What to Bring to Someone’s House for the First Time
When considering getting a gift. It’s the thought that matters. A gift might be small but memorable.
In most cultures, it is considered rude to go empty-handed to someone’s house.
The hosts have taken the liberty to prepare you something to eat.
You should at least show appreciation.
So what are some of the gifts to consider when invited for dinner?
1] Electric Wine Opener
Most people have a manual wine opener. The corkscrew or the one which you pull the cork with.
However, an electric wine opener is a rare gift. It will always be useful around the dinner table whenever the host is dining or having a party.
Wine is a usual delicacy at home. The hosts will always remember you when they have wine in the house.
2] Champagne stopper
These stoppers fit most champagne bottles. When firmly pressed on the bottle’s opening, they will secure the drink.
Some are multipurpose and can also be used on normal wine bottles.
Once the champagne is opened, the cork can’t be put back because it expands. Thus having to finish the whole drink in one sitting.
But with a champagne stopper, there is no need to drink the whole bottle. The hosts will remember you whenever they are popping champagne.
3] Coaster
This is a small mat for placing a bottle, a glass of water, or a cup on the table. The coaster prevents the circular moisture ring from forming. Every time you place a beverage on the table.
It can be made of paper, wood, or marble. If the host already has coasters. Consider getting a different kind than the one they have.
4] Bouquet
Flowers show appreciation, love, and care. They sit well on the kitchen counter, by the window, or at the dining table.
To make the gifting of flowers more memorable. Consider bringing them in a vase. Here you save the host time used to trim the flowers. As well as looking for a vase.
Since the flowers are a perishable gift, the vase will still be used whenever the host gets flowers. Hence remember you fondly.
A planter would be a good substitute for the flowers. Consider getting one that doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. For example, a succulent.
5] Dessert
If you have good baking skills. This would be the perfect time to show off to the host, especially if you can pull off their favorite dessert.
The gesture shows consideration for the effort they put into making you dinner. If you can’t bake, pass by your nearest favorite pastry shop. Get something the host particularly likes.
Even when you know, they have already made dessert. It might be eaten another day.
6] Bottle of Wine
A bottle of wine is an obvious gift. Especially if you know the host always enjoys one after a meal. Although perishable, it is thoughtful.
If the host is a man, consider getting whiskey or brandy. Most men prefer the burning sensation to the sweet taste of wine.
7] Bar of Chocolate
The chocolate would go well with a bottle of wine. The taste of the combination of the two is unmatched.
However, this is a gift for someone whom you see frequently. Who wouldn’t mind the perishability of the gift?
In my opinion, a jar of honey would suffice. It lasts longer than chocolate and wine since you can’t finish a whole jar of honey in one sitting.
8] Candles
Candles are a good idea for a gift as they are a very good light source. They can be used to set a romantic or cozy mood around the house.
All you have to consider is the scent, longevity, and color. Some candles can burn for months. Hence making them a memorable gift.
For instance, this Yankee Candle gives over 110 hours of burn time.
If the host already has lots of candles. Opt for candle accessories such as a candle or the wick holder and a candle lighter.
You can go for both if the budget allows.
What Gift Would You Bring on a Normal Weekend Visit?
If the host has children less than 5 years, consider building a relationship with them.
Buy them a gift that would make them glad you came.
The gift will always serve as a reminder whenever they hear you are visiting.
Moreover, consider consulting with their parents. This way, you will know about any allergies the children might be having and if they are allowed to eat sugary foods.
Another thoughtful gift would be a basket of fruits.
This is a healthy, thoughtful gift. That will come in handy and be very highly appreciated. Opt to go for assorted fruits.
If not fruits, a basket of vegetables would come through. Go for broccoli, spinach, kales, cabbages, and cauliflower.
These two gifts show you are considering what they will eat in the next few days.
Depending on the activity you will have after the meal. Consider bringing a bottle of wine. Or offer to share the costs of the drinks that the host will buy while you are there.
How About When Visiting Your Parents?
This is the one time that you should never go empty-handed. Even if your parents have everything, do some shopping.
Items or gifts you can buy
- Food items
- Clothing or fabric
- Shoes
- Items your parents have desired for some time
- Thoughtful gift
- Some money
- Bottle of perfume or a pair of their favorite sneakers
- Picture frame
- Favorite book or a ball for the children
A gift is a form of love language. It makes the receiver feel special as well as appreciated. Keep in mind that it is not the size of the gift. But the thought that counts.