Need a Gift Idea for an Awesome House Cleaner

I also clean houses for a living and Christmas time can be a little tricky according to most of my customers.The average gifts that I recieve from my customers is usually money or a gift certificate.Trust me a gift certificate to a women's only store or to a day spa for a massage is always appreciated.Hope this helps out.~N.

I have mother in law that cleans houses to, and she always loves for the hoildays when the person she cleans for double what they would pay her for that week as a gift. I dont really know anyone who does not like money as a gift.

Hi Rachel,
I am a SAHM who also babysits. I, like your cleaning lady, get paid for my services. Some of my parents get me "things" and I have a couple of them who pay me extra. For me, the money comes in handy. That is just me though. I had one mom who would give me an extra of whatever she paid me for the week. Let me tell you, it was great. I have one parent now who gives me extra money. Whatever you do for her I am sure she will appreciate.

Have you ever thought about something like a gift certificate to get a pedicure? I know it's kinda like money but if she get money you never know what she'll do for herself. This way you know that she is going to take time for herself. What about something from Bath and Body Works? Something girly that everyone enjoys.

She ONLY cleans for you once a week? So you don't want to get her something too nice? Wow. Really? Perhaps, just for a moment, you might pull your head out of your own em...self-absorbed bubble long enough to realize that this woman is cleaning for you every week because she really needs the money. It's not a glamour gig that she's doing just for the heck of it.
Trust me. At Christmastime, she is undoubtedly stretched for cash even more than she is throughout the rest of the year. This should be a no-brainer! She desperately needs that cash bonus! She does NOT need a "nice little (or big) tin" of homemade fudge unless there is a full day's pay included in the card that accompanies that tin. She does NOT need to be arbitrarily directed to a pedicurist, a massage therapist, a Bath & Body Works, or any other frivilous excursion of YOUR whimsical fancy. She has a different life than you do. She can't spend those silly gift certificates to buy presents and food for her family. Just give, at the very least, a full day's pay and let the woman decide for herself how it should be used.
Oh, if you do still decide to go the miserly tin-o-fudge route (or worse..the dreaded regift), whilst reassuring yourself that it's an adequate Christmas gift, nothing bad will happen (not in this life, anyway). This woman. who shows up every week to bust her fanny doing your dirty work just so she and her family can barely keep up with their bills, will most likely be gracious about it. And what choice does she have? She is obviously not in a position to complain, now is she? It would mean the end of a cleaning job that she really needs...at least until she is able to find someone decent to clean for..someone with a soul, for instance. In the meantime, she is at your mercy. So she will not roll her eyes and call you a cheap a******.
No, instead, she'll manage a forced smile, thank you and wish you a Merry Christmas. Then she'll spend most of her drive home trying to shake the ugly feeling of being burned by a cheap, selfish, ignoramus bore...and trying not to cry from the disappointment and frustration of not being able to afford a decent Christmas for her own family.
A good cleaning lady deserves a generous cash bonus. If you like, a small personal gift may be given, in addition to, NOT instead of that vital basic bonus.

Just about every store has gift cards-grocery's, gas, books, spa. The generic female gifts of candles and soaps and coffees bug me to no end. When I get one I can't help but think it is a "re-gift" since I just want to give it away too! How about a very useful gift card inside a little purse and a nice personalized ornament.

I would say that cash is the best option. I know it seems impersonal but this way she can use it for what makes her happy. Don't give her something that will asit around her house and collect dust until she finally gets up the nerve to give it away or donate it. Good Luck.

I am looking for housekeeping service. Is your cleaning lady excepting new clients?

Rachel, I am not sure where you are located but I would suggest a specialty gift basket,maybe a family basket, or a personal one for her like bath soaps, towels, body lotion, ect.. I custom make baskets and have l50 to choose from or can design one for you they range is from 25.00 and up depending on how you want to spend.. you can email me at ____@____.com or call ###-###-#### I am located in Ohio

R. - Bennett Brothers has "Choose your Gift" catalogs in various denominations that I think are great. High-quality name-brand merchandise, each catalog has 50 or more items that the recipient can pick to have delivered to their door.

You can always buy a homecleaning for one of your friends. It gives your friend a nice gift and your housecleaner more income.

I think the custom for service providers is a monetary gift.

What about giving her something you've made yourself- like fudge, or cookies, or pumpkin bread? Just about everyone appreciates something homemade, they know it isn't a re-gift, it's personal, and it's a gift of time, which I think every woman appreciates. You could put it in a nice tin, or on a very nice plate (clear or a Christmas plate) with a bow on it. Inexpensive, but very much appreciated.

Hi R. :)
How are you? There are so many great ideas already.
It is so generous of you to think of your cleaning lady and thank her in this way. She will be so happy with any gift that you choose to give. I would be happy to tell you about the amazing products and baskets that I have to offer. I have started a business out of my home with Arbonne. The products are wonderful. I would love to share the sea salt scrub with you as a gift idea. It exfoliates dry skin to reveal healthier, softer skin leaving your skin feeling silky and smooth. I am sure her hands are really dry from the chemicals she uses to clean all day. There are some great mild washes and lotions for sensitive skin too. I also offer gift certificates so she could choose a product to pamper herself, compliments of you. Good luck with your decision.

I know that this is not in response to your request. But I saw that you work with low income families. I am a single mom of four and I am looking for housing. What steps do I need to take and where can I go and what do I need to do? Please help.

Hi Rachel,

A Massage Gift Certificate would probably be well accepted. It's not really giving her money...it's giving her a gift that she will definitely appreciate! Most women & men, don't take the time to pamper themselves, because 1. They don't think they have the time 2. They are not sure who to go to & 3. They may not think about going! I am a Massage Therapist and this time of year is a Great Time to show your friends, family & employees how much you appreciate them!

R.,

Cash. Just put it in a nice little gift bag with paper stuffing or something.

One thought is to give a gift card to a particular restaurant - it "technically" is money, but it is a great evening out for her. Also Barnes and Noble or Borders gift cards are really nice because the person can pick out what they want.
I'm trying to figure out the same thing this holiday.
Good luck,
S.

How about getting her a 1/2 hour massage gift certificate so she can take time to relax. Tell her that she does such a good job for you -- you thought she deserved some pampering. Or when the house isn't too bad -- and she shows up to clean --- tell her to take the day and go shopping ofr herself. Of course pay her what you would normally pay her. It would be kind of like a mini paid vacation.
C.