Context: Ever since I was younger, my parents told me about how important it is to respect everyone - especially people who deal with the public day to day. I definitely understand this as someone who now works in retail.

We used to leave small gifts to hotel housekeeping as thank yous after holidays, ranging from tips to small accessories, sweets, or other bits and bobs.

I stayed in a hotel room this week and left a bag of Percy pigs (because vegan and gluten free) and a thank you note for the people who had been cleaning my room. It had been the same two people each day.

Mentioned it to a friend in conversation and they were very confused as to why I did it so now it’s got me wondering if this is common practice or not. Also, do housekeeping staff get to keep these gifts? If yes, what gifts are best to leave?

I know where I work, that when people give gifts we are allowed to keep them unless it’s already opened food packets (because health and safety).

Thanks :)