Gift for boyfriend's parents?

[DisneyJules]

Hey guys I thought I'd ask you smart people of the DIS a question. I'm going to meet my boyfriend's parents for the first time, they live in a different province from myself. We've spoken a few times on the phone but other than that, I know very little about them. I feel wrong going there empty handed, with it being Christmas and all. What would be the appropriate thing to get them? I feel so stumped. Any suggestions, or do I buy them anything at all?
Thanks!

 

[MrsPete]

Box of homemade cookies or candies. And next week don't forget to send a nice little note: "Enjoyed meeting you, your lovely home, best wishes for Christmas season . . . " Little things mean a lot, and so few people take the time to do these things.

 

[LightBurnsBlue]

I nice little gift I like to give to people that I don't know very well are some of those nice hand soaps from Bath and Body Works. They look really cute, come in nice scents, and you know that it's something that will use.

 

[Forevryoung]

My mom passed this tradition to me:

Go to Marshalls (or discount home place) and buy a nice plate or platter and then bake something and bring it on the new serving piece. Everyone gets to enjoy the dessert.

 

[minniecarousel]

Is there a particular food or sweet in your area that they don't get where they live? (we have See's candies here in California - I always send some to my brother in Louisiana, because they don't have See's there.) I really like the home-baked goodies idea too.

 

[figment52]

unless she is allergic to flowers a small holiday bouquet of red and white carnations and some evergreen would be nice.

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

A poinsettia or other small potted plant would be a good gift as well!

 

[KarenAylwood]

DBF has a pretty big family and I can't afford to get much for them so I always make homemade Tollhouse cookies and give them in tins with a ribbon. The recipe is right on the bag but they come out AMAZING!

I love the idea of bringing these on a nice platter too.

 

[Tuffcookie]

A fruit basket is also a wonderful idea!

TC

 

[Just2554]

This year I got my boyfriend's parents a $25 gift certificate that is good at any of the local restaurants (Red Lobster, Olive Garden, TGI Friday's, etc.). I'm going to stick the certificate in a small poinsetta.

 

[ahutton]

When DH went to his parents for Christmas after we had been together and they had learned who I was, I baked some of our family recipes (cookies, brownies, candy) and made a gift box. You could include a small bottle of wine or champagne if they drink (he should be able to help with that).

 

[hercamore]

DH and I "are the boyfrien's Parents". DS GF gave us two beautful handmade small crystal ornaments she picked up at a craft fair.

Very nice.

herc.

 

[DisneyJules]

You guys are so sweet, thank-you for all the wonderful suggestions. Baking seems to be the popular choice, that is a good idea. Forevryoung, I like the idea about buying a nice platter to put them on, then they have something to keep.