I have a beach house in Delaware, and I spend my summers there. Normally my kids' friends (college age boys) don't bring a gift and that is ok. As long as they are easy going and helpful with meals (set table, help with clean up and pick up after themselves) I am happy to host. Recently I was stocking up at snacks at the Annapolis Trader Joe's on my way to the beach (No TJS on the eastern shore). The cashier and I were chatting about my order. He indicated that he was going to a friend's beach house the following week and asked if it would be nice to bring a few bags of TJ items. I said that would be awesome and he would definitely be invited back to my home .

Anonymous wrote:Tell him to pay for his friend. Like if they play mini golf, he pays for him and his friend. Doesn’t have to be every time but a couple things are a nice gesture. Parents will certainly hear about it and appreciate it.

People get weird about money. It's better to offer, but respect when they decline. Bring a normal hostess gift.

Before: bring something small and consumable like maple syrup from your home town, berries from a road side stand on the way in, etc.

During: Be a considerate and engaged guest. The basics of cleaning up after himself and assisting with tasks that others are doing. If this is a more casual beach week where everyone is cooking meals at home, he should help prepare one or at least assist with doing the dishes for meals he doesn't cook. If that's not the vibe, then buying bagels/donuts or maybe treating everyone to ice cream one afternoon.

After: Thank you note of some kind to the hosts. Could be mailed, emailed, texted, left in a guest book, whatever as long as it's something.