To Give Or Not To Give?
A Nanny’s challenge of gift giving at the holidays
The Holiday season is here!
As a nanny, how do we navigate the desire, joy, expectation, and potential pressure of exchanging gifts with our nanny family?
Let’s talk about it!
Being a nanny means becoming an integral part of a family’s life. Gift giving can a thoughtful gesture that reflects your appreciation, but it’s also VERY okay to feel uncertain about the best approach, especially if budget constraints are a concern.
Here are a few ways to express your love and appreciation for your family and some budget-friendly gift ideas!
SET A BUDGET
It is helpful to give yourself guardrails for the season, especially if you LOVE to give gifts, like I do. When setting your budget, be mindful and be realistic. Let go of the “should do’s” of this season and ask yourself what YOU are comfortable with. I use an excel spreadsheet and add in what I’ve bought and how much I’ve spent for everyone (it also helps me keep track of the things I bought 5 months ago that I’ve forgotten about!).
Whatever budget, $0 - $infinity, set it based on what works for you not on what you think should work for you or what would please the people around you.
THE GIFT OF TIME & MEMORIES
One of the most valuable gifts you can give doesn’t come with a price tag. You can create a memory book or scrapbook for the family, filled with cherished moments and milestones you’ve shared with their children. Include photos, drawings, anecdotes, and special quotes to create a keepsake that they’ll treasure for years.
My favorite way to create memory books is an app called, Chatbooks. It allows you to take pictures directly from your phone and allows your to create easy and beautiful memory books!
Click here to try it out and use code: KristiHonaker-PLV3 for $10 off your first order!
Personalized Acts of Kindness
Small, thoughtful gestures can have a big impact. Consider writing personalized notes expressing your gratitude for the family, or craft homemade gifts like baked goods, handmade cards, or DIY crafts with the kids.
I like to keep a note of the funny or new things my little one has said. This Christmas, one of my gifts has something to do with the quotes I’ve gathered over the last few years! Simple and meaningful is always better than expensive and impulsive.
Coupon Books
Rewind: It’s 1996 and you’re going door to door selling a school-sponsored, never-to-be-used coupon book to your neighbors. I’m talking about those coupon books for today! I LOVE making these and adding fun things for the family.
A coupon book could include things like: “Coupon for one free date night,” or “coupon for one magical movie night,” or “cooking coupon: where I will make dinner for the family before I leave work.” All coupons redeemable until December 25, 2024.
Make it fun, make it personal, and enjoy the smiles when they open up this gift!
FINALLY…
Drop any unreasonable expectations of YOURSELF that you may have. Gifts or no gifts, you’ve invested time, blood, sweat and tears into a family and THAT is invaluable!
If you need some gift ideas, head over to my Holiday Haven for some of my favorite gifts!
Most importantly, let your capacity for the season bring you joy and not worry or pressure from yourself or others!
You got this!! Happy Holidays!
Just so you know
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Just so you know 〰️
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