In need of gift ideas

Parent Cafe
21

Yes on cheese. No on ice cream.

22

I think it would be nice for daughter to arrive with a hostess gift, especially something from your area (maple syrup, chocolates, crafts) and then something else.

How about daughter taking them out to dinner when she’s about to leave? By then she’d know a nice restaurant in the budget and fun for all of them.

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23

I really don’t like food gifts. Is there something local you could have sent right before your daughter arrives, that is emblematic of where you live? A vase, or pottery, or whatnot?

If that seems weird, I would go with a gift card for groceries or movies. Or even DoorDash. But more like $150. Do they have a hobby? Maybe a gift card related to that, or a museum membership for when daughter leaves and they want to day out on their own?

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24

My daughters have each had the opportunity to visit an out of state relative sans parents. I like to send them with something they can give right away, and have often gotten a small household item (coffee mug, set of tea towels) that has a very iconic image from our hometown on it. I also have them INSIST on treating to a nice dinner toward the end of the stay (I’ve instructed them to say, “My mom will be really upset if you don’t let us do this.” to head off any objection).

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25

My niece stayed her last summer for her internship in manhattan. My sister has taken my kids traveling internationally, and given them used cars. I didn’t want or expect anything, but we ended up going out to dinner with the whole family (2 kids live 1+ hour away), and she surprised us by paying the bill. That was perfect. I’ll have my daughter’s boyfriend here this summer for a clinical, I absolutely refused any money even for food. My daughter will be living 4 hours away so it evens out. :joy:

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26

I love the idea of fresh flowers. Many options including having them sent at intervals.

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27

My DD stayed with relatives for a full week every Thanksgiving. We sent them a large Omaha Steaks combo package one year (DD actually brought a friend with her) which provided meat for a few meals. It was well received. We arranged the delivery just before DD arrived.

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28

Gift giving can be so hard. Some people don’t like food gifts. Others don’t want the clutter of extra “stuff” around. LOL - I’m always relieved to visit a house where we know what kind of wine they like.

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29

There’s a whole episode of the podcast Hidden Brain exploring the dynamics of gift giving and why it is so hard!

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30

If anyone did that while my guest I’d lose my mind. I know I am Not the only one who doesn’t want other people in their kitchens. Not even to clean up. Nor would I want anyone cleaning our common area. Of course keep her own space neat and should OFFER to cook and clean. , but take no as an answer.

As for a gift, I’d have her bring something local to where you live if possible. A very small local treat ( I bring garrets popcorn
or Frango Mints. a friend from Michigan has brought Michigan cherry jam). Then follow it up with a nice sized gift certificate to some place they like
.after your daughter has been there so can determine what they’d like.

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