We will be visiting some friends in another state in the next few months. They have a large house which they said they bought specifically so people can visit and would like us to stay with them. We will be staying at their house for 4 days. My husband and I are planning to send them some of their favorite foods from "back home" as a thank you after we leave but I would like to show up with a little something when we get there. They are better off than we are financially so I am looking for more of a thoughtful gesture-type thing than something they really need. I would like to stay in the $30 range and I need to bring it on a plane. Any ideas? Anything anyone has brought you really appreciated?
If they are really encouraging people to stay with them, buy them a lovely "guest book" where people can leave them messages as they come-and-go. We did this for my aunt and uncle when they bought a vacation home. I can't recall where we found it, but it's leather bound and has their initials and address on the front!
I love Kristas idea. Love love love it!
When I went to stay with my brother and his wife in thier new home I cooked for them and bought them a new skillet. They have waaaay more oney than me. But I know his wife likes to cook and still had old cookware. I bought a $30 Calphalon pan fro Ross and used it to make them dinner. They loved being wiated on for a change and have told me several times that pan has become the go-to favorite piece of cookware in the house.
Ok, this is kind of big, so you might want a lighter one. We always buy, big furry blankets so soft and cuddly for people. Not one person has ever complained, they are too busy burying their faces in them. They fit right in your price range, but could be bulky so perhaps you could even roll it up into a flight bag (COSTS SOOO MUCH for extra luggage). Or mail it.
I do not know where near your house you could buy one. We often buy them at small shops in our neighborhood.
LOVE Krista's guest book idea. It can be a really nice bound journal-type book--not a "sign in" O. like at a wedding reception.
I also like the idea of cooking dinner for them O. night, then followed up with your idea of the "back home" food gifts and a sincere note of thanks.
How about a little gift basket? My first thought was World Market or similar store. You could do a breakfast theme with fun pancake/waffle mix, syrup, muffin mix, coffee, tea, jams, etc. It would be inexpensive and you could use it during your stay. They also have cute spatulas (for the pancakes), coffee mugs, breakfast plates, etc. Instead of a basket you could put it all in a cute mixing bowl... Just a thought. :-)
Any gift you bring, however, would be a thoughtful way to express your gratitude!
You could insist on taking them out to dinner one night, or cooking a meal for them while you are there.
One idea for a light, packable gift is a set of tea towels reflecting "back home" (we got blue crab ones from Maryland, for example).
Instead of taking something with you I would go grocery shopping for foods that your family likes, for instance your kids favorite cereal or snack items that your kids like.
I would get them a gift card to a nice restuarant.
Honestly the best gift you can get them is to make sure that you and your family pick up after yourselves and make your own beds and help with dishes daily. Strip the beds, wash/dry and fold the sheets and blankets. I had a friend stay with me and all the while she was here she acted like -- wait on me I love to be pampered.
