Gifting your Families this holiday season? ( Ideas for the placed FT/PT/Temp Nanny)

I recently had a NannyMall Nanny email to say she was giving gifts to the children of the family in which she was placed and she asked a really great question:
Is it appropriate to gift the parents and if so, what do you give them?
Etiquette dictates you don't truly need to gift the parents because after all, it's the children you are there for.....however.....if you'd like to give to the parents, here are a few easy, inexpensive ideas.

For the Permanent Nanny:

1. Make a coupon either on your computer or by hand for a "free of charge evening." Then give the dates on the back of when you are available to watch the children.
2. A small gift basket packed with popcorn and/or sweets and a child's movie; it encourages "family time."
3. A board game that has at least as many players as there are in the family.
4. A tin of cookies that were prepared by you and your charges.
5. A simple thank you note expressing how thankful you are for your position.
6. A framed finger-paint picture (done by the children of course!) :-)
   
7. A holiday themed "Welcome" mat.
8. A couple of holiday kitchen towels.
9. Gift card to their favorite restaurant.
   

For the Temp/On-call Nanny: (who probably has many Families)

1. Again, a coupon would suffice, however you probably want to limit it: i.e. "1 hour free" or "free trip to the zoo" for the children, etc...
2. Thank you cards with a nice written sentiment about the Family.
   
3. Small boxes of their favorite candy.
4. A gift card to their favorite coffeehouse.
5. Art projects completed by the children.
   
6. A small house plant, i.e. poinsettia. (animals should be kept away as they are poisonous)
7. A simple phone call to share holiday well-wishes.
   

There are many, many other ideas that won't set you back too much....just remember to have fun with the ideas and don't let it turn into a stressor! Holidays are meant to be joyful!

Please post your ideas in the comment section....after all, sharing is within the season!

Happy Holidays from NannyMall!

NannyMall suggests local Santa Parade to families!

This past weekend Historic St. Charles, specifically Main Street, began the annual tradition of their Santa Parade. Though the parade is truly quite short, it brings families and friends together in an atmosphere of celebration and festivities. The Santas are all in period dress and "come from" all over the world. My personal favorite is the Civil War Santa.
When you arrive, look for the parade characters, they all have collector cards to give to the children, something they can collect from year to year! It's a parade that shouldn't be missed!
More information about Main Street's Santa Parade:
Create Holiday Memories in Saint Charles, Missouri ~ Holiday festivities including carolers & authentically costumed Santas from around the world. Santa Parade every Saturday & Sunday at 1:30pm. The shops & restaurants on South Main Street stay open 'til 9:00pm on Wednesday, Friday & Saturday evenings with activities from 6:30-9pm. Weekend Presentations: Saturdays 11am-9pm & Sundays 12-5pm. Christmas Eve 11-2pm. Check the website for further information & more events.
To add to the festivities they've added an ice rink!
For the first time ever, and to honor the City's Bicentennial, St. Charles will erect an outdoor ice rink along the Missouri River in Frontier Park. The rink will operate from November 27, 2009, to January 4, 2010.
Other great things to see and visit are: Christmas window dressings, the real trolley you can ride for FREE, two horse drawn carriages, the Lewis & Clark huge bronze statue, the Lewis & Clark Museum, a true replica log house, and so much more!
Historic Main Street.....the place that allows you to step back in time.