5 Great Birthday Gifts Nannies Can Give their Charges

What do you give to the child who has everything? It can be difficult to find the perfect gift when you want your gift to be something that is special, and not one of the many that is just tossed into the heap of other birthday gifts. You spend all day every day with this child and know him so well; yet finding the perfect gift can be an elusive challenge. How do you balance giving him something meaningful with giving him something you know he’ll enjoy? How do you choose something he’ll adore, but still stay within your budget?

Consider these gift ideas for your charge’s next birthday:

1. Personalize something special. Find something that you think she will love and have it engraved with her name or initials. A jewelry box with a ballerina in it might be a good gift for a little girl who takes ballet. A gold plate with his name engraved on it would be something he could keep forever and then hand down to his children some day.
2. Make a gift yourself. If you’re crafty, making a gift could be a suitable option. Cross-stitch projects can be simple and if you use a pattern that she loves, such as butterflies or puppies, much appreciated. Frame your finished project and include a hand-written note taped to the back. A handmade gift is definitely something that a child can have for many years.
3. Frame a picture of the two of you. Have your employer or another nanny friend take some action pictures of you playing with your charge. Pick out your favorite one and have it framed and matted. Write a nice note about the day or the fun you have with him. This gift will also serve as a great reminder of the fun the two of you shared.
4. Write a song or poem. Writing a song or a poem is a gift from the heart. It’s something that takes time to do and the words that you put into the song or poem express your genuine feelings. Poems can often be turned into songs by adding a chorus that is repeated between verses or stanzas in a poem. Print out your song lyrics or poem on some heavyweight pretty paper and frame it before giving it to your charge.
5. Draw a sketch of him. Use your talent. If you can draw, draw a picture of him, sign it and frame it. If you can’t sketch then consider taking a picture to an artist and having her do a sketch from the photo. You can even send in a photo and have an abstract art piece made out of it in different colors. Any of these portrait choices would be something personal and something different that would be special for your charge.

No matter what gift you give, make sure that you include a note explaining why you chose to give her that gift and how special your relationship to your charge is. You play a very important role in the child’s life and choosing the right gift can demonstrate how special your relationship is.

Taken From Full Time Nanny