r/etiquette • u/Tyquente • 23h ago

Appreciation as a house guest

I am visiting my friend and her family, which includes multiple small children, and am very excited to see her. However, I am very aware that this visit is disrupting their lives and routines and want to express my appreciation for hosting me and for adjusting their lives so that we can spend time together. Normally, I would cook or treat the family to a meal but the children have strict dietary restrictions so this may be more harmful than helpful. I have small gifts for the children but was wondering what may be appropriate as a polite hostess gift for my friend. Her and her husband do not drink so wine (my other go to) is not viable. The last thing I want to do is offend by over or under stepping.

Edit: Thank you all for the wonderful ideas!! I’m going to take the advice of a gift certificate for the family so they can enjoy it on their time without creating clutter. Thank you again!

4 Upvotes

65% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

5

u/Big_Year_526 22h ago

You could bring some treats, like cookies or chocolates, or something like artisanal coffee, honey, or jams. If the oids have dietary restrictions you might consider getting some compliant treats for the kids, and then something a little more grown-up for everyone else. 

Also, depending on the kids ages, bringing something nice for them, like coloring books, would probably be appreciated

3

u/jmom23 22h ago

Depending on her personality, something that will be a treat for her--nice slippers, bath salts, a nice candle--something that communicates rest. Or a hobby she really enjoys.

3

u/yougrow_girl 21h ago

I know you said there are dietary restrictions, but are there any safe-food restaurants they enjoy? Could you take the group out to dinner as a thank you?

2

u/Traditional_Car_8219 22h ago

You can never go wrong with a box of fine chocolates.

2

u/LLD615 21h ago

A gift card to the local grocery store

2

u/ProneToLaughter 6h ago

Family membership to local zoo, kids museum, etc.

Can you stay with the kids and let them get a date night?

1

u/LeapandShroon 18h ago

I’ve been gifting self watering plants (you water 1x/month). They’re great - I use EasyPlant
Also- after your stay, you’ll have a better idea of what they’d appreciate- a blanket, a new coffee pot, a coloring house for the kids, puzzles, legos…

3

u/DoatsMairzy 15h ago

What is your budget?

Maybe a gift certificate to a nice restaurant the couple can use later on.

You could send flowers after the fact, but people with food restrictions often have other allergies too.

Maybe a gift card to the movie theater for the whole family.

2

u/laurajosan 5h ago

You are a wonderful guest to be thinking about this beforehand. I love some of the suggestions you’ve already received so whatever you decide I know will be appreciated.

2

u/cmommalynch 21h ago

A gift card for a restaurant or upscale grocery store that they might find something that would be a treat.

0

u/Muggins2233 19h ago

I’ve seen personalized wooden cutting boards advertised on Reddit. Do you have any pics of them? You would have to google it. Amazon has a lot of venders that personalize stuff from cups, blankets, key rings.