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Be the highlight of their vacation

My attempt to make you smile
before getting to today’s gift ideas
Hi gift-givers! Every time you open this newsletter, it’s gift idea time. Just ask the trusty radio alarm clock we all had back in 90’s…

🎵I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes. I saw the sign🎵
One-ish more thing(s)
before today’s gift ideas

Thanks to the hosts of the Un-Caped Heroes Podcast for having me as a guest! For those who enjoy hearing honest conversations about unsung heroes, this is a podcast for you!
Estimated read time: 2 minutes & 23 seconds
Gift idea time! Here’s a story of a great gift to get your creative juices flowing
The “cheesy hotel surprise" Gift:
I’m a self-proclaimed cheese board junkie. So when my husband and I went on a trip to the Pacific Northwest for my birthday, I was shocked when we entered our hotel room to find a beautiful cheese board with local products waiting for us. Along with this delicious surprise, was a handwritten note from my friend wishing me a happy birthday and a wonderful trip. Ahead of our visit, she coordinated with the hotel to make it all happen. This was one of the most fun and thoughtful gifts I’ve ever received.
Why this gift is great
Fun, creative, and personalized
The handwritten note adds a meaningful touch
The gift stands out since it’s given in an unexpected way and time
It’s the thought that counts! The cheese could taste horrible and it’s still a winning gift
Brainstorming your version of this gift
In general tips:
Great group gift potential
This gift works for almost anyone in your life
With a helpful hotel concierge, this could be a great last-minute gift
Don’t give gifts that burden your recipient (e.g. items challenging to travel home with)
Obviously, you can also do this gift for someone you’re traveling with (bonus – you get to see that goofy-looking face they make when they get surprised)
Occasions to especially consider this gift for:
Anniversaries
Honeymoons
Birthday trips
Retirement trips
Hotel surprise gift ideas:
Surprise room upgrade (now that’s a gift!)
Flowers, chocolates, treats, alcohol (you know…the obvious stuff)
Care package from home (who doesn’t miss hometown favorites while away?)
Customized room decor (balloons, streamers, banner with a special message, photos, etc.)
Experiences (spa, guided tours, event tickets, excursions) - similar to this story of a mom treating her daughter to paddleboarding on vacation
BGC Hotel Surprise Playbook:
Casually ask your gift recipient where they are staying on their upcoming trip
Contact the hotel or host to understand how they can assist
Coordinate with the hotel/host or third-party local vendor (e.g. a restaurant, florist, Grubhub, etc.) to make the surprise happen
Bonus - Send a handwritten note to the hotel/host to be presented with the gift
Making this gift happen
Who in your life is going on an upcoming trip?____
Where are they staying?____
What items would be a good surprise hotel gift for them?____
Spread some love! Share this gift idea
Forward this email to:
Parents of someone with an upcoming honeymoon
Anyone celebrating an upcoming milestone anniversary
And introduce them to your favorite 1-minute-a-week shortcut to always having awesome gift ideas well in advance. They can read past editions and subscribe here.
Inspire others!
Share the stories of your best gifts
Please reply to this email ~ or ~ click the button below if you have stories of awesome gifts that you can share with the community that fall under the below topics:
Farewell gifts for neighbors moving away
Any memorable gift you’ve received or given
Your input helps others brainstorm
My attempt to send you off with a smile

Wishing you surprise hotel upgrade gifts,
Patrick Kucharson
Better Gift Coach
P.S. Who’s stumped on an upcoming birthday gift for a loved one? Reply to this email and let’s brainstorm gift ideas together!
Subscriber reminder of life’s best gift
For Mother's Day, all I ask for is a phone call- the gift of time. It may be a 5-minute or 60-minute conversation, but they gave me their time.Nothing physical is a substitute for their time. No pressure on them for a gift but if the phone call doesn’t come (and it always does) I go into Mom Mode!😂
Have you been inspired by a gift idea shared in the BGC newsletter? It would be the highlight of my week to hear from you about it!
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