What to give a hostess for a thank you gift?

November 6, 2009 9:24 PM

I'm joining my long-term boyfriend at his godmother's house for a week for Thanksgiving this year. I want to bring her a gift to thank her for having me in her home. What are some good ideas?

I like to cook, so things in that vein sound good. However, ideally I could give her something that would last til after we leave, since we'll be eating a lot because of Thanksgiving. Also, canning is not an option for me.

posted by Night_owl to human relations (10 comments total)

A few loaves of sweet potato bread.
posted by quodlibet at 9:34 PM on November 6

Homemade candies? Chocolates are always nice, and homemade truffles are fairly easy. Peanut brittle, toffee, cookies, etc can all be put in a pantry and kept for later, or nibbled on a little bit at a time throughout the week.

One year I made soup and cookie mixes - basically homemade, better versions of those cheap "just add water/milk/whatever" box mixes you get at the grocery stores - and made my own packaging for each of them, each package tailored for the person receiving the gift. It sounds a little cheesy and, I dunno, Martha Stewart-esque, but they were pretty well received.
posted by ellehumour at 9:40 PM on November 6

This might be a good place to start.
posted by fish tick at 9:40 PM on November 6

I came to basically suggest ellehumor's idea: cookies in a jar. I've recieved these in the past and they're really nice. Most cookie recipes will work, but steer clear of those that require fancy or complicated wet ingredients. If you have a signature secret cookie recipe this is the best way to share it!
posted by k8lin at 9:46 PM on November 6

If you want to do a food item, put it into a little dish for her to keep. A nice little dish. Not expensive, but not just something from the 99cent store.
And, BTW, how sweet of you to want to take her something!
posted by SLC Mom at 9:48 PM on November 6

I like to do the one-two punch sort of hostess gift. I'd give her flowers upon arrival (or booze, depending on the person's taste) and then, since you'll be there a whole week, you can take the time to get to know her a bit and then really get something you know they'll appreciate, mailed along with a thank you note for having you in her home.

This kind of eliminates homemade cooked things, but considering that this is Thanksgiving, that might not be the best way to go. I know that my mom appreciates things like nice cloth napkin sets, or a fancy pie plate (maybe with a pie in it?), or something small and seasonally decorative that she can use over and over again. The key is, you get to know the person and then you're much better poised to get them something they'll actually appreciate.
posted by Mizu at 9:49 PM on November 6 [6 favorites]

A lovely live plant, flowering or otherwise, is a very nice gift!

Oooh, also agree with Mizu above, send another gift and a thank you note afterwards. She will remember you fondly, which is what you'd both like!
posted by Jinx of the 2nd Law at 10:31 PM on November 6

seconding Jinx. heh : ) I think a nice plant is a good first gift. Then a thank you card after your stay and another small gift when you know her tastes better.
posted by gt2 at 7:34 AM on November 7

A week is a long time to host a houseguest. If you were going just for dinner, you might just bring something you cooked, but if you're going for a week, I think it ought to be a more substantial gift -- cloth napkins are a nice idea, or placemats, or a pretty pitcher, or candlesticks.

You can often get housewares from places like Marshalls, Tuesday Morning, etc., without spending a lot, though you have to spend some time searching.
posted by palliser at 9:21 AM on November 7

Indeed, Mizu is correct. Wine is another traditional hostess gift, if you know what you're doing, but don't get upset if she doesn't open it right away.

Adding food to Thanksgiving isn't necessarily the most thoughtful. Takes up fridge/counter space that is already in short supply. But I live in a teeny apartment so take with grain of salt.
posted by kathrineg at 8:28 AM on November 8