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Hostess gift?

September 04, 2021 03:37PM
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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September 04, 2021 04:04PM
What about a small fruit basket? Or maybe a small selection of cheese and crackers like Hickory Farms sells?
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September 04, 2021 04:14PM
@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.
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September 04, 2021 07:42PM
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?

My garden in England is full of eating-out places, for heat waves, warm September evenings, or lunch on a chilly Christmas morning. (Mary Quant)
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September 04, 2021 07:44PM
A bottle of sparkling cider or a Yankee Candle.

"I told myself to quit you; but I don't listen to drunks." -Chris Stapleton
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September 04, 2021 07:45PM
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.
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September 05, 2021 03:02AM
Cheese and crackers seems perfect to me BUT maybe a mylar balloon bouquet would be nice.
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September 05, 2021 03:42AM
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.
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September 06, 2021 04:58PM
Candles are always nice and you can find them everywhere.
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September 08, 2021 05:21PM
@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.
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September 09, 2021 03:27AM
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.
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September 09, 2021 08:10PM
Pretty kitchen towels wrapped with a fabric ribbon.
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September 10, 2021 12:20AM
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.
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September 11, 2021 10:46AM
@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.
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September 11, 2021 01:41PM
@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.
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September 11, 2021 02:54PM
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
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September 24, 2021 01:55AM
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
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September 24, 2021 07:59PM
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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