<p>So I want to get my friend’s parents something for Christmas, but I don’t know what and it’s rather tricky since I’m not their kid. However, I really appreciate them and they send me care packages and birthday presents at school which is something not even my own parents do. Last year I got them big mugs from my school’s gift shop with my school name on them and a bag of Starbucks Special Blend Coffee but I obviously can’t do that again.</p>
<p>I was thinking of either making a movie basket with tickets for them to have a date night at the local theater, but I’m not sure if they go to the movies as a couple.</p>
<p>Otherwise, I was thinking of getting them a giftcard for $50 to a nice hibatchi place nearby where they once took me to dinner and I know they like to go there every few months as a family (it’s only them and my friend, who’s an only child).</p>
<p>Would this be good? Any other ideas from a parent’s perspective? Have any of your children’s friends given you gifts and what did you receive?</p>
<p>I don’t know your or their financial situation, but I would be very uncomfortable if one of my DDs friends, even one from a well off home, gave me a $50 gift. If you are away at school a food or other local specialty item could be nice. The mugs were a wonderful idea.</p>
<p>First, I think that all the people involved are very special. </p>
<p>What about a frame with a fun candid photo of their kid at school? I actually think that the hibachi restaurant is a nice idea. They took you there. You know they like the restaurant. It is a nice memory for you. And you appreciate their kindness. It is however a rather expensive gift.</p>
<p>They sound like a very sweet couple and you a very appreciative and sweet young woman. I think gifts for those we care about at this time of year is a very nice thought so whatever you choose for them will be special. As a parent the gifts that mean the most to me are those that are hand written. How about a Christmas ornament from your school with a nice note letting them know how much you have appreciated their kindness. That ornament will hang on their tree every year as a reminder to them that their child’s friend holds them close. The letter will mean a great deal to both of them.</p>
<p>Regarding a $50.00 gift: You have plenty of time to spend that kind of money after you graduate and are employed. As a college student you need that money right now to take care of yourself by doing some healthy things like eating fresh fruits and veggies…going to the gym…or by simply putting that money aside so that you don’t have unneccessary debt. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas!!</p>
<p>I think it is great that you want to do this for them and I am sure they appreciate whatever you choose to do. I agree with momma-three , I don’t think you need to spend much money to let them know that you appreciate their kindness</p>
<p>I think picture frame (I could never get enough frames), movie tickets (everyone goes to movies, if not, they could give them to their children), wine (if they drink), ornament is a great idea too.</p>
<p>It is very sweet of you to think of them around the holiday time. I have done favors for many young people (getting internship for them, recommendation letter…), and I don’t remember any of them ever bothered to show any appreciation. It’s really not the amount, it’s the thought that counts.</p>
<p>How about going whimsical?
Get a photo of you and your friend maybe in front of an iconic statue or building at your school with goofy poses and get it put on an apron?
Something practical and they can have a laugh every time they use it.</p>
<p>I love the idea of a picture of you / friend in front of an iconic statue or building, but the idea of putting it on an apron seems incredibly impractical (who uses aprons??) and a waste of money. It would be the kind of thing that becomes clutter, because the parents wouldn’t want to throw it out, but boy is it useless.</p>
<p>I think consumables (candy or something else edible) are the best gifts. I think your thought is extremely sweet, and I don’t think you need to spend $50 at all.</p>
<p>You can get them whatever you like - I’d suggest something not at all as pricey as $50, but the most important gift you should give them is words - either in person or on a notecard about how much you appreciate their kindness and support of you. Special words trump all gifts in my opinion. :)</p>
<p><a href=“who%20uses%20aprons??”>quote</a> and a waste of money. It would be the kind of thing that becomes clutter, because the parents wouldn’t want to throw it out, but boy is it useless.
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Wow. That’s harsh. But maybe because I’m one who uses aprons. I thought it was a cute idea, Batlo.
A picture of your friend they wouldn’t have, or one of you and your friend, in a nice frame would also be easy and a pleasure to receive. I agree that any sort of monetary gift would probably make them uncomfortable, and it’s really not necessary.<br>
You are very sweet to want to do something for them. If you bake at all, fixing them something yummy would probably be my first choice, along with a little note of appreciation. I love your thoughtfulness.</p>
<p>Another apron wearer here and I also believe that idea is great! Of course, a picture of you with their student in a nice frame is also a good idea. Please, just know that they appreciate your friendship with their kiddo as well as with them. They do not expect anything from you and, if they’re like most parents, would rather see you save money than spend it on them. Perhaps a game night together and you supply the dessert. That’s a fun thing to do. Or a movie night and you bring the movie, popcorn and drinks. Please don’t spend anywhere near $50 on them. I have a feeling it would make them uncomfortable. I know it would me. Everyone involved sounds very nice so I can see why you think a lot of them. Enjoy!</p>
<p>I have several aprons and always use them. (Actually, I also have about 4 chef’s jackets that I wear all the time, but that’s because of the chocolate.) Count me as another who thinks that the picture of you and their kid is a GREAT idea, whether on an apron or in a nice frame. (Your mug/coffee thing last year was great, too.)</p>
<p>Well, should the occasion ever arise, we know what NOT to give PG! :D</p>
<p>I would be uncomfortable with getting a $50 gift certificate to a restaurant form one of my kid’s friends.</p>
<p>Count me in as a member of the Apron Wearers’ Club! However, I do not think that I would like one with a photo of my kid (after all, stuff gets spilled on the apron). Pizzagirl made a good point: at this stage in their lives, getting more stuff is not what many adults wish for. I think a gift of chocolate-covered strawberries (just a small box - there is one for $20!) will be very appreciated, unless they are allergic to strawberries and/or chocolate.</p>
<p>I go for a nice note telling them how your life and school in general are going and how their care packages brighten your life. I wouldn’t buy them anything, but if you feel you must, how about having a potted plant delivered from a local flower shop.</p>
<p>Another apron wearer here! DH wears one also on occassion. So if you know the family cooks or bakes the apron might be cute, but otherwise I do like the photo idea. </p>
<p>RE: the apron idea. One year when my kids were preschool age, I made aprons for both my mother and MIL covered with handprints of the kids. Both expressed their love of the gift. Fast forward 15 years and my mom’s is in her apron drawer (yes she has an apron drawer) and she wears it (in rotation) and says whenever she uses it she marvels at how tiny the hands were and how time flies etc etc. MIL’s is also in a drawer with her “nice linens” and ( probably like the linens) rarely sees the light of day because it is too precious to dirty. Different strokes for different folks.</p>
<p>PG- there is a Groupon for Flirty Aprons out. You must just be a much neater cook that the rest of us.</p>
<p>That handprint idea is wonderful, I used to keep things for “special” but I realised that using them and cherishing them upon use is what is really special, even if somethings break.</p>