Thanks for the feedback. Great idea about the useful bag!
My gifts usually are edible (local spices, coffees, teas, sweets, etc.) or consumable items (local cosmetics, soaps, etc.), or a small piece of local jewelry, clothing or local art.
I have to fit the gifts in my luggage to get them home, so that keeps them small.
Our sitters for the most part arrive by car, so space isn’t that much of an issue.
Anyway, such is the nature of gift giving. Always the risk the receiver won’t like it, but it’s the thought that counts. The receiver is always free to do with it what they want.
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It’s absolutely the thought that counts and I’m always appreciative when the HO thinks of me. I just also feel terrible when I have to give whatever it was away. But I do think on the bright side that it’ll brighten someone’s day. 
If I am traveling from afar I appreciate being offered an overnight before the sit begins: at the owners property if there’s sufficient room, or in accomodations nearby. It makes it less stressful for all concerned, but especially for the pets as they see me as a family friend instead of an intruder. An extra night at departure time can work well too. A couple of times I have stayed an extra night because flights were cancelled and homeowners couldn’t get home in time (seems to happen a lot at Christmas in the U.S.) H.O. have always been gracious and appreciative of my flexibility and have reciprocated. Of course any such arrangements should be in the post and agreed to in writing ahead of time.
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