What's a good hostess gift?

[SDFgirl]

DH and I are going to my cousin's for the weekend. We plan to take them out to a nice meal, but I was wondering if we should get them a gift as well.

Cousin and her hubby don't drink, so my usual gift - a bottle of wine - wouldn't work. Anyone have any ideas?

 

[Mkaz]

Maybe a basket of fruit or cheese and crackers? If they like jams and jellies you could give them something like that as well.

 

[Disney Doll]

Candle, plant, even an outdoor plant they can put in their yard.

 

[pittypat]

How about a nice coffee table book. Are you from a different area than they are? If so, take them a nice book about where you're from.

 

[Pooh's Pixie]

Or nice coffee...put it in a basket with some biscotti or nice cookies.

Or scented soaps/lotion.

 

[Imzadi]

Go to your nearest gift shop that sells handmade pottery. As a professional ceramic artist, I have lots of customers who buy hostess/housewarming gifts and wedding gifts all the time.

What's great is that each piece is unique, one-of-a-kind, so you know they will not have one already like it. For that same reason, it does not have to match anything they already have. It shows how thoughtful & clever you are to have chosen something original & handmade.

A good hostess gift would be little hand-thrown dip dishes, a set of stoneware candleholders, napkin rings, a small vase, or a small serving bowl.

 

[rt2dz]

I have a lot of scent allergies, so I avoid giving gifts like candles because, well, they aren't for everyone. I don't even like the unscented ones. I also don't give plants because I hate to take care of them and then feel so guilty & ungrateful when they die.

What I do, do is: Take them out to dinner one night. On returning home, I send a nice thank you note and flowers (they are expected to die & the allergy parts are removed) and a gift certificate to a restuarant (one that generally has choices in their area, like a Brinkers/Pappas/etc). I may also leave a small basket of goodies (chocolates, etc) before I leave--depends on how long they had to put up with us. If they aren't restuarant people, I may send a picture frame/photo album.

In the end, it's the thought that counts.

 

[Pooh's Pixie]

Go to your nearest gift shop that sells handmade pottery. As a professional ceramic artist, I have lots of customers who buy hostess/housewarming gifts and wedding gifts all the time.

What's great is that each piece is unique, one-of-a-kind, so you know they will not have one already like it. For that same reason, it does not have to match anything they already have. It shows how thoughtful & clever you are to have chosen something original & handmade.

A good hostess gift would be little hand-thrown dip dishes, a set of stoneware candleholders, napkin rings, a small vase, or a small serving bowl.

OOO, I love this idea. Anyone want to come for a visit so you can give it to me?!