Gift for my boyfriend's parents?

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Permalink Reply by David Stehle on June 19, 2009 at 1:33pm

Are they into plays or anything like that? Because with your boyfriend's help, maybe he could tell you about a show they've been dying to see and you could surprise them with 2 tickets to it!

Plus, it would get them out of the house. So that means alone time for you and your boyfriend...bow-chicka-bow-wow.

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Permalink Reply by Mindy on June 19, 2009 at 2:04pm

Personally, I think tickets to a play would look like you're trying too hard. Another bottle of wine - but maybe another varietal? maybe something more their taste? (if you bought a white, but they actually like red) - wouldn't be bad.

Or you could just forego the gift altogether and this time, send a thank you note after the trip.

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Permalink Reply by David Stehle on June 20, 2009 at 1:33am

Trying too hard? Trying to hard for what? She's not trying to get into his parent's pants of anything! Just a token of her appreciation for the free room and board.

I don't know, but to me, I see it as just barely a step up from the thank you bottle of wine.

But hey, if you think it's too much, then go with another bottle of wine. Everyone does it so it's not an original idea, but it's something that's easy to give and always appreciated. So you can't really go wrong with it...unless you give boxed wine. Don't do that! ;)

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Permalink Reply by Mindy on June 23, 2009 at 9:57am

I'd never give someone tickets to a play as a "thank you." Seems like WAY too much. But that's me.

And clearly no boxed wine. That's a step in the wrong direction, for sure.

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Permalink Reply by Charlee on June 19, 2009 at 2:41pm

I think wine is always good!

That said, I think since you know them a bit better now, it might be nice to prepare something (not sure how well it would travel though?) because then it's more like you put some thought and time into it.

Also, I think an art piece is a nice idea - especially if you know which artists or styles of art they tend to favour, something small obviously so it's not like you went overboard (and then if they don't like it, it isn't like it will entirely ruin their decor)...but anything with a personal touch like that would be most appropriate, I think.

I do think seeming like you're "trying too hard" is a bad idea, but I also think it's important to convey that you appreciate them hosting you, and since they're your boyfriend's parents, I think they'd appreciate any extra effort.

Just my two cents :)

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Permalink Reply by cooper on June 20, 2009 at 2:30am

I'd go with nothing and send them a thank you note after the fact, or a bottle of wine after the fact if you really feel the need to buy a gift. He is your boyfriend, you aren't going to a dinner party, and if you have been with him awhile it seems like the bringing a gift thing is a little too much. You aren't an exchange student, you are their sons girlfriend. To me it's like that guy who buys you something all the time, he is either a creep stalker or he is insecure. It's a nice gesture but I'd wait till afterwords.
beside maybe a nice thank you and a hug on the way our would be enough.

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Permalink Reply by Mindy on June 23, 2009 at 9:59am

I totally agree. A bottle of wine on the first visit is fine and very sweet. But after that, a thank you card should suffice.

Plus, if you give a gift EVERY time you go, at what point do you stop? When you're married? That could take a long time ... and many bottles of wine.

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Permalink Reply by Amanda on June 21, 2009 at 3:13pm

I think a hostess gift is a necessity. Nothing too grand, but just a token of appreciation. I like David's idea of tickets to a show, if they are theatre people. Wine is always a safe gift, especially if they enjoy it so much. My advice would be to personalize it as much as you can, and since you know them I can't offer up many suggestions.

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Permalink Reply by Mrs. B on June 23, 2009 at 12:56am

I think a gift is good. Maybe you could bring something that's local to where you are that they might not have in IL. Example: some fresh produce or really good guacamole, depending on what part of the state you're in.

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