by Ernestine Da Silva, November 30, 2023

Pergola is dedicated to providing assistance, especially during the holiday season. In light of this festive time, we believe it would be beneficial to offer some insights into what assistants truly appreciate as gifts.

To gather this information, we consulted with several assistants to gauge their satisfaction with commonly given gifts. Surprisingly, items such as gym tools, like yoga mats, were reported to make assistants feel dissatisfied. Similarly, aromatics such as essential oils and perfume were found to have a similar effect. On the positive side, assistants generally express happiness when receiving gift baskets, home decorations like throws/blankets, the latest technology, and certificates for various experiences such as movie tickets. If you want to ensure your assistant’s happiness, a gift card is often the safest choice.

Other reliable options include mugs, alcoholic beverages, self-care/spa items (including candles), office accessories, books, pantry items like honey or coffee beans, personalized/engraved gifts, plants/flowers, and winter accessories like scarves or gloves.

Understanding that bosses or clients may be pressed for time, we’re pleased to report that, according to our survey, cash is considered the best gift by the majority of respondents. This is particularly relevant given the current economic climate. However, if opting for cash, it’s crucial to handle it thoughtfully. Consistency is key, as giving varying amounts to different assistants may lead to dissatisfaction and discussions among them. Assess your capacity to give and avoid amounts that may be perceived as too small, as this can also result in dissatisfaction.

Ultimately, the value of a gift lies not just in its material worth but in the thought and effort put into selecting it. Whether it’s evident that the gift came from the heart or required extra time and consideration, such gestures are sure to be greatly appreciated, if not cherished.

Thank you to those who filled out the survey. We truly appreciate your time and input.