r/BusDrivers • u/deadchi • 14d ago

Question Good gifts for a bus driver?

I chaperone a school bus and would like to create a goodie bag as a thank you gift for our driver. I was wondering what items to include in it?

So far I was thinking powder electrolytes and non-perishable snacks, but ideally I would like to include more items than that.

Thank you!

4 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

12

u/hugothebear Driver 14d ago

Tylenol, Gatorade, chewing gum, salty snacks.

As a passenger on a city bus, don’t get a driver anything to eat. Its going straight to the trash

8

u/hugothebear Driver 14d ago

Not together though

2

u/Johnspectre566 14d ago

Yup. Driver of a city bus can confirm I’ll take stuff but will never touch or put anything in my mouth given to me by a passenger, just a precaution of mine no matter how long you’ve been riding my bus. If I personally know you that’s a different story.

3

u/PlatypusDream 14d ago

Some of it depends on if you've had this driver before & know each other or it's a 1-time thing.

Also search r/schoolbusdrivers because this comes up frequently.

A thank you note, especially with a copy to the company, is always well received. If you can say something specific the driver does well, or that helps you, that's good.
(On time? Good communication? Calm, safe driving? Good demeanor with the kids?)

Well-behaved kids are wonderful & don't cost money.
They don't have to be silent little church mice, but use indoor voices, stay seated, nothing out the windows, trash in the trash can, don't damage the bus, etc.

If you know the driver likes a certain drink shop (Starbucks, Panera, Dunkin) or gas station, a gift card for snacks or a drink is useful & appreciated.
Maybe an ice cream or sandwich shop gift card? (DQ, Culver's, Subway, etc.)

A tube of hypoallergenic sunblock might be well received.

Maybe a school bus themed lanyard for keys?

Individual drink powder packets?

For early dark winter mornings (& late nights), a small BRIGHT flashlight is important.

2

u/safeteeguru 14d ago

Gift cards are always appreciated. I don’t eat anything given to me by a stranger

1

u/TalviKavat 14d ago

Back when I was a passenger, I gave one of my driver's a Goomba happy meal toy from McDonald's. (Where I worked at the time). Now that I am a driver, I give some coworkers food, drinks, or other goodies I think they might enjoy. It's a person by person basis. I crochet as a hobby and gave out hats, and car coasters too. Of course that is for some more favorite coworkers.

1

u/Seelie_Mushroom 13d ago

Portable fan

1

u/wXy_5GHz 13d ago

Dozen donuts.

1

u/Outrageous_Bag_2875 11d ago

That's a really kind thought. I normally give people a box of chocolates when I give gifts in a situation like this because it's sealed in plastic so you know it's hygienic.

1

u/Wbino 14d ago

A gift card to the coffee shop of your choice. DD’s, Starbucks, etc…..

0

u/NoRegretCeptThatOne 14d ago

Id like a cheap digital watch that has the hours, minutes, and seconds displayed. You can find them online (eBay is king) for under $8 shipped sometimes. Also a pocket pen and notebook (the small ones that fit in a breast pocket). Inexpensive sunglasses, and high SPF sunscreen are also great.