Thanks for the tug

July 21, 2006 5:47 AM

What should I buy to say thank you?

Brace yourself, too many details ahead. Ok. Last night, as I was leaving my horse riding lesson, I took a curve too fast (on gravel) and found myself in the ditch. Thankfully, I was just a mile from my teacher's house, and the car was fine. I called them, and her husband came and pulled me out with his truck. Now I want to get them a card and a gift to say thank you, but I don't know what to buy them! Any and all suggestions will be appriciated. Thanks y'all.

posted by tdreyer1 to shopping (14 comments total)

A nice bottle of wine usually goes down well.
posted by modernnomad at 5:57 AM on July 21, 2006

Flowers, fruit baskets, food of various kinds (but especially homemade) are all good choices; the exact one depends on your teacher's likes and dislikes.
posted by TedW at 6:05 AM on July 21, 2006 [1 favorite]

Or, if you are friendly enough with them, take them out to dinner.
posted by TedW at 6:06 AM on July 21, 2006

A good bottle of wine (ask for a recommendation at your local wine merchant) is a good idea, unless you are fully sure that they do not drink.

If they don't drink, a certificate for dinner for two at a local quality dining place (NO CHAINS!) is good; stop in and ask the place whether such an option is available. Most places will come up with a good solution. If they have children, offer to babysit while they go out together.
posted by krark at 6:21 AM on July 21, 2006

Do you have a price range in mind?

Food and alcohol are popular choices because people enjoy them and they aren't stuck with a 'thing' that may or may not be to their taste forever and ever or at least until their next garage sale. They also come in many price ranges.

If there's something in particular that you know they need or like, you can go in that direction, but it doesn't sound like you're all that close to them.

I tend to avoid professionally related gifts (ie, horse stuff) because the recipient probably knows more about what they need and want than you do, and chances are, you'd be buying something they either already have or don't want.
posted by jacquilynne at 6:37 AM on July 21, 2006

I'm with Ted W. How about an Edible Arrangement?
posted by Sprout the Vulgarian at 6:43 AM on July 21, 2006 [1 favorite]

How about a gift certificate to a local bookstore?
posted by rglass at 7:46 AM on July 21, 2006

A nice plant could go over well.
posted by orange swan at 7:53 AM on July 21, 2006

Thanks everyone! I was thinking about making them some baked goods, but I hadn't thought about a certificate for a restaraunt. I think I'll combine the two. More suggestions are always welcome.
posted by tdreyer1 at 8:05 AM on July 21, 2006

You could order something gifty from Back In the Saddle or StateLine. Either something horse-themed or something nice she'd like but doesn't have for herself, like a pair of spurs or whatever.
posted by radioamy at 8:14 AM on July 21, 2006

Sprout the Vulgarian writes "I'm with Ted W. How about an Edible Arrangement?"

This is fantastic! My Granny is so getting one of these for her birthday next month. There's a store right in her little town. Thanks Sprout!
posted by chiababe at 8:16 AM on July 21, 2006

Subscription to a horse related/riding magazine?
posted by rglass at 10:45 AM on July 21, 2006

If she is still your teacher, you need to keep the cash value low, both for maintaining a suitable relationship, and because she may have to declare the gift. Something to eat/drink is usually the most acceptable under anti-bribery rules e.g. "anything that will be totally consumed within 24 hours". Making your own baked goods would be an excellent solution. You can always add a nice handwritten note.
posted by Idcoytco at 11:09 AM on July 21, 2006

I'm 100% behind Edible Arrangements. I've used them several times and I and the recipients are always thrilled with the results. No affiliation, yadda yadda.
posted by ersatzkat at 5:58 PM on July 21, 2006