Restaurant “Tips”
Surprise Your Wait Staff
with Fun Tips
10 Thoughtful Ways to Show Appreciation!
We’ve all gone out to eat and I’m sure a majority of you have also worked in the food and beverage industry, I certainly have! It can often times be an exhausting and underappreciated industry to work in. From the turn and burn of tables to a 12 hour shift, the days are fast pasted and often stressful.
However, these workers know that dining out is an experience – from the atmosphere to the food and, of course, the incredible service. They try to enhance that experience as best as they possibly can. But often, the people who make our meals memorable don’t get the recognition they truly deserve. What if you could make your next dining experience even more special by surprising your wait staff with thoughtful "tips"? In addition to the money – sometimes the smallest gestures can brighten someone’s day and turn an ordinary shift into an extraordinary one. Imagine the look on your server’s face when you leave them not only a healthy tip but also a little token of appreciation like a bouquet of flowers or a gift card. Let’s explore how these simple acts can go a long way in making their day!
Here are 10 creative, fun ideas that combine a healthy tip with a small gift to make your server’s day even better:
1. Fresh Flowers 🌸
A simple bouquet can be a beautiful way to brighten someone's day. Pick up a small bunch of fresh flowers or a single rose from a nearby shop or even a grocery store. It’s inexpensive but a meaningful gesture.
Where to Buy: The Bouqs Co. offers great options for reasonably priced flowers. Trader Joes is also a great, budget friendly spot for a custom bouquet
2. Gift Cards for Local Spots 🎁
Local coffee shops, bookstores, or retail stores are perfect for a quick pick-me-up. A small gift card for a place your server can enjoy during their downtime is a nice personal touch.
Where to Buy: Amazon Gift Cards or a local store gift card.
3. Personalized Thank-You Note 📝
A heartfelt, handwritten note expressing your appreciation for their excellent service will always be cherished. Pair it with a generous tip for that extra special touch!
Idea: Keep the note simple but specific – mention how their service made your experience memorable.
4. Small Box of Gourmet Chocolates 🍫
Who doesn't love a sweet treat after a long shift? A box of artisanal chocolates can be a delightful gift to show your appreciation.
Where to Buy: Try Sugarfina for gourmet options or your local chocolatier.
5. Essential Oils or a Scented Candle 🕯️
After a long day of running around, a calming scented candle or essential oil blend can help your server unwind and relax.
Where to Buy: Check out Scented Studio or your local shops for small, affordable candles.
6. A DIY Stress Relief Kit 💆♀️
Create a small kit filled with things like stress-relieving tea bags, bath salts, or a small massage roller. It's a lovely way to offer them a little relaxation time.
Where to Buy: Get creative with small items from places like Etsy or local stores like Target or Amazon.
7. A Fun Reusable Drink Tumbler 🥤
A colorful, reusable water bottle or coffee tumbler is a practical gift that keeps on giving, especially if they have a long shift ahead. Bonus points if you add a thoughtful note like “For your next coffee run!”
Where to Buy: Look for cool, eco-friendly tumblers (or their knock off versions) on Hydro Flask or Swell.
8. Local Bakery Goodies 🍪
Pick up some delicious pastries or cookies from a local bakery and give them as a surprise treat after your meal. It’s a perfect way to share the love with your server.
Where to Buy: Support your local bakery or check out delivery services like Goldbelly for nationwide options.
9. Handmade Soap or Bath Bomb 🛁
A beautifully crafted soap or bath bomb can turn an ordinary bath into a spa experience. It’s a practical yet thoughtful gift that adds a touch of luxury to their day.
Where to Buy: Browse Lush Cosmetics or Etsy for handmade bath products.
10. A Book or Magazine 📚
If your server loves to read, why not gift them a small, thoughtful book or a subscription to a magazine? A local author’s novel or a favorite genre could be a great fit.
Where to Buy: Look on Book Depository for worldwide delivery or visit your local independent bookstore.