House sitters play an essential role in maintaining homes and properties when owners are away. As such, it is customary to show appreciation for their services by giving them a thoughtful gift. If you are looking for the perfect gift for a house sitter, we have compiled a list of the top 9 thoughtful gift ideas for house sitters that are sure to show your appreciation and make their stay more comfortable.
Gift Certificate for a Nearby Cafe or Restaurant
House sitters often don’t have access to the kitchen and may need to rely on takeout or dining out during their stay. Even if they have access, maybe the homeowners don’t eat at home, so they may not have all the pots and pans you need to prepare a meal.
A gift card to a local restaurant or coffee shop is a great way to show your appreciation and ensure they have access to a hot meal or coffee. This is a fantastic present for a number of reasons:
Relaxation and enjoyment:
House sitting can sometimes be a demanding task, requiring the sitter to take care of various responsibilities. A certificate to a restaurant or coffee shop allows the house sitter to take a break, unwind, and enjoy a meal or a soothing cup of coffee.
Local experience:
If the house sitter is not familiar with the area or is from out of town, a restaurant or coffee shop certificate can introduce them to local cuisine or coffee culture.
Personalized touch:
A certificate to a specific restaurant or coffee shop demonstrates thoughtfulness and consideration on the part of the gift-giver.
Memorable experience:
Good food and great coffee can create memorable experiences. By providing a certificate, you are offering the house sitter the opportunity to create lasting memories associated with their time spent house sitting for you.
Overall, a certificate to a restaurant or coffee shop is a thoughtful gift for a house sitter as it allows them to relax and enjoy local flavours, provides convenience, adds a personalized touch, and creates memorable experiences during their time as your trusted caretaker.
Cozy Blanket or Throw
A cozy blanket or throw is a thoughtful gift that can make a house sitter feel comfortable and at home. Choose a soft and comfortable fabric.
Comfort and relaxation:
House sitting often involves spending extended periods of time in an unfamiliar environment. A cozy blanket is a practical gift that can enhance their relaxation and make them feel cozy during their stay.
Personal touch:
By giving a blanket or throw as a gift, you show that you’ve considered the house sitter’s well-being and comfort. This can leave a positive impression and contribute to a positive house-sitting experience.
Versatility:
Blankets and throws are versatile gifts that can be used in various ways. They can be used on a chilly evening while watching TV, cuddling with pets, or as an extra layer of warmth on a bed.
Remembrance:
A cozy blanket or throw can serve as a lasting memento of the house-sitting experience. Whenever the house sitter uses the gift, they may fondly recall their time spent in the house. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference and leave a lasting positive impression.
Overall, a cozy blanket or throw is a thoughtful gift for a house sitter as it offers comfort, personalization, and versatility, and serves as a reminder of the positive experience they had while looking after your home.
Gift Basket of Snacks
A gift basket filled with snacks, including chips, candy, and nuts, is a great way to show your appreciation and ensure the house sitter has some treats to enjoy during their stay.
Convenience:
Providing a basket of snacks ensures that the house sitter has easy access to a variety of food options without having to leave the house.
Comfort and hospitality:
Offering a basket of snacks demonstrates your thoughtfulness and hospitality. It shows that you appreciate the house sitter’s efforts and want to make their stay as comfortable as possible.
Energy boost:
House sitting may involve various tasks, such as taking care of pets, maintaining the house, or handling unexpected situations. Having a basket of snacks allows the sitter to refuel and recharge with quick and convenient energy-boosting options.
Appreciation and recognition:
Providing a snack basket is a way to express your gratitude and acknowledge the house sitter’s efforts. This appreciation can contribute to a positive and mutually beneficial relationship between you and the house sitter.
Overall, a basket of snacks for a house sitter is a thoughtful gift because it combines convenience, comfort, personalization, and appreciation. It ensures that the house sitter feels valued and cared for during their time in your home.
Gift Certificate for a Spa Day
Taking care of a home can be stressful, and a gift certificate for a spa day is a great way to help a house sitter relax and recharge.
Relaxation and self-care:
A spa gift certificate allows the house sitter an opportunity to unwind, rejuvenate, and recharge their batteries.
Appreciation and recognition:
Giving a spa gift certificate demonstrates your appreciation and recognition for the house sitter’s efforts and dedication in taking care of your home and belongings.
Personalized and flexible gift:
A spa gift certificate allows the house sitter to choose the type of spa treatment or service they prefer, making it more meaningful and enjoyable.
Stress relief and well-being:
Spa treatments can alleviate tension, promote relaxation, and contribute to overall mental and physical well-being.
Unexpected treat:
Most people appreciate unexpected surprises and treats. A spa gift certificate can be a delightful and unexpected gesture for a house sitter.
Overall, a spa gift certificate can be a thoughtful gift for a house sitter, offering them an opportunity to relax, pamper themselves, and enjoy a well-deserved break from their responsibilities.
Comfortable Slippers
Cozy slippers are a practical gift that can help a house sitter feel more comfortable and at home. They can be a thoughtful gift for a house sitter for several reasons:
Comfort:
Providing cozy slippers ensures the house sitter can feel comfortable and relaxed while going about their tasks.
Familiarity:
Being in an unfamiliar environment can sometimes make people feel a bit uneasy. By gifting cozy slippers, you’re offering the house sitter a small piece of familiarity and personal comfort, which can help them feel more at ease in the house they’re looking after.
Practicality:
Slippers provide practical footwear that can easily be slipped on and off, allowing the house sitter to navigate the home quietly and comfortably.
Thoughtfulness:
By specifically choosing cozy slippers as a gift, it shows that you appreciate their efforts in taking care of your home and want to provide them with a cozy and enjoyable experience while doing so.
Overall, cozy slippers are a thoughtful gift for a house sitter because they prioritize comfort, provide familiarity, serve a practical purpose, showcase thoughtfulness, and can have a personal touch.
Houseplants (or flowers)
A houseplant or bouquet of flowers is a thoughtful gift that can help brighten up the home and make the house sitter feel appreciated.
I remember our first house sit (this was also their first time having a sitter). Imagine how touched we were by the beautiful bouquet of flowers and the card they left on the table for us.
A house plant can be a thoughtful gift for a house sitter for several reasons:
Decorative element:
A house plant or flowers adds beauty and freshness to any space.
Personal touch:
A house plant shows that you’ve put thought into selecting a gift that can bring life and warmth to the house.
Stress relief:
House plants have been shown to have calming effects and can help reduce stress and anxiety. Having a living plant around can create a soothing environment for the house sitter.
A reminder of appreciation:
A house plant is a long-lasting gift. Each time they water or care for the plant, they will be reminded of the trust you’ve placed in them to look after the house.
Easy maintenance:
Many house plants are relatively low-maintenance and require minimal care.
Overall, a house plant (or flowers) can be a thoughtful gift for a house sitter because it adds beauty, provides a personal touch, offers stress relief, and serves as a reminder of appreciation.
A Bus Pass
While some of our house sits come with a car, this is not always the case. Therefore, we have to rely on the local bus service or taxis to get around, which can be costly. Giving a bus pass or a subway pass is a very practical and thoughtful gift for several reasons:
Transportation convenience:
Providing a bus pass or subway pass gives the house sitter the ability to easily travel around the city without the need to worry about parking, fuel costs, or navigating unfamiliar roads.
Cost-effective:
Public transportation passes can be a cost-effective option. It saves them from spending money and allows them to save their own funds for other expenses.
Access to attractions and amenities:
Public transportation passes open up opportunities for them to explore and enjoy the local culture, entertainment, and recreational activities during their stay.
Environmental benefits:
Encouraging the use of public transportation promotes sustainability and reduces the environmental impact associated with private vehicles.
Flexibility and freedom:
A transportation pass provides the house sitter with the flexibility to plan their own schedule and travel at their convenience.
Overall, a bus pass or subway pass as a gift for a house sitter offers them the means to navigate the city comfortably, explore their surroundings, and enhance their overall experience during their stay.
Certificate to a Local Grocery Store
A certificate from a grocery store can be a thoughtful and practical gift for a house sitter for several reasons:
Convenience:
As house sitters, they may be unfamiliar with the local grocery stores or may not have the time to shop for themselves. A certificate provides them with easy access to food and supplies during their stay.
Personalized choices:
A grocery store certificate gives the sitters the freedom to choose what they want and need, which can be a great way to show your consideration for their individual tastes.
Flexibility:
Rather than assuming what food or supplies the house sitter might require, a grocery store certificate empowers them to decide what they need at the moment.
Cost-effectiveness:
Giving a grocery store certificate can be more cost-effective than trying to stock the house with groceries yourself, as you might not be aware of their preferences or dietary restrictions.
Practicality:
House sitting often involves taking care of daily responsibilities, including meal preparation. By providing a grocery store certificate, you are assisting the house sitter in fulfilling their duties without additional financial burden.
Ultimately, a grocery store certificate for a house sitter demonstrates thoughtfulness, convenience, flexibility, and practicality. It allows the house sitter to choose their preferred items and ensures they have access to necessary supplies during their stay without incurring additional expenses.
A Gift or Momento from Your Trip
I remember one particular house sit in Toronto. The couple were super, but the house sit did require a bit of work on our part. In addition to walking and feeding, all three dogs were on daily medication. When they returned from their three-week trip, the owners presented us with a bottle of wine from their trip plus a $100 gift certificate to a local restaurant. These gifts were totally unexpected but so appreciated!
Another couple brought us a salt and pepper shaker set from France. Again, a small but thoughtful gift. On our most recent sit, we were gifted with a bottle of sparkling wine—a surprising treat.
Bringing back a gift from your trip can be a thoughtful gesture for your sitter for several reasons:
Appreciation:
By bringing back a gift, you show your sitter that you thought of them during your trip and wanted to express your gratitude.
Thoughtfulness:
Selecting a gift specifically for your sitter shows that you considered their preferences and interests. It shows that you took the time to choose something meaningful and personal.
Connection:
Depending on the gift you choose, it can spark conversations and create a bond by giving them a glimpse into the destination you visited.
Surprise and delight:
Receiving a gift unexpectedly can bring joy and excitement. It adds an element of surprise and makes your sitter feel special.
Memorable keepsake:
A gift from your trip can serve as a lasting memento for your sitter. It allows them to remember the time they spent taking care of your home or pets.
Remember, it’s important to consider your sitter’s preferences, interests, and cultural sensitivities when selecting a gift. The thought and effort behind the gift are what make it thoughtful, so choose something that resonates with your sitter and reflects your appreciation for their assistance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many thoughtful gifts that you can give to a house sitter to show your appreciation. From practical gifts like cozy slippers to a certificate for a spa day, there is something for every house sitter on this list.
If you are paying your house sitter, you may not feel as though you should provide a gift as well. This is understandable. In most cases, though, the sitter looks after your home and precious pets for free, so any of these thoughtful gifts are appreciated.
Interested in being a house sitter or want to hire a sitter? Check out these two sites: Trusted House Sitters and House Sit Mexico (be sure to use the coupon code thetr6210d47b7cc90 for 20% off).
Mary Ann
I love to travel and my biggest regret is that I waited so long to do it, thinking I just couldn’t afford it. I have had some crazy fun, met some amazing people, and had some scary moments such as getting locked in a shower at a campsite. For our trip to Mexico, we were able to save money by house sitting, which was something completely new to us. If this is something that interests you, then check out TrustedHousesitters or HouseSitMexico (be sure and use Code thetr6210d47b7cc90). We hope you visit often.
