Gransnet forums

Ask a gran

Taking gifts when staying with friends

(33 Posts)
Pippa000 Wed 07-May-25 14:16:02

I visit friends in Dorset a couple of times a year, with my dog ( they also have a dog) for 4-8 days and usually take 6 bottles of good wine, a plant or flowers and a box of "posh" chocolates for my friends. We also go out for a meal occasionally and I pay for some of those. I ditched the chocolates last time and took a selection of different cheeses, chutney and biscuits. I am going again in a couple of months and would like to take something different, and suggestions would be very welcome.

TwiceAsNice Wed 07-May-25 14:19:35

Basket of fruit? Posh biscuits for tea? Smoked salmon and accompaniments? Pay for afternoon tea rather than a meal?

shysal Wed 07-May-25 14:36:57

A set of posh flavoured oils?

granfromafar Wed 07-May-25 14:55:59

You sound like a lovely house guest, Pippa, bringing thoughtful gifts. You're welcome here, anytime!
Above suggestions are good, or possibly nice hand cream/soap?

Astitchintime Wed 07-May-25 15:00:44

Already some lovely suggestions …….. how about something nice for their dog too? A rug toy - tasty treats - a cosy dog rug. I am sure they will appreciate anything really.

YorkLady Wed 07-May-25 15:05:08

A Bettys afternoon tea gift box can be delivered whilst you are there. High quality and very enjoyable 😊

Jaxjacky Wed 07-May-25 15:09:26

Tracklements have lovely gift packs of different mustards, sauces and other savouries.

sazz1 Wed 07-May-25 15:18:27

When I used to stay with my friend I always took her out to lunch every day. When we went shopping I used to pay for her shopping too as she's definitely not wealthy. She used to do all my washing while I was there and cook lovely evening meals.
OP I would take something nice for dessert maybe blackforest gateaux, or fruit cheesecakes, cream cakes etc.

Georgesgran Wed 07-May-25 17:05:24

What about a tree, bush or rose for their garden to mark your visit/friendship. David Austin and others have named roses for various events/anniversaries.

Oreo Wed 07-May-25 19:20:27

All garden centres have so many lovely gifts, go and have a browse.Biscuits in pretty tins, jams and chutneys, soaps and so on.How about a pretty solar light?

JamesandJon33 Wed 07-May-25 19:58:47

Do you live in an area with a special food or wine? . For example I, living in Wales, could take Welsh cakes, laver bread, cockles etc. I think nearly every part of the U K produces something special. It should not be difficult

mumofmadboys Thu 08-May-25 07:19:01

Could you make her a cake?

Fleur20 Thu 08-May-25 10:50:11

In all honesty.. you could NEVER bring me enough/too much cheese!!
You sound like a lovely houseguest! I am sure they enjoy your visits just because you are you.

AuntieE Thu 08-May-25 14:42:21

Wow, you are generous! It would never occur to me to take more than one of the three things you mention, but I would either pay for a meal out, or buy the entire ingredients and make it for my hosts one day while I was there.

If they are happy with what you bring, I don't think you need consider changing anything.

Allira Thu 08-May-25 15:17:13

JamesandJon33

Do you live in an area with a special food or wine? . For example I, living in Wales, could take Welsh cakes, laver bread, cockles etc. I think nearly every part of the U K produces something special. It should not be difficult

You can pop in any time JamesandJon but please don't bring me laverbread! 😁 Nor cockles
Welsh cakes, bara broth, Welsh cheese, Welsh wine, even some leeks but not that seaweed stuff.

Snowbelle Thu 08-May-25 15:19:01

YorkLady

A Bettys afternoon tea gift box can be delivered whilst you are there. High quality and very enjoyable 😊

Lovely idea

Steelygran Thu 08-May-25 15:27:31

How about a bottle of good liqueur for your friends (and you) to enjoy after dinner? Some people like to pour it over ice-cream for dessert. Or you could take a home-made cake in a nice tin. An apple cake or a chocolate cake might be a nice treat with a mug of tea, after you've all been walking along the Dorset coast.

JamesandJon33 Thu 08-May-25 15:38:05

Allira A nice Welsh whisky then ?

Emelie321 Thu 08-May-25 16:24:27

Was sent a Betty's afternoon tea box for my birthday last month. Recommended. Top quality chocolate cake etc. - all very much enjoyed by my friends when we got together. Now very tempted to order another such for self alone so can have more than one slice next time...wink

Mt61 Thu 08-May-25 18:24:26

I would make up a box of food, (with food prices going up) different nibbles (nearly put nipples), nice tea & coffee, nice wine. Ask the local florist if they could wrap in cellophane with a nice bow.

Cateq Thu 08-May-25 20:15:10

My DS sent me an M&S breakfast in bed box for Mother’s Day which was lovely. It came with bagels, cream cheese, smoked salmon, tea bag’s& filter coffee. My DD dog finished off the smoked salmon as DH doesn’t eat it. Perhaps getting that sent to arrive after you leave could be a nice treat. Oh there was some lovely granola and Greek yogurt as well.

Catterygirl Thu 08-May-25 23:33:42

I wish there was a LIKE button on Gransnet as I would press the button on most of the above.
Molton Brown hand wash is quite pricey to treat yourself with but it’s a nice present to receive. Happened to me only once. Good luck with choosing the right thing but I’d be happy with any of your previous choices being repeated. You are a very thoughtful guest.

crazyH Thu 08-May-25 23:48:47

Pippa000 - you have an open invitation to visit me 😂

Cambsnan Fri 09-May-25 07:05:01

Find an experience near your friend. Sour dour baking or a paint and Prosecco evening.

Shirls52000 Fri 09-May-25 07:54:21

You can get afternoon tea boxes delivered or cream teas perhaps to accompany a nice cold bottle of Prosecco