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Original poster

Is this an awful present?

59 replies

Lostatseawithnolighthouse · 02/12/2022 11:50

I have a pet sitter occasionally and she's great. I want to get her a Christmas gift but don't know her well. I thought I'd get her a gift bag of stuff but don't know whether it's naff. I don't have tons of money. So far I've put in:
Tea bags
Nice coffee
Hot chocolate
Malteasers
A scratch card
A candle
Pet treats for her own pet

Is that ok do you think? Is there anything you'd change?

OP posts:
LovedFedAndNoonesDead · 02/12/2022 12:52

Ciri · 02/12/2022 12:00

If you’re trying to create a “relax” message how about adding a paperback book. Less than £4 in Tesco

The only thing I’d caution about books is, unless you know exactly what sort of books someone likes (and what they already have - or don’t) you run the risk of buying a book they’d never read, or one they’ve already read!

Charlize43 · 02/12/2022 12:57

I like the gift bag idea but would substitute the items with a bottle of Vodka, a bottle of Tequila, Gin, Whiskey, Rum, etc and top it off with The Classic Cocktail Bible.

I'd love to receive something like that!

stopringingme · 02/12/2022 12:57

I think that is a very thoughtful gift, you haven't just picked up a random gift set to give them, you have taken the time to put together items you think they will like.

It is hard enough to buy for people you know !

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IToldYouAmillionTimesAlready · 02/12/2022 12:58

That sounds very nice, OP. I'd love something like that.

lightisnotwhite · 02/12/2022 13:05

I think it’s nice enough as generic gifts go but would have probably just gone for an extra tenner. Do they even like hot drinks? I despise tea and hot chocolate. A cheap bottle of wine costing a fiver would be fine for me.
Money or voucher is safer. Also you don’t end up adding “ just one more thing” to your random collection. Still make sure it looks beautiful. I love a well presented present even if the contents aren’t to my taste ( I’d usefully pass them on).

Agapornis · 02/12/2022 13:08

Just in case I am your cat sitter 😁..
That sounds lovely - I don't like coffee though! I don't normally get anything so it's really nice of you.
A £ christmas bonus instead of gifts will be appreciated, too. Definitely do consumables/things that can be used up, don't go to the expense of a mug or anything like that.

reluctantbrit · 02/12/2022 13:09

I would be fine with it, most items are liked by everyone and if not, I would give them to a friend/foodbank or leave them in our office kitchen.

We give our cleaner cash and chocolate (we know she has two sons).

barskits · 02/12/2022 13:46

That's a nice present, although I'd wrap the candle rather thoroughly if it is a strong-smelling one, you don't want cross-over with the tea bags!!

NoelNoNoel · 02/12/2022 13:48

How about swapping the tea and coffee for some hand cream?

MoggyMittens23 · 02/12/2022 19:22

Sounds great to me, I would love to receive that

GoodVibesHere · 02/12/2022 21:14

It sounds lovely to me and you dont need to add or swap any of it as some are strangely suggesting.

GoodVibesHere · 02/12/2022 21:15

NoelNoNoel · 02/12/2022 13:48

How about swapping the tea and coffee for some hand cream?

Why?!

pizzaHeart · 02/12/2022 21:23

It sounds nice if she likes this sort of things .
I actually with @MassiveSalad22
I would prefer cash or voucher and a nice card. I drink one particular type of tea, don’t like hot chocolate much, hate candles. I can use Maltesers for rocky road and any freeze dried coffee will do for drinking so both are ok.
My point is that she does pet sitting for extra money so nice card and more extra money will cover it nicely.

Floralnomad · 02/12/2022 21:27

The thing is by the time you add that little lot up you may as well have just stuck some money in a card , which is what I do for our dog groomer , as aside from liking dogs I’ve no idea what she likes

Original poster
Lostatseawithnolighthouse · 03/12/2022 16:19

Thanks everyone

OP posts:
Original poster
Lostatseawithnolighthouse · 03/12/2022 16:20

Floralnomad · 02/12/2022 21:27

The thing is by the time you add that little lot up you may as well have just stuck some money in a card , which is what I do for our dog groomer , as aside from liking dogs I’ve no idea what she likes

Cost about £14. It would seem strange to stick £10 or £15 in a card.

OP posts:
FlowerArranger · 03/12/2022 16:21

Just give her cash and some chocolates.

NoelNoNoel · 03/12/2022 16:45

£10 in a card is very much appreciated, that’s what lots of my clients used to give me at Christmas (or £20) when I worked as an independent care assistant.

SilentHedges · 03/12/2022 17:01

@Lostatseawithnolighthouse I think it's a lovely idea, but in case I was your cat sitter... no CANDLES. I've got pets and anything scented is a no no, as fumes can be toxic to pets. Unless you get something pet safe, but that's more £s.

TroysMammy · 03/12/2022 17:04

Biscuits, you've forgotten biscuits. I'd love a gift like that but if you included Party Rings and Malted Milks I'd be really happy.

Floralnomad · 03/12/2022 17:07

Lostatseawithnolighthouse · 03/12/2022 16:20

Cost about £14. It would seem strange to stick £10 or £15 in a card.

Show quote history

I stick £10 in a card for our postman , if most people on our road alone do the same , and most seem to , he has about £300 by the time you add up from all of his delivery route he is probably into the 1000s , much more use to him than everyone giving him a box of biscuits ! Same for our groomer , if a few of her December clients stick £20 in an envelope she can buy something she actually wants . Much easier when you don’t really know people .

Chikapu · 03/12/2022 17:10

I think a voucher or cash would have been better plus the treats for her pet.

Pumperthepumper · 03/12/2022 17:14

I don’t think there’s anything there that’s massively exciting though, sorry. I think you’d be better to go for something costing a tenner, like some new gloves or a candle, instead of stuff she’s probably got in her cupboards anyway.

OhPeggySue · 03/12/2022 17:26

It'd all be useless to me (don't drink hot drinks, don't eat chocolate, dog gets upset stomach with random treats etc). £10 in a card with a thoughtful message would be much more appreciated.

Georgeskitchen · 03/12/2022 17:30

Sounds like a lovely thoughtful gift. Take no notice of the naysayers 😀

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