Hostess gift? | Imamother

amother

OP ↓

Mon, Jun 17 2024, 9:21 am

What would give for someone hosting a family of four (2 adults, 2 little kids) for one night in the middle of the week? This person does not know us at all so she’s doing a pure act of chessed. Host is a young Bubby type with no kids living at home. Just sleeping guests (although maybe we’ll eat breakfast there?)

amother

↑ OP ↓

Mon, Jun 17 2024, 9:53 am

essie14 wrote:

Gift card to a local store?
I wouldn't give anything too personal to someone I've never met.

There’s nothing local aside from generic Target etc. should I do that? What’s an appropriate amount?

amother

↑ OP ↓

Mon, Jun 17 2024, 10:01 am

amother Dahlia wrote:

I have brought a new cookbook before.

That’s fun but what if they already have it…

amother

NeonPink

Mon, Jun 17 2024, 10:04 am

Honestly, for just an overnight stay, I wouldn't give anything. If something, a small box of chocolates or nuts arrangement.

amother

Daisy

Mon, Jun 17 2024, 10:12 am

amother NeonPink wrote:

Honestly, for just an overnight stay, I wouldn't give anything. If something, a small box of chocolates or nuts arrangement.

Of course you should give something! They prepared the rooms, the linen, you’re in their house
I’ve gotten Waterdale lucite things, diffusers, candy platters

amother

↑ OP ↓

Mon, Jun 17 2024, 10:20 am

I’m coming from a well established community with kosher food etc to a place with basically nothing. Would it be weird to ask her if there’s anything special I can bring her that she doesn’t have access to? Or does that make her uncomfortable that I’m putting her on the spot to ask for something when she doesn’t know me?

amother

Seafoam

Mon, Jun 17 2024, 10:22 am

It's totally fine to ask
If she doesn't give you a specific answer you can just go with the generic platter of chocolates/nuts

↑ essie14

Mon, Jun 17 2024, 10:29 am

amother OP wrote:

Oh that totally changes my answer then.
Yes, I would ask her if there's anything you can bring her.
If she says nothing then maybe some fun interesting kosher item. Or a token chocolate platter or a nice plant.

SingALong

Mon, Jun 17 2024, 10:40 am

Gifts I’ve gotten when I hosted oot guests just for sleeping

Diffuser
Pretty hand towels for washing or powder room
Pretty havdala candle
Lucite cookbook stand
Nice bottle of wine
Interesting Jewish book, not a novel, more connected to the time of year, or recently published book on a gadol

I personally don’t appreciate food since I’m on a strict diet and my kids are particular so any cake , chocolates, or candy doesn’t get used.

amother

↑ OP

Mon, Jun 17 2024, 10:48 am

SingALong wrote:

Right that’s the hard part that everyone likes different things. All the stuff you said you’ve brought I wouldn’t specifically appreciate (though I’d be touched by the gesture) but good chocolate or candy I would appreciate 🤷‍♀️