Your Babysitter Tip & Gift-Giving Guide for the Holidays

With the holiday season in full swing and talk of seasonal bonuses all around you, you are probably wondering what to do about your babysitter. It is both common and expected to give someone you work so closely with some kind of gift this season. Tipping and gifts can be confusing because you do not want to give too little and depending on your budget, you may not want to give too much. You also want to remain professional and not give an inappropriate or unprofessional gift. Don’t worry, because we’re here to help. Here is the best babysitter tip and gift-giving guide for the holidays.

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Holiday Bonus Tip

The first idea that comes to most minds is a cash bonus. However, how much should you consider giving your babysitter? Unfortunately, it can depend on a lot of circumstances and isn’t a flat rate for everyone. Factors you need to take into consideration are their average or hourly pay, how often you use their babysitting services and your own budget.

One common rule for babysitters is to give them a bonus tip based on their average work for one day or evening or match the last babysitting job they did for you. For example, if you usually pay $20 an hour and they often work for you from 5 PM to 10 PM, give them a holiday tip of $100. This can be given in cash, which is usually preferred, or a gift card. However, gift cards sometimes collect dust, especially if you do not know where they shop.

If you are feeling extra generous, you are always more than welcome to give them a higher tip. If higher is not in your holiday budget, do not fret. Again, this is not required and other alternative holiday gifts still show your appreciation.

Self-Care Gifts

Another good gift idea for your babysitter is some self-care items. As you likely know, taking care of your children can be exhausting. After work, your babysitter likes to unwind. You can give them items they can use to pamper themselves, such as lotions, face masks, and candles. If your babysitter has a bath, consider buying them bath-related items such as bath bombs or bubbles.

You can find gift sets pre-made in various stores, or you can put together a gift basket on your own. Without a doubt, your babysitter will enjoy these items to relax and unwind after a long day of babysitting.

Clothes

Clothes are always a great gift to give your babysitter. When we were kids, clothes were not always the most exciting gift, but the older we get, we come to love a cozy sweater or a nice pair of socks. So long as you know your babysitter’s size, this is a smart idea that can help you stick to a budget.

Do keep in mind that you do not buy anything inappropriate, such as undergarments, shirts with inappropriate pictures or words, or lingerie.

Personalized Gifts

Not all employers know what their employees, or babysitters in this case, enjoy doing in their free time, so this category can be quite tricky. However, if you do happen to know their interests and hobbies, the holidays are a good time to give them gifts related to these. These gifts are often favored among babysitters because it is tailored specifically to them. Not only does it show you care about them by buying them a gift, but it shows that you listen to them when you two talk. Use a unique and personalized gift to show how much you value your babysitter as both a babysitter and a person because you put genuine thought and time into it.

Gifts from your Children

Your babysitter likely adores your children, almost as much as you do. A handcrafted gift from your kids this holiday season may be just what your babysitter needs this season. You can help your children make something for your babysitter and it can be as simple or as complex as you or your children like. Use what they enjoy and what they usually do with your babysitter to create something special. It really is the thought that counts and sometimes, a hand-drawn picture is just what your babysitter wants.

Feel free to get creative and use your children’s passions for this. Do they like to paint, color, or create sculptures with found objects around the house? Even if you encourage a classic macaroni frame, your babysitter will love it because they know it is straight from their hearts.

Whether you give your babysitter a nice money tip or items from your heart, they are sure to be pleased this holiday season. Consider what works best for you and what they will enjoy to find the perfect way to give them the best bonus possible.