For our vacation, my boyfriend and I are traveling to North Carolina (from NJ) to visit with a couple my boyfriend has been friends with since high school (he's now 31). Since we're going to be staying for about five days, I felt that we should bring them some sort of gift for their home...My boyfriend feels that that will seem out of place and just like we're following etiquette rules (and therefore won't have any real "meaning"), and plus, he says, we'll take them out to dinner one of the nights to a really nice restaurant.
I know they aren't expecting anything, and we are both very broke, but I don't like the idea of showing up empty-handed...
Any suggestions?
2006-07-10 06:39:12 · 13 answers · asked by dorisjean1979 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
i think both gestures are nice, and there's nothing wrong with proper etiquette which is the equivalent of having good manners. the nice dinner out is a great way to thank your hosts.
instead of having something for them upon your arrival, you may want to leave a parting gift. that way you'vehad a chance to see what they like, and you may be able to compliment their tastes with a nice gift that's tasteful and reasonably priced.
enjoy your visit.
2006-07-10 07:01:16 · answer #1 · answered by loving 40+ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Following etiquette is never a bad thing especially in the south but it doesn't dictate what you have to do. If you are strapped for cash, what about finding an old picture of your boyfriend and friend (or an old one of that couple) and convert it to black and white, enlarge it and frame it--you can do it at Target or WalMart for a few dollars and can even crop the picture before making it black & white, etc. Another idea is to take them some notecards or even make them. Both of these gifts travel well and will be elegant in their simplicity. Taking them to dinner is a great idea and while it might not make a difference to the guys, it really is in situations like this the thought that counts and you would be making a great impression---especially if it is personal.
2006-07-10 11:01:10 · answer #2 · answered by Missie D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bring a bottle of wine. Taking them to dinner is a good idea, or you could get them a gift certificate to a nice restaurant so they can have a nice dinner alone after you leave.
2006-07-10 06:44:16 · answer #3 · answered by Krn 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The dinner is a nice idea. Be observant while you are there maybe you will notice something they could use or something they like. But DON"T get anything that would imply they are doing something wrong.(IE. don't buy them anything for cleaning even if their vacuum is broken.)
Be sure to invite them to stay with you in the future.
2006-07-10 06:54:49 · answer #4 · answered by Gregory B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If money is tight, than maybe you can do what I do. I like to help around the house. pick up after myself, help with the cooking and cleaning, if they have kids i would watch the kids for a short time so that they can have some free time..you get the idea.
2006-07-14 18:20:24 · answer #5 · answered by carriec 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I might suggest a basket of some sort:
like home-made muffins and fruit and jams. Or you could make up a collager with pastas, sauce, parmesan, etc. Use a tea towel for a basket liner.
2006-07-10 06:45:16 · answer #6 · answered by Lynne D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A nice bottle of wine, or other alcohol is always nice. Or even a box of chocolates. Something simple, not too expensive will do the trick.
2006-07-10 06:42:54 · answer #7 · answered by trevor_brown 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can we all say visa or mastercard gift card? That way they can pay a bill, go to a restaurant, or by themselves something! Also, its a gift they can use anywhere! Like the gas station!!! We all need that!!!!!!!!!! LOL
2006-07-10 07:47:20 · answer #8 · answered by Pepper 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What about some decoratary piece of item or a book or some small appliance, that's strictly within ur budget!
2006-07-10 06:44:10 · answer #9 · answered by Sh00nya 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bottle of wine or a nice bouquet of flowers will suffice.
2006-07-10 06:53:57 · answer #10 · answered by anonymous 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋