What's a good gift to take to a hostess who has everything already?

Question

I'll be a guest in a couple's home for 2 nights this week.
They don't need anything, and they wouldn't expect anything, but I'd still like to make the gesture.
I'm flying, so a plant's out of the question.
Any good ideas?

Answer 1

You don't necessarily have to present something on arrival. Since you will be there a couple of nights you could pop down the road and get a nice bunch of flowers with a nice handwritten note (I think the note is the most important thing). I agree with others that wine and/or chocolate is always a nice idea. Don't get anything too big or expensive as they might be embarrassed accepting something like that. Some small to show your appreciation is the aim.

Answer 2

If you are of legal age to do so... a nice bottle of wine is often a thoughtful and tactful gift... can be a little tricky if you don't know what kind of wine they like. A safe bet is Chardonnay which is an excellent varietal of white wine. Go with a Shiraz from Australia, New Zealand or South America if you prefer hearty, spicy, yet not overpowering red wine. If they are coffee drinkers, perhaps a pound of some nice whole bean coffee would be more appropriate. Keep in mind this is really only a token of your appreciation for their hospitality... not a wedding present. It should however, be something tangible, but not a major gift.

Don't forget a nice HANDWRITTEN thank you note on nice stationary goes a long way as well. Hope this helps and have fun with your trip.

Answer 3

I am guessing you haven't paid attention to who these people are? Gift giving can ruin a relationship and loose respect if it's not at least somewhat thought out.

Cards? a joke, Dinner, perhaps but still requires no thought. For people that have everything will always need something they wont buy for themselves. See if you can figure that out. They must have a favourite obsession of some sort.

Just remember, cards get thrown away, dinner is eaten and it's done but something that reminds them of you or something they truly like lasts forever.

Answer 4

I personally think that you can never go wrong with a candle or candles. There are personal, yet not too personal. You show that you are thinking of them as a person. Everyone, man or woman, secretly enjoys and appreciates candles. Even if they don't think so at the time. Later there is always a use. Even if it's just because the power went out. Seems how she's a woman, it could be used as a relaxation tool.

Answer 5

You might arrange to have flowers delivered on the day you arrive. Also, as mentioned above, chocolates are a lovely gift or perhaps a set of quality linen table napkins, a medium sized candle and holder. Small crystal vase, etc.

Answer 6

I always think lovely, gourmet chocolates are a fine gift for the person who has everything. Almost everyone like chocolate, and it's something your hosts can really use. I wouldn't bring a candle or other trinket -- those things are just dust collectors!

Answer 7

A subscription to Architectual Digest or a similarly sophisticated
publication, presented with a good bottle of wine.

Answer 8

if you are flying, then you are probably from a different country/area of the country. why not take them something that's traditional/typical from where you are from, it doesnt really matter what it is - as long as they wont hate it. foodstuffs are a good bet

or do something personal - bake cookies and present nicely (maybe transportation problems and breakages if you arent careful), or make pickles /chutneys/jams/jellies or soemthing crafty if you are artisitc and creative...

Answer 9

Wine, candies, a dinner gift certificate, a thank you card left on your pillow the day you leave.

Answer 10

Tickets to a show (opera, ballet), Wine (good wine is always a great gift), a picture or painting thats been framed, etc, etc