Hi all! I was hoping to get some suggestions as to an inexpensive holiday gift for a lady who works as a greeter/toll booth operator in my office building's parking garage. Her actual job is to sit in the booth, take the tickets that visitors use to get into the building, and charge them accordingly, based on the amount of hours they have parked. She goes beyond that though and rather than just sit in the booth all morning, she gets out, stands at the gate platform, helping people who are monthly parkers to scan their access cards when they cannot reach the reader, and greets them, says good morning, wishes them a good weekend, and is generally very friendly. She constantly tells me I look very pretty, and pays me all kinds of compliments, which I appreciate, as they put a smile on my face, and I feel she deserves something for her attentiveness.
When she has been on vacation, the person who substitutes her either stays in the booth and doesn't come out, or just stands there on the platform and nods when you say "hello" and won't make conversation, so yes, her genuine, sweet attitude is a nice contrast to theirs. What type of gifts would you suggest? I am still trying to get gifts for co-workers, staff members, boss, family, and need to stick to a modest budget. I need to stop at the dollar store for gift bags and Wal-Mart to buy a new bookcase, so I am hoping to pick up something at either of those stores, rather than having to fight traffic and go to a third location. I was thinking of a coffee mug with candy/chocolate, or maybe a scented candle. What do you think of those ideas? I am open to suggestions and better ideas. Thanks :)
Thanks for your suggestions! I ended up getting her a scented candle that has golden starfish and other sea life that can be used for arts and crafts/decoration when the candle melts down. She was very appreciative. A co-worker of mine gave her a scarf and gloves set one year and another year, makeup. Now that she mentioned it, I did notice she wears eye shadow in different colors every morning. I am glad I got so many different suggestions, now I know what to get her in the coming years (or what to get office co-workers too). Thanks again!
I know it's a bit generic, but I would look around and see what the closest coffee shop/lunch place is to the garage, and get her a gift card for that place with enough on it to buy lunch. That, along with a note saying how much you appreciate her positive attitude, sounds like a nice gift.
Never underestimate the power of a personal note in a card.
I would go with a mug and hot cocoa/tea and maybe a gift card to a place near work. And a card thanking her along with how much it is appreciated. You would be surprised how much the card would be valued over anything else. I would not go with a candle unless you know for sure she likes them and is not overly sensitive.
If she drinks tea/coffee, that sounds like a nice idea - I would change it to a travel mug, instead of a desk-top coffee mug, so that she doesn't need to worry about spilling/breaking it. @ Walmart, they Bubba Hero Fresh travel mug is fantastic - my husband got one for me, I latch it & turn it all over, & no leaks - pop it in my backpack while catching the bus, no worries! Or if you don't notice her drinking those, maybe a reuseable water bottle. Bubba brand also makes a nice, sealable, no spill bottle. (links below)
Since you are in FL, maybe add to it some things that go with the climate (if you were in NY I'd suggest a nice scarf or mittens) - sunscreen, lip balm, maybe a light-weight scarf to protect her neck/shoulders from sun, a little fan (either for the desk in the booth, or one she can hand-hold while out helping people).
And in addition to the gifts, don't forget to give her a nice, hand-written card letting her know what you told us - what she does & why she is so appreciated! T. :)
Travel Mug: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Bubba-Hero-Fresh-Thermos/25568...
Water Bottle: https://www.walmart.com/ip/bubba-Flo-Duo-Water-Bottle-24-...
I can't improve on the excellent suggestions you've already been given, but wanted to hop on and say how nice this question is, and how thoughtful you are. So glad you get such a blessing every morning! No one's job is too small, too insignificant. By doing her job well, she makes a difference in every one else's job all over that office building.
Something she can use "at work" - travel mug, candy, scented candle or very nice air freshening thing (potpourri, etc) to keep her booth smelling nice around all of the car fumes.
And definitely a card telling her what you told us!
I look for clues - where their coffee cup comes from (what coffee shop), etc. then I tend to get them a gift certificate to there.
I am guessing if she works in a booth, she already has a travel mug? I'd just take note the next few days and see what she uses. Does she read a book, have a magazine? That sort of thing.
I like homemade treats. I have always found that to be well received, and I know I love them.
I think Snowmen are jolly and represent winter longer than a Santa mug or dish. So I'd probably go with a Snowman mug and put several flavored hot cocoa mixes in it with a small bag of other treats, already packed for this purpose instead of buying things then packaging them up at home.
Truthfully, I toss stuff that isn't pre-packaged. You really don't know that person and they could be a nasty person who messed with the contents. If I was this lady and you gave me a mug with stuff in zip lock baggies and such? I'd keep the mug and toss the rest.
Buy individual flavors of hot cocoa, they have them at Walmart in the hot cocoa section and the Christmas section.
I stand by my flashlight or candle gifts.
Everybody can use them and if they can't they are easy to re-gift.
i'm not a fan of gift cards, but this is the perfect situation for one.
i also think a coffee mug with candy or a nice candle would be excellent.
tin of homemade cookies and fudge with a nice card would rock also.
you're lovely to think of this hard working person.
khairete
S.
well damn - you're in Miami Beach? I was going to suggest gloves or a scarf because it can get cold - but 60 degrees is still nice compared to the 7 degrees we'll get next week!!
I'd do something personal for her - cookies and a gift card to a movie theater. Have you ever struck up a conversation with her to find out what she likes? She does quilt or crochet? Maybe if she does - yarn and needles would be nice.
I like the idea of scented candles - unless of course - she has an allergy....
Good luck! I think it's really sweet of you!
How nice of you! People in these jobs are so under appreciated! (We tip our letter carrier, the FedEx/UPS drivers who trudge through the snow to deliver packages with a dog biscuit for our pup, and our garbage pickup people.)
I know you're in Florida, but she's outside in February when I know Florida people wear scarves and gloves. How about those combination gloves/mittens with a flap that folds up over fingerless gloves, allowing her to take tickets and make change but then cover up her fingers in between cars or when she's out at the gate. Or a pretty and moderately warming infinity scarf so she can be a little fashionable without having her coat zipped up to her neck all the time?
A travel mug is fine, or one of those electric heating "coasters" that keeps a regular mug warm.
Maybe she would like a little basket of lip balm, hand lotion, hand sanitizer (I hate the stuff most of the time, but then again, she's touching the card reader all the time), candies or mints, pocket tissues, and air freshener (if she's breathing exhaust all day). You could get some things at the dollar store or thrift store and make a cute basket she can display and replenish - if she's allowed to have any "decor" in her booth. It wouldn't be much money, and it would show you were willing to take the time to create something personal.
How about one of those "swell" or similar water bottles that holds and retains the temperature of hot or cold beverages? There are "off" brands all over Amazon that you could get for less than $10. If not, maybe a hot coffee one morning with a big "Merry Christmas" and a "thank you for brightening my day".
Tuck a 10 or 20 into a Christmas card. She'll love that the most! Impersonal, yes. But cash is king,
