This is What Servers Want For the Holidays

It’s that time of year when so many of us celebrate one holiday or another from Christmas to Hanukah to Winter Solstice to National Sangria Day. Whichever day you choose to observe, chances are there is a gift involved and that means there is a decision to be made. I am here to help you navigate that choice and find the perfect gift for the restaurant server in your life. Whether you’re a customer who wants to get a little something for your favorite waiter or waitress or you’re a server yourself choosing a gift for your work bestie, I’ve got you covered. These are the things no server would be disappointed to receive as a gift:

Cash, obviously. As George Bailey so aptly says in “It’s a Wonderful Life” when Clarence tells him there’s no money in heaven, “it comes in pretty handy down here, Bub.” No one is going to turn away a gift of cold hard cash. Gift cards are fine too, but let’s skip the middle man and just use twenty-dollar bills. We all have that random American Express gift card in our wallet that has a balance of $2.47 that we never want to use, so it’s basically a waste of money.

Alcohol. Yet another tried and true gift that will satisfy most people, but be wary. Before you give someone a carefully curated bottle of your favorite wine or spirit, make sure it’s something they will actually use. This is only a good gift if the person drinks alcohol. Otherwise, it’s either a nuisance or a temptation that will not be welcomed.

Pens or a stylus. Pay attention to what kind of pen your server is taking orders with and surprise them with a pack of them. Most servers are very particular with what they write with, so you don’t want to give them a pack of Bics when they only use Zebras or gels. If they use a tablet to take orders, consider a cool stylus they can tap with instead of their fingers which are most likely sticky with honey mustard or gravy. This is a gift that will 100% be appreciated and used.

Food. Servers are always hungry and would love a bag of snacks like chocolates or cookies. Most servers subsist on old french fries, family meals and whatever is left over at the end of the shift. Give a waiter a box of individually wrapped snack cakes and you will see a very happy waiter indeed. Whatever you do, do NOT give them a gift card or food from the restaurant they work in. Trust me, they do not want that at all.

Respect. This is the gift that will keep on giving and it’s completely free because it costs absolutely nothing to be kind to someone. If you’re kind to your server, it’s not only going to make their ay better, but it will also make yours better. Kindness and respect grows exponentially and it’s the one things that everyone can afford to give.

Merchandise. You can always find something right here at Broke Ass Stuart that will serve as a mighty fine gift: stickers, books, t-shirts, beer passports, you name it. The recipient will be happy to get it and you’ll be helping this bad ass website at the same time.

Happy holidays. And don’t forget that National Sangria Day is December 20th. Cheers!