Hi Im a new HO and I would like to prepared a nice basket for a couple, any ideas? What would you like to find?
Thank you!
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Would you consider asking the couple themselves what they would like ? everyone has such varied tastes.
If you would prefer it to be a suprise then something from your local area if there is a traditional delicious treat that would be nice.
Failing that i would go for the kind of things that you would like to receive. That way if they are not to their taste you can have them on your return.
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Such a kind and thoughtful thing to do. I don’t think the contents matter as much as the gesture itself. I would be so utterly delighted to find a hamper, that whether or not I liked what was in it would be secondary 
In saying that, some dog/ cat related goodies, local produce, maybe a voucher to a local attraction or just some maps of the local area would be nice. You’re not expected to know much about the sitter, but I feel these things would appeal to all.
Regarding the thread more generally, honestly just arriving to a clean home is so lovely. It makes me think the people have been considerate in making me feel welcomed, rather than expecting to tidy their mess. I have arrived to sits with mouldy food in the fridge, dead flies in the bath and used tissues on the ground. Total lack of consideration and starts things off on a bad note, IMO.
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I agree. Last two had poor details on Welcome Pack nothing about where to find stuff or anything about heating, hen food, food scales etc
A nice bottle of wine
a bottle of milk
Fresh loaf
Marmalade
Fresh eggs
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OS maps of the area for planning long dog walks.
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@Becca We received a home-made apple cake, a home-made loaf , 2 hot Cornish pasties and 2 gorgeous canine oldies at our current sit. What a wonderful way to start a new sit - so thoughtful! 
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Coffe maker (with coffee), bottle of wine, clean house, and comfortable bed.
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I have just arrived at a repeat cat sit for the fourth time to be greeted with a bottle of wine and artisan chocolates, plus eggs, butter and juice in the fridge. But that’s not all. My car went in for repairs last Monday, and they were unable to get it finished for today a parts had to be ordered from the manufacturer. I have therefore hired a car, and the HO very much wanted to contribute towards the cost. I refused, but really appreciate the thought.
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And I’ve just found in the kitchen cabinet she leaves empty for me: marmalade, a cake, some biscuits, tea and coffee 
.
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Lets see.
Enough litter. Food, medications for the length of the sit.
A comfortable bed.
Room enough for me to bring food in the fridge/freezer.
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Happy, loving, calm pets. Because that tells me that the owners are lovely people and that I am going to have a great time.
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Great question!
Little things that mean a lot to my hubby and I are:
Detailed welcome guide with clear expectations (extra bonus when they leave us a printed copy)
Easy to use coffee maker and coffee.
Space in pantry and fridge to store our food.
Meeting the owners in person before they depart and sharing a meal with them. We love the community of TH and have really enjoyed everyone we have met. We do a lot of repeat sits because of this 
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I consider a clean house and bedding a must rather than a nice “little thing.” In the category of little niceties: a vase of fresh flowers, even if small and simple; cleared space in the fridge and bedroom closet, along with ample hangers; an emptied drawer in the bathroom vanity; any member-discount card the homeowner can leave for use at local museums, state park admission/parking, etc. And, as others have said, an edible treat that’s locally made is a lovely little welcome gift.
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I’m in total agreement with @3weimsKC . My query was more relating to the little things which you’re happy to see when arriving at a sit.
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Love this! To add….If there’s anything local your home is known for, that’s also nice! For us, it would be something like lavender, paprika/peppers, a jar of pickled goods, etc.
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I always love it when the house guide/host notes have suggestions of the must sees/dos/eats close to “home”.
Knowing where the locals go and having suggestions right when I get there is always super helpful for making me feel more at home. Additionally, calling out the best walking paths, etc especially in the case of sitting a dog.
Some hosts have also left membership cards available for me to use e.g. their national trust card so I could visit sites or their gym access card.
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a robe and slippers just for me
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On my current 5 week sit, the hosts left a sweet note and welcome gifts, including 1 lb. of coffee, a small candle, a scented soap and some chocolates.
So thoughtful and greatly appreciated!
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I love when they leave coffe for their machine and books for all the appliances. Some have left wine, fresh baked goods. I don’t ever expect anything. I bring mostly my own stuff.
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