Friendsgivings and Thanksgiving are right around the corner, and with them comes the age-old question: what should I bring? If you want to wow your friends and family, I’ve got some great ideas for you! Now hear me out…
We all know the struggle—You’re torn between a classic bottle of wine or the store-bought dessert. While there’s nothing wrong with tradition, sometimes it feels like every other guest shows up with the same old thing. You can spice things up a bit this year by bringing something that’ll make your hosts beam not just with smiles but with genuine appreciation.
I took a little time to do some digging, and I’m super excited to share my findings with you! Here’s a lighthearted look at some cliché gifts you might be tempted to bring, along with 10 thoughtful alternatives that are sure to show your hosts just how much you care.
Cliché Gifts We Love to Hate
The Generic Bottle of Wine: Let’s be honest; we’ve all received one (or ten) of these in our day. Sure, wine is nice, but when everyone shows up with the same varietal, it can feel a little…uninspired.
The Store-Bought Dessert: A dessert from the supermarket can often leave our sweet tooth feeling a bit empty. Don’t get me wrong; I will never turn down a cookie (and by cookie I mean cheesecake), but there’s something special about homemade treats that store-bought desserts just can’t match!
The Generic Candle: I love a good candle. They are lovely, but also very common. Unless it’s an artisanal, one-of-a-kind scent, it might end up in the back of a kitchen cabinet gathering dust.
The Holiday-Themed Dish Towels: Cute, practical, but oh-so-predictable! As lovely as they are, let’s face it: most of us have way too many holiday dish towels already.
The Infamous Fruitcake: Fruitcake has a bad rep for a reason. I think we can all agree that fruitcake is a bit of a joke at this point. It’s a classic, sure, but unless you’re giving it as a gag gift, I’d steer clear.
10 Thoughtful Alternatives to Wow Your Hosts
Now that we’ve had a laugh over the clichés, let’s talk about some great gifts that will truly impress your hosts and make their holiday dinner even more special!
1. Handcrafted Cocktail Kit.
Instead of wine, why not bring a DIY cocktail kit with everything needed for a fun drink-making experience? Include unique mixers, garnishes, and a recipe card. Your friends will love mixing up something special together!
2. Personalized Serving Board
A beautiful wooden serving board engraved with your host’s family name or a heartfelt message makes for a lasting gift. They’ll think of you every time they use it!
3. Gourmet Oil and Vinegar Set
A beautifully packaged set of flavored olive oils and gourmet balsamic vinegars can inspire your hosts’ culinary creativity. You can also add a little recipe booklet for even more thoughtfulness!
4. A Beautiful Plant or Herb
Instead of flowers that wilt away, bring a lovely potted plant or a cute herb garden. They’ll think of you every time they water it, plus it adds life to their home!
5. A Fun Game or Puzzle
Bring something everyone can enjoy together after dinner! A board game or an engaging puzzle can provide hours of entertainment and laughter—it’s the perfect, to encourage laughter, bonding during the gathering, and keep the holiday spirit alive.
Make it a Bit More Personal
6. Exotic Chocolate and a Note
Forget the card with a generic message. Step outside the box and write a heartfelt note sharing what you’re thankful for about your friends, paired with some vegan chocolates or unique flavors they have never tried before. Your friends will appreciate the thought and get to indulge!
7. Scented Sachets or Potpourri
Create a little luxury with homemade scented sachets filled with your host’s favorite herbs and dried flowers. They can use them to freshen up their space long after the dinner party is over.
8. A Personalized Recipe
Create a book with your favorite recipes, along with some handwritten notes or anecdotes about why each dish is special to you. It’s a heartfelt gift that they can cherish and use for years to come!
9. Handcrafted Treats
Spend some time baking or crafting your own delicious goodies like cookies, brownies, or a seasonal treat like pumpkin bread. Present them in a cute tin or box. Nothing beats the magic of homemade goodies; and they always have that personal touch.
10. A Cozy Blanket
Everyone loves to snuggle up during the colder months. A soft, stylish throw blanket is a thoughtful gift that invites relaxation and warmth into your host’s home.
Remember, thanksgiving is about gratitude, gathering, and creating wonderful memories with those we love. This holiday season, let’s break free from the clichés and show our appreciation with gifts that come from the heart. After all, it’s the thought that counts!
Happy gifting!
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