Hostess Gift? - Chesterfield,MO

I try to do the same, and it is very thoughtful. The thank you note afterwards is a great idea. And although not completely necessary, bringing something very small to the pool party would be nice...cookies, flowers or even just something for the daughter...a package of stickers or an inexpensive book.

Manners and Etiquette are so important. They aren't practiced enough nowadays. Yes, although it isn't necessary, it's always a thoughtful thing to do. My mother always told me to never go to someone's house empty handed. Flowers, baked goods, candles, candies, fruits(seasonal), vegetables( if you have a garden), plant, lemonade, etc. all are things you could bring.

I like to bring flowers this time of year. You could bring a bouquet for mom and a smaller bouquet for the daughter. I always struggle on what to bring too. I look forward to seeing the responses!

It's not necessary to bring a gift, but it's a lovely thought and I'm sure it would be appreciated.

Since they have a pool, they probably have a deck or patio. Therefore, a nice potted flower/plant would be a good choice.

You could also bring along a snack to share. Baked goods are alway a nice treat.

Another thought, after the party send a thank you note.

Pool party, what fun! Good for you teaching your child to become a Lady, awesome! By all means it is *socially* necessary to bring "thank you for inviting me" gift, so nice and gracious of you. The hydrangea idea, from the poster below, sounds so great to me, or if there's a special store in your town that makes customized items (candies or chocolate with the host initials on them would be so fabulous), or even a beach-style music cd to be played during the party. You could buy a refined beach towel set (if you can spare more money) or even customized flip flops for both mom and daughter if you know their sizes...there are so many things! I hope your daughter has fun, she will shine as a gracious guest to have around.

Oh, I personally would not like a hostess gift, though the thought would be very kind... unless it's something that can be eaten or that will die so I won't have extra clutter in my house.

So a plate of brownies, chips and salsa or even the plant idea is sweet.

Nice idea! What about making a snack or dessert?

I think it is great that you are trying to teach your daughter to think of others. We should all feel that if we are invited to a gathering that perhaps there is something we could bring or something we could do to help. I'm not sure a hostess gift is really neccessary, but I do like the thought. I think taking a few fun pool toys (if they are allowed) for everyone to share would be nice. If it is a backyard pool a couple of big blow up rafts are always great fun.

Great idea! I'm trying to teach my son the same thing.
How about flowers for the mom and a little swim toy for the girl.
Or bake some fresh cookies and a handwritten note, saying than you.

Last year my 11 year old daughter was invited to a local skiing place. She had to pay her own way and buy her own lunch but I thought it was very nice of her friend's father to take them and spend the whole day. The next day my daughter and I got them a set of Kansas Jayhawk coasters and a thank you card and dropped it off. I told my daughter that any time someone takes the time to do something that nice for you you should let them know that you appreciate it. She felt very proud to thank them again when they answered the door and took the gift. It doesn't always have to be a gift, but a hand written Thank You is alway appreciated. I think it's great that you are teaching your child at a young age. It carries through to their adult years. Good luck.

I do like the idea of bringing flowers for a hostess gift. If possible, perhaps get a potted flowering plant. It is so nice to have something that last longer than a week. For Easter I've begun bringing potted hydrangeas for hostess gifts. So pretty!