Extra gifts for stateroom hosts and servers?

[mydisneyanytime]

On my past cruises we left small bags of prepackaged candy (gum, hard candy, chocolate) for our stateroom host and servers daily. This did not take the place of our tips, just added to it in a small way. Does anyone still do this and if you do, what seems to be most appreciated? We don't have a lot of money to spend extra but liked giving a little extra something last time. Thanks in advance!

 

[dclpluto]

I imagine they will give most of it to their friends who are not in tip positions. People in tip positions probably get way too much of candy. But it's the thought that counts.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

On my past cruises we left small bags of prepackaged candy (gum, hard candy, chocolate) for our stateroom host and servers daily. This did not take the place of our tips, just added to it in a small way. Does anyone still do this and if you do, what seems to be most appreciated? We don't have a lot of money to spend extra but liked giving a little extra something last time. Thanks in advance!

While giving gifts may be appreciated (remember Disney CMs are going to say it's great), cash is more useful for them.

How do you know their candy/gum preferences? Maybe they have allergies? Or dietary restraints? Yes, they can share them with the other CMs, but, then, they aren't getting the full benefit that you're hoping to give them individually, right?

But, to answer the question, no doubt there are still those who do this.

 

[Shanti]

On my past cruises we left small bags of prepackaged candy (gum, hard candy, chocolate) for our stateroom host and servers daily. This did not take the place of our tips, just added to it in a small way. Does anyone still do this and if you do, what seems to be most appreciated? We don't have a lot of money to spend extra but liked giving a little extra something last time. Thanks in advance!

They only want money as a gratuity. They're at work, and the way to show your appreciation for their work is to pay them. $5 in cash will be more appreciated than a $20 box of candy. None of us want to be paid for our own jobs in candy, cookies or cards (which are great in social/family life, but not as payment for hard work); your servers don't, either. I know you mean well, but also know you were looking for an honest answer.

 

[bumbershoot]

Money. That's it. Just money.

 

[mydisneyanytime]

Thanks for your honest answers. That saves me time and actually a little money. I won't leave an extra $1 at a time since this doesn't seem worth it. Always thought it was the thought that counted but will take your advice. Thanks!

 

[Cruise-n-2015]

I say leave them a kind package of treats or whatever you like to leave. It is a kind gesture and it is something extra. It's says thank you. If they don't like what you leave then they share it, if they do like it bonus. I get a lot of treats at school and if I like them or not, that family took the time to do something extra for me. Still makes me feel good at the end of the day!

 

[Quellman]

Kids club counselors and nursery workers however have been reportedly been in a non-tipping roll. So we always bring a bag of individually wrapped candies as gifts for those folks. My understanding is that those positions pool their "gifts" together and use them as internal prizes and things, etc

 

[Stugs]

I think phone cards or some small technological item they can use in their cabin.. Eg. Mobile phone speakers or ear phones make good gifts if you wanted to also give a gift on top of the tip. Nice toiletry item is also nice for female attendant...eg. Nice hand cream.

 

[Barbydoll8]

We have done this on more than one cruise and am getting ready to do it again on the next. I usually get gum, candy, cookies and make goody bags for them on top of their tips. It's not a lot and they DO like it. I've been told by other CM's and managers that sometimes they do not get to go off the ship at port to buy snacks etc and they do eat the goodies they sometimes get. My assistant server on my last cruise told me her room mate was so jealous of the little extra she got from us that she had to hide the stash so nothing got stolen. She was kidding but it was kind of funny.
Just use common sense and nothing with nuts or anything that could be cause for concern. Everything should be pre-wrapped and sealed.
I have heard they like magazines too and of course, extra cash at the end of the cruise is always appreciated.