We got invited out - now I need a gift!

shopaholic ↓

Wed, Sep 30 2009, 2:15 pm

We had good friends of ours over for a meal on Rosh Hashana & they bought us a glass tray (not huge, but nice) of chocolates. Now they've invited us for a Sukkos meal. I don't want to get chocolates for obvious reasons. The DH doesn't drink, so no wine. Any other ideas? Doesn't have to be too big or huge.

Thanks.

mommyofnineka

Wed, Sep 30 2009, 2:19 pm

how about something practical like a couple of packages of pretty napkins or an assortment of nuts?

funny50

Wed, Sep 30 2009, 2:20 pm

buy the nice ice cream cake from strauss (isreali company) it's the log one. it comes in chocolate and vanilla or cappicinno and vinilla. it's a few layers of each and is presented nicely.

Mamish Mama

Wed, Sep 30 2009, 2:22 pm

Sometimes I do a few boxes of nicer teas w/ honey sticks. Do they drink hard liquor? You could get a bottle of schnapps. If you have a Home Goods near you they usually have inexpensive sets of serving spoons or seasonal platters for under $15. And if you like to bake you can always do a nice fancy dessert.

Good Luck and Chag Sameach!

Wed, Sep 30 2009, 2:25 pm

Why don't you ask your friend what would be helpful - a dessert, a salad etc. If she says not to bring anything - my usual response to that kind of response is "I will bring something anyway, it might as well be something helpful to you - so tell me what you'd like".

Tamiri ↓

Wed, Sep 30 2009, 2:29 pm

Does it have to be food? What ever happened to bringing flowers or a plant?

DefyGravity ↓

Wed, Sep 30 2009, 2:32 pm

I think flowers are a good idea.

I really don't like it when people bring serving dishes, spoons, etc., because then it's another thing to add to all the clutter.

At least flowers will die and then you don't have to find a place for them. And they won't add pounds to your waist.

chocolate moose ↓

Wed, Sep 30 2009, 2:37 pm

shopaholic wrote:

We had good friends of ours over for a meal on Rosh Hashana & they bought us a glass tray (not huge, but nice) of chocolates.

Chocolates, yum.

shopaholic wrote:

I think this is a dangerous precedent.

solo

Wed, Sep 30 2009, 2:44 pm

DefyGravity wrote:

unless its something really beautiful I dont either appreciate more "stuff." even nice looking stuff.
I like to bring flowers or a bottle of wine depending what theyre into.
u can spend as much or as little as you like on either.

↑ DefyGravity ↓

Wed, Sep 30 2009, 2:44 pm

Quote:

I think this is a dangerous precedent.

I agree. When you give an extravagant host gift, you're putting the host in an awkward position where they feel pressure to purchase something equally nice when they're guests in your home.

Especially if you often invite each other over, it's a little ridiculous to keep bringing each other gifts.

Isramom8 ↓

Wed, Sep 30 2009, 2:46 pm

"Al netilas yadayim" towels are practical and nice, but not far out expensive.

↑ Tamiri

Wed, Sep 30 2009, 3:09 pm

Isramom8 wrote:

"Al netilas yadayim" towels are practical and nice, but not far out expensive.

Isn't that overkill? They are going for a meal, not a weekend...
I vote flowers. Always appreciated, always nice.
Or, a sukka decoration (NOT extravagant) since it's sukkot.

Raisin ↓

Wed, Sep 30 2009, 3:12 pm

a nice fruit like strawberries. Or nuts. You can put them in a salad bowl if you like. (more useful then platters imo)

shoy18

Wed, Sep 30 2009, 3:29 pm

Dont know if this applies but if it does, go to the nail salon and get her a gift card for a manicure (& pedicure). A gift that would be so much more appreciated than a bowl of fruit or nuts.

onlyme

Wed, Sep 30 2009, 3:39 pm

Another vote for flowers. Nice and thoughtful, can fit any budget, adds beauty to any room. I don't think more is necessary for a Yom Tov meal.

↑ chocolate moose ↓

Wed, Sep 30 2009, 4:23 pm

If it were me, I'd offer to bring the dessert course, and make it nice, with enough left over for them.

↑ Isramom8 ↓

Wed, Sep 30 2009, 4:32 pm

Tamiri wrote:

Isramom8 wrote:

"Al netilas yadayim" towels are practical and nice, but not far out expensive.

Isn't that overkill? They are going for a meal, not a weekend...
I vote flowers. Always appreciated, always nice.
Or, a sukka decoration (NOT extravagant) since it's sukkot.

Well, how much did the glass tray cost?
Do not bring strawberries unless you are sure they eat them. It would be very awkward if someone brought us that as a gift.

↑ Isramom8

Wed, Sep 30 2009, 4:39 pm

Sukkah decorations have muktza issues; be aware...
And people can be finicky about what kind they feel comfortable using...

Last edited by Isramom8 on Wed, Sep 30 2009, 4:40 pm; edited 1 time in total