Things to Get Your Nanny for Christmas

Professional nannies can be integral to the functioning of a household. Whether they only look after your children, or perform many duties around your house - from cooking and cleaning to scheduling your family's business and recreational plans - the right nanny can make your life easier and more comfortable. The act of gift-giving at Christmas can be a wonderful way to show how much you appreciate them.

However, while a nanny may feel like an essential part of the family, you may not know them well enough to buy them the right gift, and it can be difficult to ask what they would like. Choosing thoughtful gifts for your nanny may help them to feel more comfortable around your family and will benefit your working relationship with them, as well as allow you to build a personal one, so if you are struggling for gift ideas, we are here to help.

The team at Nannies Matter has provided this list of self-care and decorative nanny gift ideas that will help your nanny to add a bit of Christmas spirit to their own home. Whatever your nanny’s personality, you will find something here that they are sure to enjoy. If you know what they like, you can customise these gifts to match, or provide something more personal. But in any case, aim for a gift that will help your nanny to relax and enjoy the holiday season.

Scented candles

One of the best ways to make any home feel cosier and more inviting during the holiday season is with scented candles. The soft, warm glow of a candlelit room can help anyone feel more relaxed, and with an array of different scents - ranging from Christmas-themed scents to those appropriate all year round - candles are among the best gifts to give to a nanny.

You can go the extra step to make your gift feel more thoughtful by finding a scent your nanny likes, or a candle inspired by their favourite book or film. 

Oil diffusers

While candles are popular gifts, some people interpret a gifted candle as a sign that you do not know the recipient very well. If you want to go for something similar to candles but without this risk, oil diffusers can offer many of the benefits without the drawbacks. Candles are only used once and may pose a fire hazard, but oil diffusers can be refilled with scented oil and may also bring a number of health benefits. For example, lavender and tea tree oil can help to clear congestion that might be felt in the colder months, making a diffuser a perfect gift for a nanny with an interest in health and wellness.

As with candles, there is a large array of scents that you can get for oil diffusers. This means that you can choose based on your nanny's preferences, and even combine scents for something more personal. Oil diffusers offer a calming bubbling sound while dispersing their scent throughout a room, and can make a great, thoughtful gift for Christmas.

Chocolates

Boxes of chocolate are a common Christmas gift idea. Suitable for all ages, chocolate is easy to find and enjoy - just make sure your chocolate gifts meet your nanny's dietary requirements. Rather than opting for something affordable that you might buy for your children, we recommend choosing a more expensive box of chocolates from a well-known brand, to make sure it is the gift that your nanny deserves.

Alcohol

Alcohol is another common gift idea, as it is widely enjoyed and there are many different options to suit all tastes. Wine, gin, and champagne or prosecco are common choices at Christmas, but warming whiskey is another popular option. If you are unsure what your nanny prefers, it is easy to ask by offering to make them a drink - just make sure that they drink alcohol before you buy them a bottle as a gift. For something more special, a bottle of alcohol combined with a box of chocolates makes for the perfect treat, and will go that extra step to show your appreciation for your nanny's hard work.

House plants

Another way to make a home feel more lived-in is by decorating with houseplants. This may be in the form of flowers or succulents to offer a colourful and natural accent to a room - if you have a live-in nanny, you can choose a plant that matches their decor, but otherwise you should choose something that is not too vibrant or colourful.

Plants must be maintained but they can enjoy long lifespans if they are cared for, and this can be extremely rewarding. Buying someone a plant can add a long-term and meaningful contribution to their home that brings them positive memories of times spent with your family.

Cosy clothes

Everyone needs to stay warm in winter, and the gift of cosy clothes is the best way to show that you care about your nanny. From bath robes to woolly jumpers, there are many appropriate types of clothing that will help your nanny to feel warm at home. On the other hand, you might opt for something that is equally practical and thoughtful. You might buy your nanny a new coat to wear on their commute to work or a soft fleece that they can sink into while minding your children on cold evenings, but either gift will show that you care about their comfort.

When buying clothes for your nanny, do your best to get them in the correct sizes and in a style that you think they will like. Clothing can be a great gift to buy someone due to its function and longevity, and they will appreciate it even more if it is clear you have put thought into it.

Soft furnishings