Hostess gift?

We're invited to a casual event tomorrow afternoon. Asked the hostess what we could bring and she said 'nothing', but that doesn't feel right. However, I'm at a loss for an appropriate gift.

One of the family is in recovery, so nothing with alcohol. They're not big coffee or tea drinkers. The family owns a wholesale nursery, so any type of plant (or cut flowers) is out. Part of the family is diabetic, which pretty much rules out any type of sweet or simple carbohydrate. Another part snubs anything that isn't heavily-processed food.

Ideally I can find something easy to purchase and transport. I just don't know what it is! Suggestions?

Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product. Eleanor Roosevelt

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What about a small fruit basket? Or maybe a small selection of cheese and crackers like Hickory Farms sells?

@roflwofl wrote:

Or maybe a small selection of cheese and crackers like Hickory Farms sells?

I think that's an excellent idea. I have diabetes, and cheese with whole-grain crackers (Triscuits or similar) and maybe a beef stick or something is good. And a small box of sugar-free chocolates would be OK to add.

I wouldn't get fruit, since some fruits are too high in sugar.

I learn something new every day, but not everyday!
I've learned to never trust spell-check or my phone's auto-fill feature.

Yup. A little sweet for the sweet-eating part of the family, a little tangy for the rest of the family, and a little neutrality to keep things on an even keel.

Would any of them object strongly to a gift card for a discount/day pass for visit to a place they would like to visit?

Bach is not noise, Madam. (Robert, in Two's Company)

A bottle of sparkling cider or a Yankee Candle.

"I told myself to quit you; but I don't listen to drunks." -Chris Stapleton

Flowers. There are some beautiful chrysanthemum plants showing up around here at under $10. There are also some lovely orchids showing up for under $20 that should give a month or more of pleasure. They come with instructions to water them once a week by putting an ice cube in the pot and that will keep them properly watered without drowning.

Cheese and crackers seems perfect to me BUT maybe a mylar balloon bouquet would be nice.

Candles. Choices for indoors, or outdoors, when you know the host’s style. Outdoor candles can have citronella in them for mosquito protection. If the host has a dog or cat, a toy or treat for them is a fun personal touch.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/05/2021 03:43AM by Mert.

Candles are always nice and you can find them everywhere.

@Shop-et-al wrote:

Would any of them object strongly to a gift card for a discount/day pass for visit to a place they would like to visit?

I dislike getting gift cards to specific stores/restaurants. I may not frequent the stores the card is for. Also, I was once given a $50 to a steakhouse where I had to come out of pocket for another $50 in order to get a meal.

If I get a gift card, I prefer a MasterCard or Visa I can use anywhere of MY choosing.

Late to the game but thinking how you are, Candles (yes, Yankee) or a fruit/cheese basket would be nice.
I usually bring wine, flowers, chocolates, dessert items or sometimes a personal item like the host's favorite perfume (when i know her favorites). You don't necessarily need to accommodate everyone.

Pretty kitchen towels wrapped with a fabric ribbon.

Not knowing where or what this gathering is, if it is an outdoor bbq event perhaps a nice bbq glove/mitt. I always like food related gifts or something for cooking but seems like no food is universally liked. If you know they do some cooking at all in this family I like silicone baking mats or other silicone implements for the kitchen or perhaps some serving items or a nice set of potholders and hands. Those always seem to wear out quickly so new set may be appreciated.

@wrosie wrote:

@Shop-et-al wrote:

Would any of them object strongly to a gift card for a discount/day pass for visit to a place they would like to visit?

I dislike getting gift cards to specific stores/restaurants. I may not frequent the stores the card is for. Also, I was once given a $50 to a steakhouse where I had to come out of pocket for another $50 in order to get a meal.

If I get a gift card, I prefer a MasterCard or Visa I can use anywhere of MY choosing.

The issue with MC/Visa gift cards, from the point of the gifter, is there is an extra fee on top of the face value.

@KathyG wrote:

We're invited to a casual event tomorrow afternoon. Asked the hostess what we could bring and she said 'nothing', but that doesn't feel right. However, I'm at a loss for an appropriate gift.

KathyG, what did you end up deciding on, if I might ask?

I learn something new every day, but not everyday!
I've learned to never trust spell-check or my phone's auto-fill feature.

One of the benefits of being a TD Bank customer (aside from being able to MS them) is that they provide Visa gift cards for no fee. I know of at least one credit union that does also. Check and see if your bank or another one (might be time to switch) offers no-fee Visa or M/C debit cards.

@DrSquash wrote:

@wrosie wrote:

@Shop-et-al wrote:

Would any of them object strongly to a gift card for a discount/day pass for visit to a place they would like to visit?

I dislike getting gift cards to specific stores/restaurants. I may not frequent the stores the card is for. Also, I was once given a $50 to a steakhouse where I had to come out of pocket for another $50 in order to get a meal.

If I get a gift card, I prefer a MasterCard or Visa I can use anywhere of MY choosing.

The issue with MC/Visa gift cards, from the point of the gifter, is there is an extra fee on top of the face value.

Shopping Southeast Pennsylvania, Delaware above the canal, and South Jersey since 2008

We got three cans of Blue Diamond flavored almonds, stacked them on top of each other, and wrapped them in clear plastic like a tower. I'm keeping this post in mind, though, for next time. There's some great ideas here!

@BirdyC wrote:

@KathyG wrote:

We're invited to a casual event tomorrow afternoon. Asked the hostess what we could bring and she said 'nothing', but that doesn't feel right. However, I'm at a loss for an appropriate gift.

KathyG, what did you end up deciding on, if I might ask?

Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product. Eleanor Roosevelt

KathyG I had the same question as Birdy. The almond tower was a great idea!

"I told myself to quit you; but I don't listen to drunks." -Chris Stapleton

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