As the year winds down, many families start thinking about how to show appreciation for the caregivers who support their home. Whether you work with a full-time nanny, a newborn care specialist, or a housekeeper, holiday bonuses have become a common and meaningful way to acknowledge their dedication.
In the household employment space, these bonuses are not just thoughtful gestures. They help strengthen long-term working relationships, boost morale, and encourage retention in roles that demand consistency and trust. At Honest Care Nanny Agency, we see how far a little acknowledgment goes for caregivers who pour so much into the families they serve.
Below is a clear breakdown to help you understand typical holiday bonus ranges across different roles.
Most caregivers in the United States now receive some form of end-of-year bonus. Surveys across agencies show that about 68 to 75 percent of nannies receive a holiday bonus. Caregivers often describe these bonuses as a sign of respect and recognition, especially in a field where emotional labor is a major part of the job.
Nannies
Nannies typically receive the most structured bonuses because their work is consistent and long-term. Here's what families usually offer:
Full-Time Nannies
• Standard: 1–2 weeks of pay
• Long-Term (2+ years): Up to 1 month of pay, especially in high-cost areas like NYC
• New Hires (under 1 year): Around 1 day of pay per month worked
Part-Time or ROTA Nannies
• Bonuses are prorated according to the schedule
• Some families offer 1 week’s pay based on the part-time rate
• In nanny shares, each family may contribute 1 week’s worth of their share
• For rotational nannies, bonuses may reflect total shifts worked or performance
Newborn Care Specialists / Night Nannies
Newborn Care Specialists work on a short-term contract basis, so expectations are different.
Typical Bonuses
• $100 to $500 in cash
• One shift's pay
• Adjustments based on length of contract and number of nights worked
Families aren’t expected to match full-time nanny standards, but thoughtful gestures still matter. A small gift or card from the family can make a difference during an intense season of overnight care.
Housekeepers and Family Assistants
Bonus ranges for housekeepers vary more widely because schedules differ from home to home.
Typical Amounts
• 20–80 percent of their usual weekly pay
• 1–2 cleanings’ worth for part-time staff
• $50–$250 for weekly or monthly housekeepers
• Full-time housekeepers often receive around 1 week of pay
Tenure plays a role here as well. For long-term staff, families may choose to increase the bonus each year.
Role | Standard Bonus Range | Long-Term Staff | New Hire / Short-Term | Preferred Format |
Full-Time Nanny | 1–2 weeks’ pay | Up to 1 month | 1 day per month worked | Cash |
Part-Time / ROTA Nanny | Prorated 1 week | Performance-based | Scaled by hours | Cash + optional small gifts |
Newborn Care Specialist | $100–$500 or 1 shift | N/A | Same as standard | Cash |
Housekeeper / Family Assistant | 20–80 percent extra or 1–2 shifts | 1 week | $50–$100 | Cash or gift card |
Families often adjust bonuses based on:
• Tenure and loyalty over the years
• Additional responsibilities taken on during the year
• Number of children cared for
• Local cost of living
• Full-time vs. part-time schedule
• Performance and professionalism
• Unexpected help during busy or difficult seasons
For newer relationships or short-term roles, families may give a prorated amount or a flat cash gift of $100 or more.
While cash is preferred, many families choose to include a personal touch. Popular additions include:
• Handwritten cards
• A note or drawing from the children
• Spa, manicure, or massage gift cards ($50–$200)
• Self-care baskets
• Extra paid time off
• A warm holiday message and acknowledgment of their hard work
About 28 percent of families pair cash with a small gift. These gestures do not need to be expensive; sincerity is what matters most.
If you include a holiday bonus as part of your nanny’s (or housekeeper’s / caregiver’s) regular pay — or pay them via payroll — treat it like any other wage. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers a cash bonus or cash-equivalent (like a gift card) as taxable income.
That means:
The bonus must be added to their gross wages.
You’ll need to withhold and pay applicable payroll taxes (Social Security, Medicare, and — depending on total household wages — possibly unemployment taxes).
The bonus should be reported on their W-2 at year-end.
Many families find it helpful to mention this explicitly when giving holiday bonuses — it keeps expectations clear and ensures everything is handled correctly for tax purposes.
Holiday bonuses are a simple but powerful way to honor the caregivers who support your home all year long. Whether you work with a nanny, NCS, or housekeeper, the goal is to show appreciation in a way that feels both fair and genuine.
Families who take the time to recognize their caregivers often see stronger relationships and greater stability in the year ahead.
If you have questions about industry standards or want guidance specific to your arrangement, our team at Honest Care Nanny Agency is always here to support you.
Sources:
- https://www.care.com/c/a-holiday-bonus-guide-for-your-caregivers/
- https://www.urbansitter.com/holiday-tipping-guide/
- https://www.domesticworkers.org/resources/how-nannies-house-cleaners-and-home-care-workers-can-talk-about-best-practices-for-end-of-year-bonuses-with-their-employers/
- https://domesticemployers.org/resource/guide-to-end-of-year-bonuses/
Honest Care Nanny’s Take
At Honest Care Nanny Agency, we believe that the caregivers who support your home every day deserve recognition that reflects their dedication. Holiday bonuses are one way families show appreciation, strengthen long-term working relationships, and honor the consistent care that helps children thrive.
Whether your support comes from a full-time nanny, a newborn care specialist, or a short-term caregiver, acknowledging their work reinforces the trust and stability that make these partnerships successful. Our team sees firsthand how meaningful gestures of gratitude can be for caregivers who pour so much into the families they serve.
Our Services Include:
✅Short-Term Childcare – Backup or overnight help when you need it most.
✅Professional Nannies – Experienced caregivers who maintain structure and nurture healthy routines.
✅Newborn Care Specialists – Expert guidance for infant sleep and smooth baby-to-toddler transitions.
No matter the type of care your family relies on, recognizing your caregiver's efforts during the holiday season helps nurture a strong, respectful partnership that carries into the year ahead.
