Searching for the perfect holiday gift to surprise your au pair? For many families, gift-giving during the holidays is a wonderful way to show love and appreciation. Including your au pair in family traditions—such as hanging personalized stockings or lighting Hanukkah candles—can also help them feel welcome and truly part of the family.

We asked host parents to share their favorite gift ideas for au pairs this holiday season. Here are some of their top picks to help inspire your shopping.

1. Personalized gifts with kids' photos

Wishing your au pair’s memories with your family could last forever? With photos, they can! One Chicago family shared: “Some stores have blank snow globes where you can slip in two pictures—one on each side. For a Christmas gift, we added a photo of our house decorated for the holidays on one side, and a picture of the kids on the other. Our au pair loved it—snow globes were a huge hit with her and the other au pairs!

” You could also consider a digital photo album or a beautifully framed picture.

2. Tickets to a local game or show

Many au pairs want to experience local culture, but may not know the best attractions in your area. Buy them two tickets (one for them and one for a friend) and help them explore! As a host mom Amy shared, “We live in the NYC area, so we always give our au pairs two tickets to a Broadway show. They always love the experience!”

3. Gift cards

For a flexible and fool-proof present, go with a gift card. That way, your au pairs can pick something they’ll really enjoy. “I either give a spa gift certificate or an Amazon gift card,” says veteran host mom Annette. Coffee shop or clothing store gift cards are great options, too.

4. Jewelry

Simple, timeless pieces are usually a good bet, but you could also find something unique at a local artisan market to give them a keepsake.

5. Popular book series

Young adult novels are often appreciated by au pairs who want to improve their English while enjoying a great read. Support a local business and buy one at your town bookshop.

6. Warm winter gear

Au pairs living in colder climates might not have the proper gear to stay warm. As host mom Jenny shared, “We gave our au pair gloves and a scarf last year because she came from a warm country and needed them. We may do the same again this year!”

Another host mom from Massachusetts, Ines, added, “Our gift will be a down winter coat because she struggled with the cold last year.”

7. Slippers or pajamas

Sleepwear is a safe and cozy bet. “Anyone can use another pair of pajamas!” says host mom Susan Robinson.

8. An extra suitcase

An extra suitcase or duffle bag is a practical gift that your au pair will definitely use, especially when it’s time to travel back home. Check out stores like Target or TJ Maxx for quality, affordable options.

9. Swag from the Cultural Care shop

With fun options ranging from mugs and hats to teddy bears, the Cultural Care shop offers lots of gift ideas featuring their signature pink logo. Plus, 10% of every purchase is donated to the Kids First Foundation—a gift that gives back!

10. Travel guides

If your au pair is planning a trip, a travel guidebook is a thoughtful way to help them prepare. Host mom Samantha Janney shares, “We’ve given our au pairs guidebooks for trips they’re planning, and they love them! They're helpful, but their also treasured keepsakes as well."