GIFTS two...

JONBALLS's Avatar
so WHO looves to give GIFTS?
John Bull's Avatar
Glutton for punishment, Mr. Balls?
eddielewis's Avatar
Had an ATF that I loved to shower with gifts. All kinds. Stuff from the practical to nice jewelry. Used to love the look on her face when I handed her something. She never expected anything which made it that much more cool. Once bought her a crock pot because she had mentioned sometime along the way she didn't have one. She thought that was pretty cool.
Didn't take long before I realized it was a very one sided arrangement. Thank my lucky stars I got rid of her, finally!!
Satyrrical's Avatar
I've taken to enclosing the main gift in a bar of good chocolate (Godiva or Lindt). It seems appreciated more than a plain white envelope.
I've taken to enclosing the main gift in a bar of good chocolate (Godiva or Lindt). It seems appreciated more than a plain white envelope. Originally Posted by Satyrrical
Now there is a good idea!
bladtinzu's Avatar
Anyone who gives a hooker gifts is a fool plain and simple.

Just sayin'....
JohnnyYanks's Avatar
Anyone who ... is a fool ... Originally Posted by bladtinzu
And what label should we affix to those that make sweeping generalizations?
The Good Names Are Taken's Avatar
Anyone who gives a hooker gifts is a fool plain and simple.

Just sayin'.... Originally Posted by bladtinzu
Call me a fool, then. lol
Wakeup's Avatar
Fool...
JCM800's Avatar
I've taken to enclosing the main gift in a bar of good chocolate (Godiva or Lindt). It seems appreciated more than a plain white envelope. Originally Posted by Satyrrical
but what if it's a high quality envelope?
Satyrrical's Avatar
but what if it's a high quality envelope? Originally Posted by JCM800
Since the chocolate bars I am referring to come packaged in cardboard presentation wrappers (which is where I put the donation, leaving the foil intact), I'd say it beats any high poundage envelope handily.
I give gifts sometimes too, though they're a little different than the ones I'm lucky enough to receive and later bring home.

Brownies, gift cards, a book, OTC time... all stuff that, if brought home, wouldn't get anyone in trouble, but still a little something extra.

I like giving gifts, thinking of that person and hoping that I've figured out something they'd like. I like looking for stuff, and I like the look on people's faces when I've done something nice for them.

Am I a fool for doing something extra, that I don't have to do? I don't think so, I just think we all have different ways of enjoying ourselves, and showing our appreciation of a good time. At the end of the day, it's not really about what anyone else does, is it?
JohnnyCap's Avatar
I give gifts sometimes too, though they're a little different than the ones I'm lucky enough to receive and later bring home.

Brownies, gift cards, a book, OTC time... all stuff that, if brought home, wouldn't get anyone in trouble, but still a little something extra.

I like giving gifts, thinking of that person and hoping that I've figured out something they'd like. I like looking for stuff, and I like the look on people's faces when I've done something nice for them.

Am I a fool for doing something extra, that I don't have to do? I don't think so, I just think we all have different ways of enjoying ourselves, and showing our appreciation of a good time. At the end of the day, it's not really about what anyone else does, is it? Originally Posted by Charlotte Breeze
The last time a provider gave me something, there was a hook in it. Unfortunately, if that happened again tomorrow, I'd be very mistrustful and probably would stop seeing her. I won't give gifts again, the desire to do so would be a sure sign the business arrangement was off track. I really enjoy being nice but it just doesn't work.
I agree that, at a certain point, gifts can be a sign that the business part of the relationship is off, but that goes for anything. I've had real jobs, and people give gifts all the time without ruining the work environment. Why not here? As long as it is a simple "thank you" gesture, not something over the top (something I would be uncomfortable with as well, if it were from a client), what's wrong with it? Making cookies on your birthday is something Joan at the office would do, hardly nefarious if taken as it should be meant. A simple "happy birthday, thanks for the business!".

While I'm not 100% sure what you mean by what you said about the last gift a provider gave you, I can pretty confidently say that sometimes, things are crazy. And you can't let one transaction that should have been totally innocuous ruin the rest of your fun.

Some of us just like it. I also enjoy giving to the hard off, and donating my time to good causes. That doesn't mean I'm going to stalk down the homeless man on the corner, any more than I would give a gift to a client with any further expectations. Other people choose to leave tips, or to leave a little early, or to take a shower before we start to show their appreciation or that they are a good client. It's all kind of a gift as long as it's meant in good faith, it just depends on how you wrap it.
I am a person who gets such pleasure from the smallest of notions, receiving or giving. While I can see the perspective of JohnnyCap, I more agree with Charlotte about the fact that the nature of the hobby shouldn't preclude going a little futher to treat someone. This is not your average transactional business. We are already sharing quite a lot, even if only physicality and trust. To give someone a small token, client or provider, that just says "I saw this and thought of you" is a great human touch. Everyone wants to feel a bit special, don't they? That said, perhaps it is worth asking that question early in the appointment life cycle...