Gift for family- friend hostess whose beach house we're staying at

buggles

We've been visiting with DH parents' friends every couple years staying with them at their beach home in NJ (while they're there too). Not only do we stay with them but they also make dinner if we all eat in that night. The host/ hostess are VERY close with my H and his family. They're very sweet such that when I bring gifts they insist that I/ we shouldn't have i.e. I think they feel since we are basically family that the gifts are not necessary.

However, I'd still like to bring a small something, esp. something they can use and would enjoy using.

So instead of bringing a bottle of wine (which is my backup), any suggestions as to what I could bring?

 TIA

georgia_bride09

Since you probably know their tastes pretty well, why not put together a snack basket so that while you're there, they'll have stuff to snack on during the day? You could put nuts, crackers, cheese, etc in it and even add the wine.

Or you could take a dessert that can be stored until an evening when you eat dinner at the beach house.

SA7206

I usually give a gift certificate to a local restaurant that they enjoy.

**I know you said no gifts, because my family is the same way, but with the GC I know that 1) they can't return it 2) they will use it and 3) It's the least I can do for their generosity.

If you don't want to do that, then I agree with bringing a dessert that can be shared by all (because I'm sure that's the type of people they are) : )

 

GatorWedsNole

How about something for the beach?  New set of beach towels, cooler, beach umbrella.  Magazines or books they might like to read on the beach?

In the past, I've made beach-themed baskets for friends as gifts.  I fill up a kids sand pale with sunscreen, magazine, water bottle, lip balm, lotion.

Would they let you offer to cook dinner one night?  Maybe make breakfast every morning?  How about a nice basket of fresh/local fruit that can be left in the kitchen for everyone to eat from?

HTH!

lsgarver

Consumables make the best hostess gifts.  Head to a farmer's market and pick up some locally made jams, honey, bread, cheese, candies or pastries.  Add in a local wine or microbrew if you have them.  Personal, usable and thoughtful.

TarHeels&Rebels

ILs' beach house is *always* in need of new fluffy beach towels.  Always.  They get so ratty with constant, almost year-round use. 

coconutandlime

I'd give them something that the house needed (new beach chair/towel, even paper towels/linen type things). I've stayed in friend's weekend houses before and it was tradition to bring something the house needed (someone even brought a toilet seat once) and it was a good way to give back without it seeming too much like a present.

vvwalker

Sine the couple is older and probably does not need or want for much (hey, they own a beach house in NJ), I would go the simple/elegant route - like a high end candle(s) that they can place in guest room/bathrooms or a nice set of linen hand towels for the bath or maybe a coffee table book(with a nice handwritten inscription inside) on a subject that interests them