Guidance on the Holiday Bonus for the Nanny or Regular Babysitter


Understandably, we get the question below a lot during this time of year and wanted to offer some guidance.

As we’re getting close to Christmas – I’m hoping you might be able to provide me some guidance with respect to end of year Christmas gifts and/or bonuses. I have *no* idea what the going rate is and I want to make sure we’re in line with whatever it is. Can you give me any guidance at all? 

To answer your question, a full-time nanny can usually expect a holiday bonus of one week’s pay – two week’s salary depending upon her length of service.  Additionally, if the nanny has been with the family under a year, half of her weekly salary is standard. If the nanny is  just starting, a $100 gift card sets a nice tone.  A hand-written note of thanks expressing your appreciation and referencing a yearly highlight of the caregiver/child relationship is an additional way to show your genuine gratitude. 

Some families will include an extra little something coming from the children like a homemade card, cookies or her favorite confection which surrounds the monetary gift with genuine warmth and appreciation from the child.

For the part-time regular babysitter that provides care several times each month, a gift equal to one night’s pay are the norm. Many families choose to provide a $50-$100 gift card to her favorite shop, cafe, nail salon etc.


Housekeeper/Cleaner,  one or two week’s pay, depending upon her length of service and a small gift like  a bottle of wine.

Obviously, this is a general guideline of industry norms in the NY Metro Region. Some families give more or less depending on the particular circumstances and family budget. 

Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency