How to reward a free car ride?

August 5, 2012 9:07 AM

A colleague of mine and her husband are going to give me a car ride to a work site about 210 miles away. I offered to give my colleague gas money but she refused. Any suggestions on gifts I can give as a token of appreciation without seeming condescending?

We are close with professional boundaries, have worked together for a few years and have done each other small favors in the past. I would normally ride the train or just drive but our work trip this time has coincided and hence the carpool.

posted by Chero to Work & Money (7 answers total)

Carpooling isn't really "giving you a ride." Just bring a small treat for the car, like fruit or cookies and maybe three bottles of Snapple if you really feel the need to do something. Reciprocate with a carpooling lift if you can in the future.
posted by DarlingBri at 9:17 AM on August 5, 2012 [3 favorites]

Best answer: If you already offered and she refused, then a gift can be awkward. Surely you'll stop for coffee or lunch somewhere along the way - at that point you can pick up the tab for the three of you, and have that be enough. And if not, it sounds like over the course of your professional relationship you'll have opportunities to be generous in the future - you might just hold on to this one rather than attempt to "pay it back" in the moment.
posted by judith at 9:30 AM on August 5, 2012 [7 favorites]

If I were you I would bring them both an iced coffee and a treat (muffin? Bagel?) for the ride.
posted by manicure12 at 9:33 AM on August 5, 2012 [3 favorites]

Best answer: If you insist on giving a thank you gift immediately, it gives the impression that you are no longer willing to continue to exchange favours. Depending on the ride, bring coffee and danishes (or whatever is appropriate, doughnuts, muffins, fruit, juice, water) or buy everyone snacks/lunch when you stop. You will eventually have a chance to reciprocate more fully.
posted by jeather at 9:45 AM on August 5, 2012 [5 favorites]

Also if this is for work, your colleague will either be reimbursed for mileage by your workplace, or be able to claim that on her taxes as an expense. Just bring a snack for the road.
posted by rockindata at 10:03 AM on August 5, 2012 [4 favorites]

It's 210 miles, there will be a meal. Pay for it.
posted by rhizome at 11:31 AM on August 5, 2012 [2 favorites]

Response by poster: Thanks galore for all the feedback...
posted by Chero at 3:43 PM on September 6, 2012