House Gift for Downsizing Empty Nesters

<p>Good friends of ours have just moved from a large colonial to a much smaller condo, and had to sell/donate much furniture and other belongings in the process. So clearly there’s nothing they “need” for the new place. We’re visiting on Sunday and can’t go empty handed, so anyone have a clever idea for a house gift? All I can think of is a plant, which seems kind of cliched and lame.</p>

<p>Get them a gift card to a local restaurant that they like. If they have gotten rid of things, the last thing they need is something to replace what they have gotten rid of (including plants).</p>

<p>Or a nice bottle of wine.</p>

<p>Something consumable.</p>

<p>^^What thumper said. A gift card for two movie tickets?</p>

<p>If wine is not appropriate, some thing they like to eat, like good chocolates or pie from a really nice farmers market.</p>

<p>Those are all things I’d prefer, and I haven’t even downsized. ;)</p>

<p>This gift is always a big hit. </p>

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<p>I usually have a box on hand (I buy cute ones when I spot them at TJMaxx) and take a piece of nice cheese and a bottle of wine. Depending on the circumstances, sometimes they just get the spreaders and a container of my homemade hummus (basil, sundried tomatoes and white beans is very good) or tapenade.</p>

<p>I completely agree with the something consumable recommendations. If we ever get round to dejunking and downsizing, the last thing I would want is to be given “stuff” for the new house. Depending on the recipients, wine, champagne (to christen the new house), food of some sort (cheese, chocolate, pie, cheesecake), all sound like lovely ideas.</p>

<p>A gift certificate for someplace “new” (restaurant or otherwise) in their new neighborhood!</p>

<p>Thanks all–following the consensus of opinion, I picked up a bottle of very nice champagne, and since we’ll be seeing them on my H’s birthday, I’ll bake a birthday cake to share as well. Both quite “consumable”! (The idea of a restaurant gift certificate was a good one, but since they moved within the same town, one that they have been living in for 23 years and whose eating places they have thoroughly explored, it doesn’t work in this instance.)</p>

<p>We have purchased theater tickets for dear friends this year, since they spent all their money on their D’s wedding. It was a well-appreciated gift and makes us happy because they LOVE the theater and we’re very fond of them. Local theaters can really use the business if there is something you and they might enjoy. Our theater even has some special deals that you can just buy two tickets for the performance of the giftee’s choice instead of picking out the play when you make the purchase.</p>

<p>I’m sure they’ll love the champagne and cake. Maybe some gourmet fruits or ice cream or gelato from Whole Foods too? Just a thought.</p>

<p>I’m trying to think of what we might want in those circumstances :slight_smile: and one thing I thought of (MIL/FIL have one) is one of those inflatable mattresses with the electric pump for when the grandchildren come over. A must in every downsized abode!</p>

<p>Actually, I think the grandkids can bring their own sleeping bags; some people HATE sleeping on those airbeds. I’ve had several sink on us until we were sleeping on the ground–much more comfortable to sleep in a decent sleeping bag that can be brought along. I’d probably ask before buying an inflatable bed or anything bulky and not consumable for someone who just significantly downsized like this.</p>

<p>How about some personalized cocktail napkins? You could have them monogrammed or have their first names or last name imprinted on them?</p>

<p>I think you idea of champagne and cake is wonderful. They don’t have to worry about keeping it after you leave!!</p>

<p>Bring them a puppy! Everyone loves puppies!</p>

<p>That made me laugh…I hope that wasn’t an idea on the “consumables” list.</p>

<p>coffee spewed onto the monitor now. Thanks siliconvalleymom!</p>

<p>I love this! Just imagine us showing up at the door with a bundle of fur with a bow around its neck and saying “We thought you might be lonely now that the kids are gone!” And perhaps we should add nice doggie carrier, since they will be spending half the year in their Florida home. Speaking of dogs, we can’t even consider condo living until our (apparently eternal) Lab passes. She’s 13, just came out of major surgery with flying colors and is romping around like a puppy. Our eventual downsizing will definitely involve cutting back on mammals.</p>

<p>This reminds me when I was younger I kept suggesting we get my grandfather a puppy (or even an older dog) for Christmas, as it would keep him company!</p>

<p>My grandmother, who was a very happy and self sufficient widow for a good 30 years, said many people suggested she get a dog. She said grandly, “I will not be held captive by man nor beast.” And stuck to it.</p>