Comments on: Au Pair Advice: Send a welcome package to your Au Pair’s orientation http://AuPairMom.com/tip-send-a-welcome-package-to-your-au-pairs-orientation/2008/09/10/celiaharquail/ Helping Host Parents and Au Pairs build great relationships. Wed, 23 May 2012 08:31:59 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: PeanutButter http://AuPairMom.com/tip-send-a-welcome-package-to-your-au-pairs-orientation/2008/09/10/celiaharquail/comment-page-1/#comment-21351 PeanutButter Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:00:05 +0000 http://aupairmom.com/tip-send-a-welcome-package-to-your-au-pairs-orientation/2008/09/10/cvharquail/#comment-21351 I'm getting ready to welcome my second au pair. I did not send a package to my first AP's hotel (didn't really think about it), but I did have a nice basket (actually a cute pink bag) of items in her room to welcome her. I don't think my first AP would have been able to carry anything more than she already packed! I sent my incoming AP a small care package and told her I would not send her anything at orientation due to agency rules. This mailed package included a passport holder in her favorite color (red), two red luggage tags with her name and our address, some jelly beans, a baseball cap from DC, a DC tourist guide and some other small trinkets (a DC pen, a pin with the US and Brazil flag). In her room I will some small snacks, a bathrobe gift set (scored a great post Christmas deal!), some toiletries to get her through a week or so, some stationary items personalized with her first initial I found in the dollar section of a craft store and an inexpensive English dictionary I found at an office supply store. With my first AP, I knew she had a favorite siamese cat and was able to find online a stuffed animal that looked just like her kittie (she loved it). Oh, I also bought a couple of international stamps so she could send letters. But, I think the best idea I totally stole from another host mom: I asked my AP to send me some of her favorite pictures of her family, friends and pets (I told her it would help us get to know her and that my daughter loves to look at pictures, which she does). I printed these out and hung placed them in frames in her room and on a fancy bulletin board. She loved it and I think it really made her room feel like her space. Thanks HM and HDs for all of the other great ideas! I really like the idea of calling the hotel during orientation and plan on doing that this go around. I’m getting ready to welcome my second au pair. I did not send a package to my first AP’s hotel (didn’t really think about it), but I did have a nice basket (actually a cute pink bag) of items in her room to welcome her. I don’t think my first AP would have been able to carry anything more than she already packed!
I sent my incoming AP a small care package and told her I would not send her anything at orientation due to agency rules. This mailed package included a passport holder in her favorite color (red), two red luggage tags with her name and our address, some jelly beans, a baseball cap from DC, a DC tourist guide and some other small trinkets (a DC pen, a pin with the US and Brazil flag).

In her room I will some small snacks, a bathrobe gift set (scored a great post Christmas deal!), some toiletries to get her through a week or so, some stationary items personalized with her first initial I found in the dollar section of a craft store and an inexpensive English dictionary I found at an office supply store. With my first AP, I knew she had a favorite siamese cat and was able to find online a stuffed animal that looked just like her kittie (she loved it). Oh, I also bought a couple of international stamps so she could send letters.

But, I think the best idea I totally stole from another host mom: I asked my AP to send me some of her favorite pictures of her family, friends and pets (I told her it would help us get to know her and that my daughter loves to look at pictures, which she does). I printed these out and hung placed them in frames in her room and on a fancy bulletin board. She loved it and I think it really made her room feel like her space.
Thanks HM and HDs for all of the other great ideas! I really like the idea of calling the hotel during orientation and plan on doing that this go around.

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]]> By: AFHostMom http://AuPairMom.com/tip-send-a-welcome-package-to-your-au-pairs-orientation/2008/09/10/celiaharquail/comment-page-1/#comment-20984 AFHostMom Tue, 03 Jan 2012 04:59:53 +0000 http://aupairmom.com/tip-send-a-welcome-package-to-your-au-pairs-orientation/2008/09/10/cvharquail/#comment-20984 I am wording an email to our inbound au pair right now. I was thinking of trying to explain that she won't be getting a basket (We're going to do a card with a $20 visa card for her to get snacks and stuff at the hotel, or whatever she wants, a few pictures, and probably the NYC tour). I think, though, that I'll save that for right before her departure from her home (next week!), or just write it in the card I send. I am wording an email to our inbound au pair right now. I was thinking of trying to explain that she won’t be getting a basket (We’re going to do a card with a $20 visa card for her to get snacks and stuff at the hotel, or whatever she wants, a few pictures, and probably the NYC tour). I think, though, that I’ll save that for right before her departure from her home (next week!), or just write it in the card I send.

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]]> By: _ http://AuPairMom.com/tip-send-a-welcome-package-to-your-au-pairs-orientation/2008/09/10/celiaharquail/comment-page-1/#comment-19464 _ Fri, 26 Aug 2011 19:38:49 +0000 http://aupairmom.com/tip-send-a-welcome-package-to-your-au-pairs-orientation/2008/09/10/cvharquail/#comment-19464 I have to agree ---I too got the welcome package in the Training School, and while I was very much glad my hostfamily thought of that package & the NewYork city tour and all that as a good present (& I loved it), it was indeed quite uncomfortable with all the other girls that didn't get it. I don't think host families should feel "obligated" to give a gift to their new aupairs at the training school or at home or anything, but maybe it will be considerable to let them know beforehand ---"we hope you don't feel bad you are not getting a package ((because many girls actually do feel bad and question the year ahead with their host family :( )) , we are still very excited for your arrival and can't wait to see you!"---- or something simple of that sort ;) Just my opinion.... :) I have to agree —I too got the welcome package in the Training School, and while I was very much glad my hostfamily thought of that package & the NewYork city tour and all that as a good present (& I loved it), it was indeed quite uncomfortable with all the other girls that didn’t get it. I don’t think host families should feel “obligated” to give a gift to their new aupairs at the training school or at home or anything, but maybe it will be considerable to let them know beforehand —”we hope you don’t feel bad you are not getting a package ((because many girls actually do feel bad and question the year ahead with their host family :( )) , we are still very excited for your arrival and can’t wait to see you!”—- or something simple of that sort ;)

Just my opinion…. :)

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]]> By: Cyndi http://AuPairMom.com/tip-send-a-welcome-package-to-your-au-pairs-orientation/2008/09/10/celiaharquail/comment-page-1/#comment-19462 Cyndi Fri, 26 Aug 2011 18:43:05 +0000 http://aupairmom.com/tip-send-a-welcome-package-to-your-au-pairs-orientation/2008/09/10/cvharquail/#comment-19462 I was an Au Pair that received a welcome basket at the training school, and I felt sorry for those that didn't receive a basket at the school. It was a nice gesture from my host family who I know aren't "loaded". I didn't receive any kind of welcome basket in my bedroom when I arrived at the family home, and I'm glad about that, because I have sensitive skin and I'm very picky about my shampoo, soap etc, and would have felt bad that they had spent money on something I could not use. The best thing my host mom did to welcome me was that she sent me a text message while I was at the training school saying that she knew the training school food was bad, and asking me what I wanted for dinner on my first weekend here - and then she prepared yummy meals on Friday and Saturday night of some of my favourite foods! I was an Au Pair that received a welcome basket at the training school, and I felt sorry for those that didn’t receive a basket at the school. It was a nice gesture from my host family who I know aren’t “loaded”.

I didn’t receive any kind of welcome basket in my bedroom when I arrived at the family home, and I’m glad about that, because I have sensitive skin and I’m very picky about my shampoo, soap etc, and would have felt bad that they had spent money on something I could not use.

The best thing my host mom did to welcome me was that she sent me a text message while I was at the training school saying that she knew the training school food was bad, and asking me what I wanted for dinner on my first weekend here – and then she prepared yummy meals on Friday and Saturday night of some of my favourite foods!

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]]> By: Enough with the Gift Baskets! http://AuPairMom.com/tip-send-a-welcome-package-to-your-au-pairs-orientation/2008/09/10/celiaharquail/comment-page-1/#comment-16897 Enough with the Gift Baskets! Wed, 23 Feb 2011 01:00:46 +0000 http://aupairmom.com/tip-send-a-welcome-package-to-your-au-pairs-orientation/2008/09/10/cvharquail/#comment-16897 [...] then I got this email, below, from a Host Mom who’s interested in gift baskets (or Welcome Baskets) that are sent to incoming au pairs at [...] [...] then I got this email, below, from a Host Mom who’s interested in gift baskets (or Welcome Baskets) that are sent to incoming au pairs at [...]

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]]> By: Current Au Pair http://AuPairMom.com/tip-send-a-welcome-package-to-your-au-pairs-orientation/2008/09/10/celiaharquail/comment-page-1/#comment-8341 Current Au Pair Thu, 15 Apr 2010 06:17:20 +0000 http://aupairmom.com/tip-send-a-welcome-package-to-your-au-pairs-orientation/2008/09/10/cvharquail/#comment-8341 I don't agree with the previous comment. I'm working as an au pair at the moment and when I arrived in NYC 8 months ago I didn't have a package waiting for me either. I was disappointed for a moment, but I don't think it's a must! A little card or note would be nice and that should be more than enough. I think it's good that some organizations don't want a host-family to send a welcome packages! 1) It's stupid to have that contest of who-can-make-the-best-basket. Moms and dads are busy enough, that's why they're inviting an au pair into their home! The fact that au pair organizations offer expensive welcome baskets sounds even more stupid! 2) A little note, card or maybe a phone call or e-mail already means a lot! You only have to acknowledge the fact that you're new AP has arrived, it's nice when you take a minute to think of her/him. 3) My previous HM made me a little basket with some shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc. and a nice welcome card in it and put it in my room when I arrived at my new home. This made me feel really welcome and it was useful indeed, because Target and Walmart can indeed be VERY confusing when you have to get used to all the new brands :) Just put some of your personal favorites in it. When the AP likes it, at least she knows what to look for the next time she goes to the store, haha. BTW, even though my previous HM made this wonderful basket and made me feel at home, it didn't work out with this family and I went in rematch 4 months later. I felt really bad about it but it was inevitable, even though they really welcomed me in their home! I don’t agree with the previous comment. I’m working as an au pair at the moment and when I arrived in NYC 8 months ago I didn’t have a package waiting for me either. I was disappointed for a moment, but I don’t think it’s a must! A little card or note would be nice and that should be more than enough. I think it’s good that some organizations don’t want a host-family to send a welcome packages!

1) It’s stupid to have that contest of who-can-make-the-best-basket. Moms and dads are busy enough, that’s why they’re inviting an au pair into their home! The fact that au pair organizations offer expensive welcome baskets sounds even more stupid!
2) A little note, card or maybe a phone call or e-mail already means a lot! You only have to acknowledge the fact that you’re new AP has arrived, it’s nice when you take a minute to think of her/him.
3) My previous HM made me a little basket with some shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc. and a nice welcome card in it and put it in my room when I arrived at my new home. This made me feel really welcome and it was useful indeed, because Target and Walmart can indeed be VERY confusing when you have to get used to all the new brands :) Just put some of your personal favorites in it. When the AP likes it, at least she knows what to look for the next time she goes to the store, haha.

BTW, even though my previous HM made this wonderful basket and made me feel at home, it didn’t work out with this family and I went in rematch 4 months later. I felt really bad about it but it was inevitable, even though they really welcomed me in their home!

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]]> By: Anonymous http://AuPairMom.com/tip-send-a-welcome-package-to-your-au-pairs-orientation/2008/09/10/celiaharquail/comment-page-1/#comment-6094 Anonymous Sat, 30 Jan 2010 21:58:35 +0000 http://aupairmom.com/tip-send-a-welcome-package-to-your-au-pairs-orientation/2008/09/10/cvharquail/#comment-6094 Hi!!I loved this website even because I used to be an au pair and is good ( and funny) to know how the hostmom fells about us! So, as I said, I was an au pair, and I didn't recieve any stuff from my hostfamily when I arrived. ALL my friends recieved something, but not me. I felt soo sad , but the hostmom said she didn't send me anything because she could give me something personal at home, what didn't happen.... So, If you, hostmoms can, send something, teddy bear, post card or something, even something sot expensive as that cultural care basket, because WE FEEL WELCOME AND REALLY REALLY nice!! We are far away from home, mommy, daddy and friends and everybody like gifts! So that's it! It's just a advice!! Have you hostmoms, a nice year with the au pairs!! Hi!!I loved this website even because I used to be an au pair and is good ( and funny) to know how the hostmom fells about us!
So, as I said, I was an au pair, and I didn’t recieve any stuff from my hostfamily when I arrived. ALL my friends recieved something, but not me. I felt soo sad , but the hostmom said she didn’t send me anything because she could give me something personal at home, what didn’t happen…. So, If you, hostmoms can, send something, teddy bear, post card or something, even something sot expensive as that cultural care basket, because WE FEEL WELCOME AND REALLY REALLY nice!! We are far away from home, mommy, daddy and friends and everybody like gifts! So that’s it! It’s just a advice!! Have you hostmoms, a nice year with the au pairs!!

]]> By: Soccer Mom http://AuPairMom.com/tip-send-a-welcome-package-to-your-au-pairs-orientation/2008/09/10/celiaharquail/comment-page-1/#comment-6073 Soccer Mom Sat, 30 Jan 2010 04:22:24 +0000 http://aupairmom.com/tip-send-a-welcome-package-to-your-au-pairs-orientation/2008/09/10/cvharquail/#comment-6073 Wow! Did the AP make it through the year? I hope she matured with time? Wow! Did the AP make it through the year? I hope she matured with time?

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]]> By: Anonymous http://AuPairMom.com/tip-send-a-welcome-package-to-your-au-pairs-orientation/2008/09/10/celiaharquail/comment-page-1/#comment-6000 Anonymous Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:39:27 +0000 http://aupairmom.com/tip-send-a-welcome-package-to-your-au-pairs-orientation/2008/09/10/cvharquail/#comment-6000 RE: the vacation - Are you being SERIOUS?! :o How old was this AP?! RE: the vacation – Are you being SERIOUS?! :o How old was this AP?!

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]]> By: NoVA Host Mom http://AuPairMom.com/tip-send-a-welcome-package-to-your-au-pairs-orientation/2008/09/10/celiaharquail/comment-page-1/#comment-5998 NoVA Host Mom Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:30:09 +0000 http://aupairmom.com/tip-send-a-welcome-package-to-your-au-pairs-orientation/2008/09/10/cvharquail/#comment-5998 Sorry, that last "Anonymous" was me (re: country club and old AP). I used a different PC and forgot I was no longer signed in. My bad! Sorry, that last “Anonymous” was me (re: country club and old AP). I used a different PC and forgot I was no longer signed in. My bad!

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