paying a week's salary as a bonus is so standard here that it would be a slap in the face not to. Just like 2 weeks paid vacation, it's part of having a nanny here. Getting a gift is nice, but the reality is that your nanny probably wants/needs the cash way more than she needs a bag. If you want to keep her, I'd pay the bonus.

@Anagram: I bought a Christmas present this morning and maybe a necklace for myself. Bottom line is I don't spend $750 on a present for my DH, parents, or anyone, I am not going to for a nanny even if everyone else does it. DH nor I get Christmas bonus's, so why should we give one?

@Smurfette: right, but if it was standard in your industry and your employer didn't pay it, wouldn't that be a reason to look for other employment? Think of it less as a gift and more part of the comp package.

ETA: I'm not trying to be argumentative, just explaining why it's not as crazy as it sounds!

@Madison43: not over $750 dollars. If I liked my job and the other perks.
@Anagram: they are final sale. I am sure they will do another around Black Friday if you wait.

@Anagram: I wouldn't worry about doing a big bonus then. It seems like she's committed to your family. I would do whatever you are comfortable with.

To Nanny: "Look, you have this much more average vacation time per year than most nannies in our area. We can't afford a bonus. I hope that the extra vacation time is enough incentive for you to stay with us, because we want to keep you.

"If, however, this is a deal-breaker, then perhaps we can make a deal where next year you have less vacation time (maybe have her run errands for you on those days you're home, or "make up" those days by taking some nights baby-sitting) and we will save up enough by the end of the year to be sure you have a bonus."

I would echo @ShootingStar on this. We will probably do a full week's pay, but we only do one week of paid vacation, so this in effect gives her two.

@Anagram: I freelance so I never really get vacation per se, and DH is a professor but always has contract work or other projects, too. So we're not really your typical couple when it comes to vacation -- we always have work to do, really.

When we go out of town what we typically do is shift some days around or have her work a little more before and after to make up the time, and then just pay her as normal. She only works 4 days a week so it's a little easier for us to do that. Or sometimes we just eat the cost and give her a freebie day when we give short notice. Last year she took her official week over the holidays, our bonus covered another week, and then she had a couple of personal days she hadn't taken too. It worked out well and it looks like that will probably happen again this year.

@Anagram: Since it seems like you very much like her and she very much likes you I would focus on showing her how much you value her. You've made it clear you do not think $750 is a reasonable Christmas bonus - so I think you could go above and beyond in other areas.

A Kate Spade purse is nice - but would she value it? I mean yes its a high dollar item but its not going to get you very far if she doesnt care about it?

I agree to some extent with @Madison43: that you want to make sure your bonus/christmas gift is not a reason for her to look elsewhere. So if you have heard it is somewhat common to gift $750 and you dont want to do that then go for extremely heart-warming/thoughtful.

I vote cash. I think $100 is fine especially considering the amount of PTO she gets. I'm sure you enjoy your time as a family on days off but you might want to take advantage of that and got your breakfast with your husband sometime on a holiday without kids.

@Anagram: I don't even think you should feel complicated about this if the reason you do is an online poll found that 60% of people in the online mom group say they give their nanny a bonus of any kind in your area.

Assuming that figure is accurate, it still means that almost half of nannies don't receive a week's pay as a bonus - or anything at all!

People often also lie about generosity and money generally, especially in groups where others are talking about giving more or having more. So I would guess some of those "oh of course I do!" votes; don't.

Give what you are comfortable with, it doesn't sound like there is a standard or "expected" holiday gift. I also wouldn't explain its all you can do, or that you are on a budget. She clearly likes your family, why give a gift but introduce it with a pseudo apology?