"Thank You" Gift for Acquaintances I Don't Know Well

[Anonymous]

I realize this is not a typical private school discussion topic, but it seemed like the most appropriate place to post. The parents of a college classmate of my child open their home to him/her whenever he/she is in town for athletic events. They have been extremely welcoming and have saved us a great deal of money on hotel rooms. I have wanted to repay their kindness a bit by sending gift baskets, but am having difficulty coming up with ideas. They have pretty sophisticated food tastes (or at least more sophisticated than we do!) and, I am told by my child, eat a healthy diet (i.e. not a lot of sweets, etc.). Any suggestions for "fancy" gifts that don't involve candy or baked goods? And I don't know what hobbies or interests they have, so it would have to be something popular among many people.

[Anonymous]

Honestly, having your kid home and their friends from college is not a "hostess gift necessary" occasion. I have to think the parents are not even giving it a second thought. But there's a recent hostess gift thread with good idea for "token" items since it is the thought that counts.

In other words you need to go generic and tasteful because there is no way for you to land an ace here.

[Anonymous]

My child stays at their home even when their child is not there, so it is extra kind. I’m hoping to send a fairly “big ticket” gift basket since we owe them in a major way!

[Anonymous]

A wine basket, unless you suspect or know they don’t drink. A basket with fancy pasta, sauce, olive oil, balsamic, and/or other Italian niceties. A cheese/ charcuterie gift (check out Murrays.com). A big floral arrangement.

[Anonymous]

A very fancy olive oil basket. That’s what we started doing to rave reviews.

[Anonymous]

Thank you, everyone!

[Anonymous]

We live on the west coast and there seems to be an understanding that Glassybaby votive holders are the go-to gift in this kind of situation. I'm not sure if they're even a thing outside of our area?

They're neutral, impersonal, expensive, not food, and go with pretty much everyone's decor. Everyone where we live knows what they are and so they're almost used as a currency. I get them for my friends and family back East and even my mom, who is downsizing, really enjoys them because they are simple and she can rotate out the colors seasonally.

www.glassybaby.com

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We live on the west coast and there seems to be an understanding that Glassybaby votive holders are the go-to gift in this kind of situation. I'm not sure if they're even a thing outside of our area?

They're neutral, impersonal, expensive, not food, and go with pretty much everyone's decor. Everyone where we live knows what they are and so they're almost used as a currency. I get them for my friends and family back East and even my mom, who is downsizing, really enjoys them because they are simple and she can rotate out the colors seasonally.

www.glassybaby.com

So....I'm surprised by this one.... (not the ones above).

[Anonymous]

I would much prefer fancy olive oil to a votive holder. I would prefer something that is not permanent.

[Anonymous]

The chocolate store on 18th St in Adams Morgan will ship a beautiful box of mixed bonbons for you. They hand write the labels and tie a gorgeous bow. It doesn’t matter if they don’t eat them all.

[Anonymous]

I have so much gifted olive oil already.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A very fancy olive oil basket. That’s what we started doing to rave reviews.

Best idea !

[Anonymous]

Seems like flowers delivered or a restaurant gift card would be good

[Anonymous]

Basket from Eataly would be amazing.

[Anonymous]

Omaha steaks.