How Much Should You Give Your Nanny For Christmas Bonus

As the saying goes, Christmas is the season of giving, a time to show appreciation for those who help improve our lives. For many Filipino families, kasambahays or nannies play a vital role, providing childcare and household support. With the holidays approaching, giving your nanny a bonus is a great way to show gratitude for their hard work. But how much is appropriate?

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Parents from Smart Parenting Village, a trusted online community for Filipino parents with over 107,000 members, agree that there are factors to consider when giving a holiday bonus to your nanny. While the bonus amount is ultimately up to you, here are some examples to help guide your decision:

• One week's pay: A common practice is to give your nanny a bonus equal to one week’s pay. This is a straightforward and fair option.
• Two weeks' pay: If your nanny has performed exceptionally well, you may decide to provide a more substantial reward by giving a bonus equal to two weeks' pay.
• Percentage of annual salary: Some families prefer to calculate their nanny's bonus as a percentage of their annual salary. At least 10 to 20% is a reasonable range to consider.

It's important to note that the 13th month pay is separate from other bonuses or gifts. Yes, nannies are covered by the 13th month pay law. This bonus is equal to one-twelfth of their basic salary earned within the calendar year and must be paid by December or earlier. The calculation excludes non-basic salary components such as overtime, bonuses, or allowances.

Popular bonuses the parents from SPV are giving their nannies this year

Christmas Basket or Holiday Treats: Many parents choose to show their appreciation for their nannies with a "Christmas basket" or gift pack. This gift typically includes essentials like canned goods, noodles, rice, and cooking oil, helping kasambahays prepare for the holidays. Some families may also add special items like chocolates, cookies, hygiene kit, or even clothing. The value of this gift is entirely up to you and and your budget.

Plane Ticket or Bus Fare: Offering to cover the cost of a roundtrip plane ticket or bus fare can be a generous way to show your gratitude, particularly for long-term nannies who have been with the family for a while.

One Week Paid Vacation Leave: To further show appreciation, some parents offer their nannies one week of paid vacation leave during the holiday season. This gives the nanny extra time to rest or spend the holidays with their loved ones, contributing to their overall well-being and job satisfaction.

Some parents choose to discuss their bonus plans with their nanny ahead of time, ensuring that both parties are on the same page. It can be helpful to check with your nanny about any specific needs or requests they may have for the holidays, whether it’s extra time off, a specific gift, or assistance with family expenses.

Click here to read about the Kasambahay Law.