The daily hustle and bustle of kids activities, nap time routines and work meetings sometimes makes it hard to pause and truly show appreciation for nannies, the incredible caretakers who care for our kids like their own. This year for Nanny Appreciation Week we urge you to take the time to provide a heartfelt thank you to the people who show up with patience on the tough days, celebrate milestones right alongside us, and make it possible for parents to juggle the beautiful chaos of work, family and everything in-between.
National Nanny Appreciation Week is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a reminder to celebrate the heart, dedication, and love our nannies pour into our children’s lives every single day. Not only do they provide incredible care for our littles, they also allow parents breathing room, mental clarity and peace of mind we wouldn’t have without them. We’ll share what Nanny Appreciation Week is all about, why it matters so much, and creative, meaningful ways to show your gratitude—from thoughtful gestures to unforgettable surprises.
Need a little extra help to hire with confidence? Visit our Resource Hub for a la carte hiring tools (think: interview guides, offer letter templates, background check services and more). Select only what you need and skip the rest—no bundled commitments, no pressure.
What is Nanny Appreciation Week?
National Nanny Recognition Week aka Nanny Recognition Week is an annual, week-long tribute dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating the selfless efforts of nannies around the world. This special week was started by nannies for nannies, to highlight their invaluable contributions to families and to create a sense of community among caregivers. While it may not be as widely recognized as other holidays, we’re working to change this as this week carries profound significance for families who rely on nannies as an essential part of their support system.
Related: Hiring a Nanny? Here’s What You Need to Know
When is Nanny Appreciation Week 2025?
This year Nanny Appreciation Week typically falls toward the last full week of September. This year National Nanny Appreciation Week is September 21-27, 2025.
How Nannies Play Crucial Roles in Our Families
From supporting a parent’s ability to have a career and go into an office to providing emotional and developmental guidance to our children, there are countless ways having a nanny benefits both you and your children. Nannies often form meaningful connections that go beyond the job. They become part of our family and help facilitate core memories for our children.
They Become Family
Many families find that their nanny turns into a beloved part of the household. Through shared moments, laughter, and daily activities, nannies build strong relationships with both kids and parents. They’re there for birthdays, family events, and even during family travel, growing alongside the children they care for. These bonds can last a lifetime, often feeling like family ties, even after the nanny moves on.
Helping Kids Grow
Nannies play a big role in children’s early childhood development. They’re not just caretakers; they’re also educators. They help kids express their feelings, navigate friendships, and fuel their curiosity with fun activities and learning. With their dedicated attention, nannies support each child’s unique strengths, boosting their confidence and teaching them important life skills for the future.
A Lifeline for Working Parents
With more families having two working parents or single parents, nannies are a crucial support system. It’s also worth noting that even SAHMs benefit from having a nanny. No matter your season of parenting, nannies offer flexible, reliable childcare, easing the daily stress for busy parents. Whether it’s accommodating last-minute changes or being there during important moments, nannies help create a stable, reassuring environment. This support allows parents to focus on their jobs and their own mental health, knowing their kids are in good hands. In return, nannies find joy in their role, creating a win-win situation for everyone involved.
Related: Nanny Contracts: Everything You Need to Know
Why Is It Important to Appreciate Nannies?
Nannies are not just caregivers; they are the unsung heroes of many households. Here’s why it’s crucial to recognize and appreciate their invaluable contributions, during Nanny Appreciation Week and beyond:
- Nannies play a vital role in the lives of children and families: Beyond the routine nanny responsibilities of feeding, changing diapers, and supervising playtime, many nannies contribute significantly to a child’s growth and development. They nurture emotional intelligence, foster creativity, and provide a stable and loving environment. In fact, nannies often have specific nanny credentials making them experts in a given field.
- They provide care, education, and love to children: Nannies often become mentors, helping children develop essential life skills, manners, and a strong sense of self-worth. They create a safe and nurturing space where children can explore, learn and thrive.
- They help parents to balance work and family life: For working parents, juggling career and family is a constant challenge, nannies are the dependable support system that allows parents to excel in their careers while maintaining peace of mind regarding their children’s well-being when they’re at work. Nannies are the ones who step in when work meetings run late or when unexpected events arise, providing flexibility that is invaluable to working parents.
- Nannies deserve to be appreciated for their hard work and dedication: Like any profession, professional nannies in the in-home childcare industry require dedication, patience, and a genuine love for children. By recognizing their unwavering commitment, we not only boost their morale but also motivate them to continue providing exceptional care and support.
Thoughtful Ways to Show Your Appreciation During Nanny Appreciation Week
Beyond offering standard work benefits, there are many ways to show your gratitude. Remember, while Nanny Appreciation Week is a great time to do this, you don’t need a special holiday to recognize your nanny’s efforts and shower them with gratitude.
Offering Great Work Benefits Are Always A Good Start
Offering nanny benefits is an excellent way to show appreciation for your nanny’s hard work and dedication. Providing industry-standard wages, ensuring legal pay, and establishing a clear nanny contract or agreement not only demonstrates respect for their professional services but also fosters trust and transparency in the caregiver-family relationship.
Related: 11 Standard Nanny Benefits You Didn’t Know
Thank Them Verbally and in Writing
A heartfelt “thank you” goes a long way in making your nanny feel appreciated. Take a moment to express your gratitude sincerely and verbally. Additionally, consider putting your feelings in writing with a personalized note or card. A handwritten note can be a cherished keepsake that reminds your nanny of your appreciation for years to come.
Give Them a Thoughtful Gift
A thoughtful gift is a tangible way to show your gratitude. Consider what your nanny enjoys, and choose a special gift that reflects their interests and personality. It could be a gift certificate to their favorite store, a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers, a gift basket with their favorite brands or a personalized item that holds sentimental value. The key is to show that you’ve put thought into your appreciation.
Cook Them a Meal or Take Them Out to Dinner
Food is a universal language of love. Consider preparing a meal to share with your nanny, either at home or by treating them to a meal out at a fave restaurant. Sharing a meal allows you to bond on a personal level and express your gratitude in a relaxed setting. It’s also an excellent opportunity for open and heartfelt conversation, strengthening the relationship between your family and your nanny.
Give Them an Impromptu Day Off or a Paid Weekend Getaway to End the Week
One of the most generous ways to show your appreciation is by offering your nanny a well-deserved break. Arrange for a day off where they can relax and unwind. If your budget permits, consider going a step further by providing a paid weekend getaway. This gesture not only shows your gratitude but also acknowledges the importance of self-care and rejuvenation.
Give Them a Bonus at the End of the Week
Recognize your nanny’s exceptional efforts by giving them a bonus at the end of the week. This financial gesture demonstrates your appreciation for their hard work and dedication, and it can make a meaningful difference in their life.
A Day at the Spa
Treat your nanny to a day of relaxation and pampering at a spa. This is a luxurious way to show your gratitude and allow them to unwind from their demanding responsibilities.
A Donation to Their Favorite Charity
Show your nanny that you care about their passions by donating to a charity they hold dear in their name. This thoughtful gesture demonstrates your appreciation not only for their caregiving but also for the causes that matter to them.
Related: Nanny Responsibilities: A Comprehensive Overview for Parents
Creative and Personalized Gift Ideas
Showing appreciation can be even more meaningful when you involve your children in the process. Not only does it teach them gratitude, but it also creates cherished memories through the act of giving. Here are a couple of engaging ideas for gifts that families can create together for their beloved nanny.
DIY Appreciation Gifts
Personalized gifts made with love can be incredibly touching. Encourage your children to make handmade cards filled with heartfelt messages, or assemble a scrapbook filled with photos and notes capturing special moments shared with their nanny. Another fun idea is to create customized artwork, whether it’s a painting, drawing, or craft project, these unique creations showcase your children’s creativity and appreciation, making them a heartfelt token of gratitude that your nanny will cherish forever.
Experience-Based Gifts
While tangible gifts are nice, experiences can create lasting memories that surpass material items. Consider arranging a cooking class where your nanny can learn a new culinary skill, or gift them tickets to a concert or show that aligns with their interests. Activities like a yoga session, pottery class, or even a day trip to a local attraction enable your nanny to relax, try something new, and enjoy their time off in a way that’s personal and tailored to their likes. These shared experiences not only show appreciation but also foster a deeper connection, making them a thoughtful and unique way to celebrate your nanny’s dedication.
Related: The Default Parent Dilemma: Why Moms Carry the Maternal Mental Load (& How to Change It)
How Employers Can Support Nannies Beyond Nanny Appreciation Week
As we recognize the amazing work nannies do, it’s important to think about how we can support them long after Nanny Appreciation Week is over.
Support Their Career Growth
Supporting your nanny’s career journey doesn’t stop at Nanny Appreciation Week. It extends to assisting them in finding new opportunities and fostering their professional growth, which can boost their job satisfaction and effectiveness. This can look like: providing the time and financial assistance to help them pursue their personal passions and career goals. Maybe it’s getting a special nanny certification or taking specific classes related to their interest. Or, perhaps you notice them contributing around the house to tasks beyond just childcare. It could be time to broach the idea of transitioning them into a more robust role that supports the household, too like a family assistant or household manager. However you support your nanny’s career growth, start with them by asking them about their career goals and ambitions.
Health and Wellness Support
It’s crucial for nannies to feel confident in their health and wellness, as it directly affects the care they provide. Think about offering benefits that support their health, like gym memberships or wellness programs that promote physical and mental wellbeing. Access to mental health resources, such as counseling services, can also be very helpful. If you can, consider contributing to their health insurance to ensure they have quality healthcare, making them feel valued and supported.
Regular Feedback and Communication
Good communication is key to a happy working relationship. Make it a point to check in regularly about your nanny’s experiences, challenges, and successes. Giving constructive feedback—both informally and as a more formal annual review—helps them improve and feel appreciated. Creating a safe space for discussions encourages them to share their thoughts and feelings, promoting a positive work environment. By prioritizing communication, families can build trust with their nannies, leading to strong, lasting partnerships.
Related: Having a Nanny When You Work from Home: Tips to Make It Work
Getting Kids Involved in Nanny Appreciation Week
Nanny Appreciation Week is a great chance to involve your kids in activities that teach them about gratitude and respect. This helps them see how hard their nanny works and builds a sense of love and community in the family.
Teaching Kids About Gratitude
Use this special week to talk to your kids about why their nanny is special. Discuss all the ways your nanny makes their lives better. Encourage them to think of fun ways to show their appreciation, like a simple thank you, a sweet note, or sharing what they love about spending time with them. These conversations can help kids feel empathy and understand that small gestures can really make a difference.
Fun Ways to Show Appreciation
There are lots of fun activities to make this week special! Baking cookies or cupcakes for the nanny is always a favorite—your kids will have a blast in the kitchen, and the homemade treats will definitely make them smile. You can also create a scrapbook together with photos and drawings that celebrate the special moments they’ve shared. If you want to add some excitement, think about planning a surprise party! Get your kids involved in decorating and picking out fun games to make the day extra joyful. These activities not only show appreciation but also create wonderful memories for everyone!
Nanny Appreciation Week: Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, Nanny Appreciation Week is really about connection and gratitude—taking a moment to acknowledge the trust, love, and energy your nanny pours into your family day in and day out. Whether you go big with a surprise trip or keep it simple with a heartfelt card created by your kiddos, what matters most is that your nanny feels truly seen and valued. Because when you invest in showing your appreciation, you’re not just celebrating a week—you’re strengthening a relationship that supports your whole family, all year long.
Need a little extra help to hire with confidence? Visit our Resource Hub for a la carte hiring tools (think: interview guides, offer letter templates, background check services and more). Select only what you need and skip the rest—no bundled commitments, no pressure.
