Gift to a bigger family

Posted: Tue, Nov 15 2011, 1:05 am Post subject: Gift to a bigger family

I will be going on vacation soon and will have to stay with 2 different families throughout this time. I don't really know them though and don't know what kind of gift I could bring. One family is very wealthy and the other one is not, both have 8+ kids ages 3 and up. For one of those families (the wealthy ones), I already bought a big game for kids and I wonder if that would be enough or should I also bring a gift for parents. I have never been in their house though and don't really know what millionaires might need that I could buy. WHat do I buy for the other family? Another big game for kids? A souvenir from the place I am coming from?

I am really puzzled.

I have bought several sets of designer towels some time ago and I wonder if I could give them as gifts. They are a small and a medium towel per set, two sets are identical and two have a matching print. Isn't it weird to get a set of 2 towels when your family is so huge, or is it ok? Or should I give them 2 sets, to the host and the hostess?? Or leave them out and give something else?

Please help!!! Scratching Head

Posted: Tue, Nov 15 2011, 2:26 am Post subject: re: Gift to a bigger family

Anyone? bump

Posted: Tue, Nov 15 2011, 8:56 am Post subject: re: Gift to a bigger family

Posted: Tue, Nov 15 2011, 9:48 am Post subject: re: Gift to a bigger family

2 sets of matching towels seems like a nice gift. Maybe with some bath salts? Bubble bath? Presumably each family does not know what you are giving the other one, so no one will feel slighted.

We have sleep over guests & some bring a gift & some do not. I think it is nice & thoughtful when people bring any thing at all- even a little chatchke.

Some bring their own food, some bring a bottle of sparkling grape juice, some bring a really nice wine (which only I really enjoy in my family). Sometimes they bring games for the kids. --With games, I try & make sure the kids open it before Shabbas, since some games need assembly, or come in sealed bags. Some bring housewares, like silver plated candy dishes, or glass bowls. Those are the only things I find kind of useless, but would never comment to my guests about it. (other people might like these things) But I think towels are a good choice, fresh, new towels are a treat any day, in my book!

It' thoughtful & very nice that you are bringing something.

Posted: Tue, Nov 15 2011, 2:42 pm Post subject: Re: re: Gift to a bigger family

Silver Member Joined: Jan 13 2009 Age: 27 Posts: 886

I think the game idea is very nice for both families.
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Platinum Member Joined: Aug 17 2011 Posts: 5979

I stayed with a very wealthy family out of the country. I bought a beautiful Shabbos table cloth with matching napkins for 20. I was told it was the latest, greatest by my friends in the know. I bought it in the city and carted it 11 hours on the airplane. I checked with SIL to see if the hostess would like it. I spent quite a few hundred dollars which I was told was a very good buy. The hostess claimed she loved it. When I went shopping in the local markets, I found I could have gotten very similar for just pennies. I really wanted her to have something real special.

As someone who hosts guests, what I like is something thoughtful. To me, it does not matter the quality or quantity. Just a little token. I like little trays, wrapped nicely with some sort of goody. I like to put it out with my baked goods. It makes me feel really special.

I like the idea of games for the kids; and something else for the parents. I would bring a bottle also for the husband. If you have a local wine from where you are coming from, that would be extra nice. it does not have to be expensive.

In my home, my husband likes only white towels, so for us, it would not be a good idea. Also, how do you know if the print will match the decor?

I think simple tokens are adequate and really appreciated. If you are going to give the towels, give them to the family who is less wealthy.

I like the idea of bath-salts, etc. also.

Posted: Tue, Nov 15 2011, 3:31 pm Post subject: Re: re: Gift to a bigger family