Non-alcoholic guest gift ideas?

November 21, 2008 9:42 AM

Non-alcoholic travel-friendly Thanksgiving gift ideas?

I'm joining some friends in San Diego for Thanksgiving this year. I know guests are traditionally supposed to bring a gift, and a good bottle of wine is the standard, but both these friends are recovering alcoholics which makes that a no-go.

What would be a good alternative that's:

• in around the same price range as good wine,
• would be air travel-friendly,
• and is non-alcoholic?

I'm more looking for something that would fit a "traditional Thanksgiving" vibe, but I'd be open to something more esoteric if it's really brilliant.

Thanks!

posted by Riki tiki to Grab Bag (8 answers total)

Best answer: Nuts! A nice assortment of quality nuts, perhaps in a reusable/decorative tin. They can put them out with the appetizers or save them for later. They're fine for air travel; liquids are the real problem.
posted by kate blank at 9:54 AM on November 21, 2008

seconding nuts! what is always great are whole walnuts that you can pack with a nutcracker.
posted by parmanparman at 10:12 AM on November 21, 2008

Nuts are good. Candied citrus or some nice chocolates. An assortment of nice teas.
posted by sulaine at 10:37 AM on November 21, 2008

Truffles or other chocolates. A tin of homemade cookies, brownies, or fudge.
posted by crazycanuck at 10:43 AM on November 21, 2008

Best answer: Mightygoods has a selection of unique host gifts, maybe you can find some inspiration there.
posted by sararah at 10:55 AM on November 21, 2008

Also classic host gifts, if you didn't catch that link at the top of the "unique gifts" page.
posted by sararah at 10:56 AM on November 21, 2008

You can pick up flowers for the table in SD or bring them with you. Or, giftwrap a combo Amaryllis bulb with forcing pot.
posted by artdrectr at 11:52 PM on November 21, 2008

Nuts, candy and flowers are great ideas. Unless you are very close and have known your friends for awhile the goal is to give a gift that is appreciated and consumed. My favorite non alcoholic consumable gift is a box of See's candy.
posted by RobGF at 6:14 PM on November 25, 2008