Is this an inconvenient gift?

[deneedenee]

My boss is retiring soon and I'm organising the big(ger) farewell and gift.

So far there is about £120 in the gift envelope, and someone suggested I get him an overnight stay somewhere via Groupon or similar.

Had a look today and there's a deal for a 2 night stay in the Lake District, with breakfast, cream tea and a cruise on Lake Windermere for £169. I'm still expecting some contributions to the envelope, and also have money set aside just from those in our office, so plenty to cover the cost.

However ,we're in Scotland. I know he's been to the LD a few times, really likes it and is always telling me I need to go.

But is it an inconvenient gift if he has to drive there, buy dinner etc?

I'm not 100% about the hotel. It's only 3 star and he's quite an experienced traveller, so may not be up to his standard. But in theory, is this type of gift a nice idea or just a hassle for someone? I might see what I can find closer to home, but from the point of view of the extra expenses involved, what do you think?

[Catanddogmake6]

If he's an experienced traveller could you get him something for travelling (rather than travel itself). A posh upgrade of something perhaps. You can get leather holdalls with initials embossed although might be too expensive. Basically something luxurious he can keep.

[Italiangreyhound]

Use a portion, say 10%, for a nice keepsake and give the rest as cash or voucher. I got given cream tea thing, lost the voucher, just a waste.

As your boss and a seasoned traveller I would imagine he could afford to go somewhere of his choice.

Do the money up in a little bag labelled 'Swag' and get everyone to sign a massive card. he will know you all care.

[RJnomore1]

Malmaison gift card it can be used in one Devonshire gardens as well. The Glasgow malmaison restaurant is Martin wishart.

[Sunnyshores]

I wouldnt buy any specific hotel or restaurant. Peoples tastes are very personal and if hes well travelled he have definite preferences. A voucher for a chain such as Sofitel, Hampton by Hilton, Marriott (assume theyre in Scotland too)

[deneedenee]

There will be one "big" gift from those who work in our building and then a slightly smaller value one from those in our office/dept. If need be, I can use some of "our" kitty to top up the bigger one. But there will be two gifts with at least one of them being an actual gift.

He doesn't like golf, but a midweek stay at CH might be nice. They do like to go to shows now and then as well, so that's an idea too.

I hate this kind of thing

[travailtotravel]

Does he drink ? Get him membership of the Wine Society and vouchers to spend on wine of his own choosing. They have everything from £6 - £6000!

[Pixie2015]

Don't do a Groupon too restrictive - hotel vouchers would be better

[deneedenee]

Really appreciate all these suggestions. Need to it, whatever "it" is, by Wednesday!

[Slimthistime]

I wouldn't even go with a restaurant voucher unless you know his choices really well. Even then, keepsake and vouchers best.

[deneedenee]

He does drink, I was thinking of getting a whiskey decanter/glass from those of us in the office, and get it engraved, funds permitting. Won't be giving him that gift for another couple of weeks l. Someone's already gifted him some whiskey.

[PinkPlantPot]

Martin wisharts at Cameron house. Lovely gift and also a lovely experience

[deneedenee]

What about this? He'd have to drive there though, so wouldn't benefit from the bubbly.

[Cheerybigbottom]

I wouldn't recommend tastecard, we get it free with a NatWest account and have only used it once. It's very location restrictive.

I'm with pp's saying buy hotel vouchers which can be exchanged at full face value. Groupon deals usually give inferior hotel room and meal choices.

[londonrach]

People buy that taste card. We got a free trial and never used it as no one uses it. Op i wouldnt book anything.

[AngelicaSchuylerChurch]

Mr. & Mrs. Smith gift card. Their hotels are all lovely (although there are only three in Scotland - two in Edinburgh and one in the Highlands) and they do an e-gift card which you can print yourself (voice of disorganised experience!).

[Skyllo30]

£160 won't go far at Cameron House!

MacDonald hotel vouchers? Not as swanky but they have some nice locations.

[Judydreamsofhorses]

What about a gift card for Malmaison? That way he could use it for a fancy dinner in the Glasgow hotel, or towards a break somewhere else.

[WomblingThree]

Honestly I'd just give him th money. It isn't about what you would like or feel comfortable with, it's about him.

I cannot think of anyone who would want some random thing chosen by someone else, rather than cash. Vouchers are telling people what you think they should like. It's perfectly accepted now that money is fine for a wedding present, so surely it's fine for any other occasion.

[FlapAttack88]

Oh noo I got one of these and never claimed I and it was just wasted. Availability and date restrictions a nightmare. SomethinG local!

[LadyLapsang]

What about an annual membership to the National Trust in Scotland (£43 for 1 aged 60 plus or £60 for a couple if one is 60 plus) with lunch for 2 somewhere nice. Otherwise Mr & Mrs Smith voucher.

[woodwaj]

National trust is a good idea. My suggestion would prob be a nice watch but i hate buying for men so prob a crap idea!

[50ShadesOfEarlGrey]

The number of gift cards, vouchers etc that we have had and forgotten about would run into hundreds of £'s. We have always found them really restrictive.
I would much rather see the cash or a cheque and please myself what I spend it on.

Or John Lewis vouchers if it really can't be cash?

What we now do if we are giving a present like this is to make an appropriate card wallet/voucher, very professional, printed out etc. with cheque clipped inside.

[CaulkheadUpNorf]

Do you know his wife at all? Could you ask her if there is something he is planning to do that you could contribute to?

[deneedenee]

Caulk not very well, but I already went to her door this week to invite her to the buffet lunch. I don't want to turn up again like a stalker.