What are some good gifts for our CMs?

[battlepanda]

What are some good ideas for small gifts to give our CMs? Anyone have any ideas or know what they might like? They'll still get more than enough cash, but just giving them an envelope at the end is kind of boring for me.

 

[KWithers]

I've read pre-paid phone cards are appreciated.

 

[TXDCLfan]

I've read pre-paid phone cards are appreciated.

This is pretty much out dated,most cast members use a cheaper version of cellular at sea these days.

 

[jdb in AZ]

They really need $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

 

[woody73]

Cash.

Woody

 

[MTmomma]

Cash cash cash, oh, and did I mention cash?

 

[woody73]

. . . They'll still get more than enough cash . . .

According to whom?

Woody

 

[mickey7]

On the Alaska cruise we gave prepaid calling cards and the CM's loved them. A couple of them started to almost have tears and then I found out that they did not have a cell phone because they could not afford one. One of the CM's was going to use it to call home since she was working on this ship, her husband on another Disney ship, and their child with grandparents. In Skagway while walking around town we ran into our server who said hi and that he was going to the library to use the Internet and find a pay phone to call home. We bought ours at the Victoria port which had a small gift shop. But remember what country they are from and the lady that worked at the shop was very helpful and looked up which calling cards worked best for the country they are calling. Also at the Victoria port there were pay phones right outside the ship and I noticed some CM's from the ship using them from the time we got off to the time we were going back aboard the ship.

 

[Tabologist]

I like this thread question. Other then cash and phone cards (we will tip) is there a creative pintrest-type idea? Maybe candy or other treat? Something they miss while onboard? Magazine, notebook, fun pen etc?? Im thinking if I were to send a "care package" to someone at camp what would I send? Of course it must be small and light enough to travel with. and, of course, a personal note, which I feel is always appreciated.

 

[Cisco0214]

Just cash. They really don't have room or want any cute gifts .

 

[Chuck Finley]

If you don't know someone well enough to know what they want or appreciate, perhaps it is an indication that it would be better to give the traditional and expected cash tip? If you feel this is too impersonal, add a nice hand written note explaining why you are so appreciative.

 

[Macmaro]

I know there are some cast members that work onboard out of a love for Disney but I get them impression that most (not used as exaggeration) are there to make money. My heart goes out to all those that have told me stories of their children they have left behind. I will always give only cash.

Having said that, we did have one cast member that we always saw cleaning one of the public restrooms, treat our daughter like a princess. We took a photo of her and my daughter and had it framed a shutters for her. We also talked to her supervisor. One thing that has bothered me since then is that I wish I had given her some cash.

 

[dthogue]

We live in Hershey, so I take along Hershey Chocolate (either kisses or miniatures, last year we gave large Kisses, which were a huge hit, I don't think they ever saw kisses that big) - we've done 5 cruises and our staff has always been thrilled with the gift. I attach the tip envelope and a postcard from Hershey thanking them for their service and give it out on the last night.

Tammy

 

[declansdad]

Cash

 

[brergnat]

A nice gift box, sealed up with a nice ribbon...containing a wad of cash.

Seriously. These people do not want to be your friends and they won't have a sentimental attachment to the cute gift you come up with. They meet hundreds of people each week. They need cash. Give them cash.

 

[dylan'smom]

What are some good ideas for small gifts to give our CMs? Anyone have any ideas or know what they might like? They'll still get more than enough cash, but just giving them an envelope at the end is kind of boring for me.

We always like to include a card of some sort for ports (Starbucks, phone, etc.) and maybe candy - it's great to find out what kind they like/miss and pick it up in port, when we can.

I think the thoughtfulness is appreciated. I agree that they are working for money and don't have a lot of room, but I also agree that small thoughtful gifts/tokens are generally appreciated.

I've read pre-paid phone cards are appreciated.

On the Alaska cruise we gave prepaid calling cards and the CM's loved them. A couple of them started to almost have tears and then I found out that they did not have a cell phone because they could not afford one. One of the CM's was going to use it to call home since she was working on this ship, her husband on another Disney ship, and their child with grandparents. In Skagway while walking around town we ran into our server who said hi and that he was going to the library to use the Internet and find a pay phone to call home. We bought ours at the Victoria port which had a small gift shop. But remember what country they are from and the lady that worked at the shop was very helpful and looked up which calling cards worked best for the country they are calling. Also at the Victoria port there were pay phones right outside the ship and I noticed some CM's from the ship using them from the time we got off to the time we were going back aboard the ship.

It's good to know the phone cards are still a good idea. And I'm sure if they have a cell plan and don't need it, they can share it with a friend. A cruise ship environment is so different from other work places and they are often isolated from things - one CM was really missing cheese (apparently they just have the sliced a la buffet type available to them) and there are certain treats they just can't go and buy.

I think we are all aware that they primarily should be compensated with cash, but I've experienced many times, over the years, when an extra token has been a perfect addition.

.

 

[faithtrustpixie]

My husband occasionally receives little gifts at work which he kindly accepts with a big smile (although he almost always does not like/need/want them.) But he truly appreciates a hand-written note and/or a note to his supervisor about his great work.

Travel safely!!!!

 

[WallaceFamily]

I know there are some cast members that work onboard out of a love for Disney but I get them impression that most (not used as exaggeration) are there to make money. My heart goes out to all those that have told me stories of their children they have left behind. I will always give only cash.

Having said that, we did have one cast member that we always saw cleaning one of the public restrooms, treat our daughter like a princess. We took a photo of her and my daughter and had it framed a shutters for her. We also talked to her supervisor. One thing that has bothered me since then is that I wish I had given her some cash.

I'm not sure how I would feel if my boss gave me a framed picture of me and her/him together. Should I hang it on my wall or throw it in the bin? Seriously, people, they want and need cash. I'm a school teacher and even hated the candy my students gave me (I know that is not nice, but teachers I know are very health conscious). Although stationary is nice...

 

[sue]

What are some good ideas for small gifts to give our CMs? Anyone have any ideas or know what they might like? They'll still get more than enough cash, but just giving them an envelope at the end is kind of boring for me.

BEWARE, I posted something very similar to this about a month ago and I wished I never posted it. Some people can be very nasty about this subject. I totally agree with what you are asking for , just saying others won't and they are NOT afraid to speak their minds.

 

[TDC Nala]

If you are going to give food items, bring sealed or wrapped ones, like sealed bags of candy. Homemade food items won't be allowed.

One of the best things you can do for a crew member is mention them by name with a good review on the comment card you fill out on the last day of your cruise.