But what if your sitter was a diabetic and couldn’t eat your brownies, or was vegan and couldn’t use your restaurant gift cards? Or had gluten problems and your pasta dinner was left for you to use. Or just drank herbal tea? I think cash gifts in lieu of gifts that may or may not be used, is equivalent. Nut allergies, all kinds of particular eating. I think HOs are making assumptions when they leave a gift they will use, but the sitter may not.
If I get something I can’t or won’t use - which happens - I put it in their cupboard and appreciate the thought. For me it is the fact that they thought about me, not that I get something as such. As when a friend would give me something that wasn’t my choice or taste. That happens too. I would smile and say thank you and leave it at that.
Gift cards are the best! I have left tips before with some sweets and flowers. I typically leave gift cards
On our most recent sit we left the following for the HOs
- A full tank in their ‘doggy’ car which we’d had the use of.
- A litre of 1% milk in the fridge that we’d noticed they used.
- Flowers in a vase and a thank you card.
- A pot of local honey.
I think money can be weird as well! I’ve noticed with wine I once went out of my to ask if they drank wine, and that felt weird but about half the sitters don’t take or drink the wine! The thing about gifts of any kind is even if they aren’t exactly right, the thought is appreciated.
I ask my sitter about food allergies and dietary restrictions in the video chat, as well as their preferences on showing up to a completely empty fridge or one that has some perishables. Have had some sitters with restrictions and gotten them things tailored to their needs - it’s not rocket science. Also have had some gifts not used - I don’t take it personally.
Would prefer coffee —it’s the gift of the gods. If anyone buys Merlot, I’m leaving🍷
@Liz8689, wonderful questions.
Like many experienced sitters then we’d suggest that the tip/gift is not as important as the gesture, respect and listing accuracy.
There is no ‘right’ answer. We often receive gifts at the commencement a housesit - something as simple as a bottle of wine, some foodstuffs, a meal or otherwise. At the end of a housesit then we often leave a gesture - a welcome-back meal, etc.
On several housesits then Pet Parents have elevated a gift to include gift cards to a local restaurant or similar. On a few housesits we have been left financial gifts - a contribution to car rental or twice the equivalent cost of professional pet care.
All of this is wholly optional. Housesitters cannot ask for payment. Financial values are often a rounding error compared to Pet Parent vacation expenses or housesitter travel/living costs - but appreciated. Some pet parents strive to build a relationship or frankly to express apprecation.
Suggest that you take a deep breath and do what you think is right.
I have never asked for anything except space in the fridge and freezer. And even when offered their liquor cabinet, I bring my own. But I have never been asked if I have allergies. In over 25 sits, never been asked. And I have been left baskets of cookies, chocolates. Not often. Early on, I think an HO did leave me a basket of snacks, but I thought she just kept snacks in a basket. It is all personal preference. We all have different views.
I appreciate being appreciated, but cash tips seem awkward to me, because that’s usually given to people you hire or people performing services for money.
I’ve been offered groceries on some sits, with the hosts asking what I’d prefer ahead of time. I declined with appreciation, preferring to shop on my own. Also have received snacks and wine — in one case (repeat sit) they asked each time whether I’d enjoy wine. And separate hosts asked whether I preferred red or white.
With yet another set of hosts, they filled the mini fridge in my guest quarters (a beautiful mother-in-law unit with a kitchenette) with refreshments, in addition to inviting me to eat anything from their well-stocked pantry and fridge.
I’ve also been asked about food preferences / allergies when treated to meals, whether the hosts cooked, we went out or they ordered in.
On various sits, I’ve also received goodbye gifts — in one case, a hand blown glass Christmas ornament, but otherwise confections and other treats, or wine. Also have received gift cards / certificates.
When I was offered cash, I declined with appreciation.
What an awesome way to see the world. Good for you! Living life to the fullest. 
I am confused. you sit about 80% of the year, but only do 3 or 4 sits?
No, the other way around.
got it. have to add words to post
Finding out their likes dislikes and filling up the fridge is by far the best option. I have bought small gifts back but only if I know the sitters well. No tip, this is not what THS is about.
I would feel uncomfortable about receiving cash as a tip, perhaps this is British reservedness. If a host were to leave me a nice bottle of wine, or buys a meal if I arrive before they go away that’s more than enough.
For me filling up the fridge is the worst. I prefer what I want to eat not what the HO decides they want to gift me. I hate those shopping services. I want to see and touch the fruit I am going to buy. So if they HO bought stuff, it would rot and go to waste.
The best possible gift, and the most appropriate, is a glowing review.