Can I give my cleaner a velvetiser?

[Oopsoopsoops]

I’m guilty of overthinking this…

Our cleaner is amazing, reliable and has helped out with a tough year whilst I’ve had multiple operations. She has gone above and beyond, think things like pet sitting (paid) and more.

Her and her children love our hotel chocolat velvetiser and I would love to get them one for Christmas to show my/our appreciation but I’m not sure if it’s an OTT gift. I did consider getting a velvetiser dupe but I’m struggling to find the Aldi or Asda ones online (and I can’t go out to the shops because of my most recent surgery).

I don’t want to make her feel uncomfortable with an ‘extravagant’ gift.

Am I overthinking this? It will bring so much joy to her and her children. I would of course give some hot chocolates too

[Justilou1]

Absolutely right choice! (I don’t even like chocolate or know what the hecking heck a velvetiser is, but I’m going to look it up.) You and your cleaner sound lovely. Btw, the woman who started cleaning for me when I had my twins 15 years ago is now basically family. I’ve moved away and I haven’t had a cleaner since they were teeny. I’ve been to her kids weddings and grandkids baptisms, etc. She’s coming to stay for Christmas. Can’t wait.

[diddl]

@LadyOfMisrule

I'd always give money rather than gadgets that will be used for a while then put in the cupboard and forgotten.

I have to agree that re kitchen stuff, unless I'd specifically asked for something I'd rather people not buy it.

[Excited101]

For anyone worrying, you can put any hot chocolate powder or flaked chocolate in the velvetiser, just nothing with lumps

[dissociated]

It’s a lovely present go for it

[ZenNudist]

I think she would prefer a cash bonus. I usually give 2 weeks wages. If this is in addition to cash then go ahead. .

[GoingBacktoSchool123]

If you know she and her family love it and you can afford it then get it. You will be giving them so much pleasure.

I’ve bought Velvetisers for my nanny and hairdresser in the past and they were well received.

[cookiemonster2468]

Whatever you do don't buy the Aldi knock off. That would be quite insulting. Buy the real deal or not.

[JesusSufferingFuck22]

I'd give her cash. They may admire your velvetiser but don't necessarily want one cluttering up their kitchen. It's a lovely thought though to show your appreciation for her but I think cash would be appreciated more.
A velvitiser will probably end up in the back of the cupboard when the novelty wears off.

[pinkksugarmouse]

🤔 It’s a nice idea but cash would be of far more use to her. Maybe team it with a box of posh chocolates or something but when you are on a tight budget buying hot chocolate refills isn’t going to be a priority so it might just sit in her kitchen mostly unused. Plus you don’t know how big her kitchen is. Space may be limited in which case it will inevitably end up in a cupboard.

[viques]

I bought one through Hotel Chocolat on a subscription. The initial cost for the velvetiser was £50, but then you commit to buying the choc sachets for a year. You could do the subscription but just give her the pot (I got the copper which is gorgeous) and keep the chocolate for your own use ! But she would have to buy some sort of chocolate and if you are making them for several people they can work out expensive. On the whole I think give her cash then she can decide for herself.

[cherish123]

@viques a good idea

[BoredZelda]

At 13 quid for a pack of 10 sachets, (according to Google) This would sit at the back of my cupboard and I earn way more than a cleaner does.

[areallthenamesusedup]

Slightly off topic: we use normal cadburys Hot Chocolate and its fine.

[aliceincratingland]

If you can afford it then, why not !

I've bought my cleaner some lavender bath products for Xmas as she admired the look of mine one day.
I know she will be really grateful, I can't wait to give them to her.
They are from here :
www.inbloomandco.com

[PinkPrettyPearls]

Buy her the velvetiser, not a version of it. If it’s good enough for you, it’s good enough for you.
The few cleaners I know, have immaculate homes, very nice cars and expensive tastes 🙂
Don’t make her dislike you ⭐️🌸🌸

[PinkPrettyPearls]

…good enough for her too

[DontTellThemYourNamePike]

What a lovely, thoughtful gift. I'm glad you are giving her the Velvetiser rather than money/vouchers as some people suggested. Since when did gifts have to be practical? Personally, I love getting something a bit luxurious that I would never buy myself because it would seem too self indulgent.

[ANameChangeAgain]

No, because the capsules are single use plastic. I've got one of those coffee gusto things which I don't use for the same reason. Saying we can recycle the capsules isn't really good enough.

[Ponoka7]

@ANameChangeAgain
"No, because the capsules are single use plastic"

You buy packs of hot chocolate in recyclable bags?
Mine was one of the best things I've ever bought. It's a lovely gesture.

[JulesJules]

@ANameChangeAgain

No, because the capsules are single use plastic. I've got one of those coffee gusto things which I don't use for the same reason. Saying we can recycle the capsules isn't really good enough.

It doesn't use capsules

[Wiredforsound]

You can use any kind of hot chocolate. My DS uses Nesquick! We got one as a gift a few years ago and I thought it would be a white elephant, but it’s actually used most days. I’ll occasionally use it with cocoa and a little sugar as it’s too sweet otherwise, and my DD uses it with th 70% Hotel Chocolat. She has also brought it to sleepovers and study groups. If mine broke I’d probably get another one. So yes, a great present - stop overthinking it and go for it.

[Excitedforthecheeses]

WHAT is a velvetiser?! Sounds lovely

[caketiger]

Give her money, they might not want an additional kitchen item. We give our clean £100 at the start of December as her bonus.

[floofycroissant]

It's a thoughtful idea. I'd include the gift receipt and explain she can return for the cash if that's preferred. She may not want her kids having hot choc on tap.

[thevassal]

Buy it but pay cash (if in a shop) and include the receipt -say it is in case she wants to swap for a different colour but she could also use it to get the money if she was struggling. Awkwardness avoided.

Perhaps if she is embarrassed and comments on it being too expensive point out that having someone you trust to watch your pets etc is priceless?