Gifts for the Future In-Laws

Dear H,
I'm going to visit my boyfriend's parents for the first time. I've met them before, but this will be the first time I'm staying at their house, so I'd like to bring them a gift. I'm flying across the country, so it needs to be something easily transportable (and non-perishable, of course). Any ideas for a thoughtful, appropriate gift?

Thanks,

Meet the Parents

Meet,

Ahhh, the hospitality gift for the significant other's folks; probably the trickiest of presents to figure out.  You could bring wine, but they may not be drinkers.  You could bring flowers or other plantlife, but there may be an allergy. Tchotchkes?? Always a no-no.

Here are a few non-perishable, easily transportable suggestions for you:

1.)  A reusable tote bag.

No gift is better than a useful gift (see the monogrammed branding iron I mentioned in an earlier post).  Most Baby Boomers are now going green and bringing reusable totes for their errands.  You can pick one up at grocery stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's, and most other home stores are selling clever versions as well.  Or, try a local museum or landmark in your city--chances are they will have totes in their gift shops as well.   One with a local or personal touch will help remind the future in-laws of your thoughtfulness. Even if the parents are not yet using ecofriendly shopping totes, this will show them that you care about the environment (and by association, their son). You can even personalize the gift a bit by throwing a few of your favorite recipes or some clever kitchen gadgets into the tote bag. 

2.) A framed picture of you and your boyfriend.

This may be the ultimate "duh" idea, but believe me, it's a parent-pleaser.  Is it unique?  Not particularly. Is it stylish? Sure, if you pick a good frame.  However, I'm willing to bet your boyfriend has not given or shown his parents any pictures of you two, much less one that is printed out and framed.  His father may not care much for the sentiment, but you will forever be in his mother's graces.  (Bonus points if you can get a picture with the parents in it from a time you previously met them)

3.) A special candy or chocolate.

"Edible" is another classification of host/hostess gift that never fails.  A nice set of candies or chocolates will travel well and are non-perishable.  Is there a local confectioner that is particularly well-known? Or, channel your inner Martha Stweart and try making your own candy.  Keep in mind that the candy should be from a specialty shop or homemade by you--Hershey's Kisses won't cut it here. 

(A note about edible goods:  If there is a local shop that is well-known regionally or nationally for their food, perishable or not, they are usually willing to ship their products.  This may be a great option if there is something local to you that you'd like to share with the parents that you can't bring on the plane.)

I've shared with you three options that a practical, thoughtful, and/or edible.  Hopefully, if you don't use these, they inspire another great idea!

Good Luck,

H*

Readers, how have you gotten in the parents' good graces? Leave a comment.

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