Host/Hostess Gifts

mcdolbin · Newbie

Host/Hostess Gifts

Michele Erdvig · Host

mcdolbin,

Welcome to my forum. How nice that you will get to visit with relatives. I usually recommend taking a gift that is evocative of the area you live in. Perhaps a photo book of your city or state or a calendar. They are easy to transport in you luggage.

For the cousin you are staying with flowers, chocolates or a bottle of good liquor or wine is usually appropriate. Although if they are teetotlers, maybe not. A family gift is acceptable. Although if you want the kids to remember your visit getting each one something small would be a nice thought. How about a T-shirt or baseball cap for each kid with the insignia of your local sports team?

Hopefully some of the other forum members will let us know their suggestions.

Michele

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Of, course, every situation is different and not everyone necessarily feels the same, but ....

Before we went over for our first ever visit ( in April, 1999 ), we had exchanged a few letters and phone calls with my wife's relatives. We were bringing my FIL, to meet his five living first cousins, all connected through my FIL's mother. We brought simple gifts -- a picture book of Florida, assorted candy, etc, which were all graciously received.

But we had also put together a small photo album, made up from copies of pictures of my FIL's family -- his parents, siblings, wife and children -- spanning the spectrum from his parent's wedding picture through to current pictures of his grandchildren. We used it to 'fill in the blanks' as to who we were and where we came from. When we were done, we told them that the album was also a gift.

One of the cousins cried.

Five days later, as we were leaving, she presented us with a similar album, which she had put together for us, with copies of her family photos.

It has become one of our most cherished momentos.

Bob

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur on Thursday 9th of July 2009 08:20:24 PM

mcdolbin · Newbie

Thank you so much for your ideas. I can't wait to put together an album for them! I am also on the hunt for some unique items from our home state. My kids are excited to put together goodie bags for each family member.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bob,

I love the photo album idea. That is a very personal gift.

mcdolbin,

Your own kids will have as much fun assembling the goodie bags as the kids who receive them. They will all remember it. You may just be starting a family tradition.

Michele

Roy · Guru

My nephews and nieces seem to enjoy (destroy) the chocolates I bring over.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Roy,

Chocolate is not safe around me either.

Michele