He won’t take cash, that’s why. Just the kind of guy he is. He’s gonna be taking care of my cat for a week while I’m on vacation.
Thought about a couple cases of his favorite beer. Still might do that. Any other ideas?
If people can’t, or don’t enjoy receiving money as gift, I always recommend giving people experiences.
Do something for them that they can’t, won’t, or don’t even know about doing.
Oral.
As an experience is generally well given and received
Cake. Beer.
When people are difficult about accepting cash as thanks, I’m a fan of hiding some money at their place or in their stuff. Depending on the person though, they might figure it out and thus begins a pretty silly back-and-forth battle.
My mom and I are currently in the midst of one of these back-and-forth battles lol, but it’s been a few weeks and I think I managed to get her to keep the $20!
This sounds like a win-win
The beer is a good one. In part because it’s a thing people commonly do, so it’s automatically understood as a good will gesture of thanks that won’t make a person uncomfortable the way cash would.
Cheese. everyone loves cheese
Yes Wallace
I house/petsit often and usually receive cash or beer but I would ten thousand percent accept cheese.
I once heard a story about a video editor who wouldn’t take money, so the guy who ran the YouTube channel (black pants legion) sent him cases of cured meats until he accepted the money instead.
A potted flower or other house plant.
They can appreciate it for a while, and when they do they’ll think of you.
I am the kind of guy who doesn’t take cash either. I do shit like that for my neighborhood to build community.
Be a good neighbor, keep your mess out of his life and reciprocate if he asks for help.
One of the best things I have learned to do as a way to influence people and make friends is making cookies.
Well, the neighbor might not accept a gift from you…but will he accept a small token and a card from the cat?
If his personality fits that vibe, then that’s what I would do: Make a thank you card from the cat, signed and everything. Go all out with construction paper and crayons, possibly make it multiple pages if not a small pamphlet. (Cats are very thorough)
The time spent will show him your intended appreciation.
Then if you still want to get a gift to go with it (totally valid, i would!) you will want to get him some nice version of something he loves: bottle of booze, some fancy chocolates, whatever. Stalk his social media or ask his partner if he has one, to get ideas of what he’s in to.
A card that says “thanks for cat sitting.” You can get as creative as you want, he can put it up, and it shows that you see him. I personally would like to have that on my fridge to be reminded of that time.
I’m ovethinking here, but often times beer etc. feels kinda annoying. It appears like you just felt obliged to give something in return. Which makes it not an instance of appreciation: Cultural norms are forcing me to gift something to you. Cultural norms say men like beer. Here ist beer.
OP said his favorite beer, if OP knows what his favorite beer is and thought it might make a good gift, OP may have context that tells them the neighbor enjoys beer. If someone got me a favorite beer of mine after I did them a favor I would really appreciate it. I would insist it wasn’t necessary but I would graciously accept the gift and appreciate it.
Would also go for selfmade food, or maybe a voucher for his favorite restaurant or pizza place.
In my case it would be easy because I like to make stuff to give to friends and family from time to time, like a loafs of bread, jams or tote bags made with good fabric.
Is there something you do well that he would appreciate?I vote beer. Or baked goods if they dont have any allergies because nothing is worse then getting a box of delicious looking cookies filled with nuts that’ll kill you.
If he’s the type of guy that doesn’t expect repayment and did it out of the kindness in his heart, you can reciprocate by doing the same. Let him know you owe him one, and make sure sure it’s received that you’re serious and not just something “you say”.
When your time comes to do something for him, do you expect payment? Or for him to grovel?
