Lost purse

whitewave - no that was someone else, I remember it too.
Mine was in my handbag which was stolen by a burglar who sneaked in through the unlocked back door. And in the same NE town (notorious at the time for thefts etc) My bag was snatched off my arm by a passing motorcyclist- but nothing valuable in it, purse on my waist.

If someone had found my purse and handed it in, intact, I know I definitely would want to show my appreciation. If it was a total stranger who had left details with the police, then it would probably be a Thank you letter, as this is someone in the same village and the shopkeeper knows them, I would leave a note and a treat, as the others say, a nice cake, even a good shop bought fruit cake or something.If he didn't like it, he could give it away to someone he dog walks for.You are never going to hit on the perfect thing, as he could be diabetic, may not drink for health or religious reasons, you could just torment yourself that way. I think he would be really happy to receive a cake via the shop keeper as he obviously doesn't want a fuss or you to meet him etc, it just shows you have thought about him and are grateful.

I handed in a purse to the local Police station , a large amount of money and cards inside . Left my name and address , I was told it was claimed by someone . I would have liked a card or even a verbal thanks but got neither !

I don't think he would expect anything but a little note of thanks would be nice. If you do want to give a small token I do think a fruit or madeira cake would be nice as they don't go stale too quickly. As others have said, wine may not be appreciated if he is teetotal. I would be inclined to steer clear of chocolates as you don't know if he likes milk or dark chocolate (I personally can't stand white chocolate and am not fond of milk either). If you decide on flowers, bear in mind that if the gentleman lives alone he may not have any vases.

Had my car stolen once, but that's better than your purse being stolen.

It must feel terrible.

I think Inremember you saying that TriciaF weren't you in a queue at M&S when it happened?

Definitely a thankyou card, and perhaps something you made yourself, such as a cake.
I know what it's like to lose your purse - mine was stolen once, and the palaver about cancelling everything
After that I bought a waist purse, never had a debit card again. I still get nightmares about losing my purse.

I'd be more than happy to not send anything like it. Don't over think OP. A thank you card and a bottle of nice red would more than suffice.

I'd be more than happy to receive a Sachertorte, the ideal combination of cake AND chocolate. But please no Victoria sponge; that woman has a lot to answer for.

Most men I know aren't keen on cake and certainly not chocolates! There are exceptions, of course...

really? Most men like sport and a bottle of wine. I'd never bring a cake.

Most men love cake!

A thank you card and a bottle of wine is good. Not sure about cakes or chocolate, far too girly.

What about a nice thank you card/letter with a gift card enclosed for about £10 perhaps? That way he can either spend it or re-gift it if he doesn't want to use it himself and it isn't like sending money either.

A card and chocolates would be perfect x

A card and maybe chocolates; x

Great philosophy.. Of course he wouldn't expect anything... but I guarantee that some form of thank you will make him smile... and giving it will make you smile too ?

Yes, I see your point. Apparently, he looked inside and saw my co-op loyalty card. The girls in the shop were preparing to get hold of me through the club card, so that was good.

A Thank You note would be lovely, and if this kind Gentleman has a garden, what about a Rose bush, or a smaller patio variety ?
The problem with edibles is that this Gentleman could possibly be diabetic.

Beammeupscottie, perhaps I'm being a bit paranoid, but if you put your phone number in your purse, and it is found by a 'shady character' , they could phone, and if the phone is not answered, call round and relieve you of some of your possessions.
But as to you wanting to show your gratitude, just go with your instinct.

I know he wouldn't really want anything but what would that say about me? We all like appreciation, deep down, and I do believe in generosity. "Pass it on" is a good basis philosophy in life.

Beam me.. I'm sure he will appreciate it..
Whatever your 'little show of gratitude .. Forrget all the nonsense regarding 'the right thing to do' and 'honest people don't want gratitude' It's just nice to be nice.. You're nice... and nice people, whatever the political horrors we're all facing. Keep the world turning ?

id find out what he buys when he goes into village shop and if it's a newspaper maybe pay shop in advance for his paper for the week. I'm not sure about the cake I would say box of chocolates would be better.

Just popped my little show of gratitude into shop. They told me he had been in asking if the lady had got her purse back, so I think he wants to know it has been returned. If it was me, I would only be concerned that it had been handed back. Everyone should put a telephone number in their purse, just to be on the safe side.