Image courtesy of Canva
This post was originally published in June 2018 and revised in February 2024 by other contributors.
There’s a lot to do when getting ready to welcome your au pair, and preparing your au pair’s bedroom is essential for making them feel at home when they arrive. Beyond the au pair bedroom requirements—which you can find in your Host Family Handbook—there are many other special touches that will let your au pair know that you care about their comfort in their new home.
When putting together your au pair’s room, it’s important to put yourself in their shoes. Your au pair has moved to a new country to live with a family that they haven’t met before. Not to mention, they’ll be taking care of your high-energy little ones all day! What sort of things would make you more confident and comfortable stepping into this new chapter of life?
If you’re not sure what to do, don’t worry! Au Pair USA has been supporting host families in welcoming their au pairs for over 30 years. We’ve created this checklist to help you prepare a cozy and welcoming room for your au pair.
The Au Pair Bedroom Basics
Make sure you have these things in your au pair’s room by the time they arrive.
- Towels
- Bed with linens
- Have a second set of sheets, additional blanket, and extra pillow available to ensure your au pair has all the things to help them have a good night’s sleep.
- Au Pair Handbook
- If your family has an Au Pair Handbook, print it and leave it in their room so they have it for reference when needed.
- Bedside Lamp
- Bedside Table
- Trash Bin
- Wifi Password
- Window Dressings
- Full-Length Mirror
- Hangers
The Extra Touches
Depending on your budget, consider adding these touches to make your au pair feel extra special. Little gestures like this can go a very long way.
- Wall Map of the USA
- Your au pair will love dreaming about their next adventure.
- Unique American Snacks
- Customizable Decor
- Empty frames are fine or you can prepare some artwork for your au pair, like a poster from their favorite movie, a printed photo from their social media, or handmade artwork from the kiddos.
- Fan or Humidifier Depending on Your Climate
- Alarm Clock
- Bluetooth Speaker
- Welcome Card From Your Kids
- Toiletries
- Go with travel sized ones since you won’t be sure of your au pair’s preferences.
- Desk
- Television with Access to Your Streaming Service Providers or Cable
- Hair Dryer
- Bathrobe and Slippers
- This is perfect for cold climates that your au pair may not be used to.
And a Few Au Pair Gift Ideas
Since you’ll likely be purchasing your au pair a welcome gift, some items to help their room feel more comfortable are a great idea!
- A Gift Card
- A one-stop shop like Target or a home decor store are great options.
- Magazines/Books
- Au pairs are typically eager to improve their English, so reading something interesting in English will likely be welcomed.
- Journal
- T-shirt/Hoodie from your town or state
Preparing your au pair’s bedroom can be a family affair, not just one host parents have to do by themselves. Have a family brainstorm session to see what other special things you can do to welcome your au pair home! Feel free to share photos of your au pair’s room with us on Instagram.
