Do you do anything for someone who loaned you something?

CCName1
Fri, 30 Jun 2023 22:25:32 +0000

thumper1:

think there is a big difference between loaning someone a tent, and letting them use your vacation home. For a tent, I would simply say thank you very much. For a vacation home, I definitely would do more.

When we used a friends home for an event, we got them a huge gift certificate to the most expensive restaurant in the area (and a highly regarded one) and left several bottles of wine and champagne. We also had those who used the house write a note to the owners which we left as well.

Agree!

We have friends with a beautiful beach house. They generously give us a week each summer, and also invite others to use it.

We are close friends, and I know that they would absolutely not want people to leave beach equipment, a fire/stove, or a full pantry behind as thanks. They are (wealthy) minimalists and they want what they want. I have seen these kinds of gifts get donated, and after some guests’ pantry additions attracted ants, they added a request to their welcome letter to not leave any food upon departure.

Because of this experience with these friends, I tend to express my thanks for something borrowed in a heartfelt note, if appropriate, and/or gift card/cash. When I lend something, I expect nothing more than a thank you. If I expected more, I either would consider it renting and not lending, or I wouldn’t lend it at all.