Etiquette for visiting friends with kids

[zoebartlett]

We're going to see one of my closest friends and her family tomorrow, and I was thinking that maybe I should bring them something. We're staying at their house tomorrow night so we can all attend the clam festival that happens in their area every year. I haven't seen them in over a year. Am I right in assuming that I should bring a gift? Any ideas? I was thinking of bringing a bottle of wine for the grown ups to share, as a way of thanking our friends for letting us spend the night at their place.

Do you bring gifts to your friends (or family) and their children when you see them, regardless of how far away they live or how often you seen them? Even though it's been a long time since we've seen these friends, we would typcially get together only a few times a year since they live 2 hours away.

 

[sctsbride09]

I usually bring a bottle of wine, or something that DH and I have canned ( we make preserves, marinara, etc.) for a gift if Im going to a friends house. I have never brought a gift for the children, unless it happens to be their birthday soon or something.

 

[TravelingGal]

It's summer, so how about a fruit basket? Pretty common among Koreans to bring a box of fruit. Since you're not Korean, I'd say make it kind of pretty, as a box of fruit isn't exactly aesthetically pretty.

That way, everyone enjoys!

 

[yssie]

It's summer, so how about a fruit basket? Pretty common among Koreans to bring a box of fruit. Since you're not Korean, I'd say make it kind of pretty, as a box of fruit isn't exactly aesthetically pretty.

That way, everyone enjoys!

Nice idea!

My usual gift is a box of homemade sweets or baked goods, but I don't know that the parents would much appreciate that

 

[zoebartlett]

Those are great ideas! Thanks ladies. I don't know if this makes a difference, but I'm one of the godmothers for my friend's daughter.

I was thinking of getting bubbles and something else small for the kids. I'm clueless though...I don't go to Toys R Us or the little kids section in stores like Target, etc., very often.

 

[zoebartlett]

It's summer, so how about a fruit basket? Pretty common among Koreans to bring a box of fruit. Since you're not Korean, I'd say make it kind of pretty, as a box of fruit isn't exactly aesthetically pretty.

That way, everyone enjoys!

Nice idea!

My usual gift is a box of homemade sweets or baked goods, but I don't know that the parents would much appreciate that

That's what I usually do when I visit someone. I bring brownies, cookies, or some kind of baked good. I can't do that with this family though. The mom, my friend, is allergic to everything under the sun. I can't even cook for her unless I run the ingredients by her first. I wanted this to be a surprise though. I love the idea though, but it's true, maybe mom and dad are glad that I won't be bringing sugar into their house.

 

[Jennifer W]

If I'm visiting friends with kids, I like to take an age-appropriate book for them. Needn't be expensive, but it's a nice (sugar free) thing for little ones to unwrap whatever their age. If they're a little older, a book token is a nice substitute. Again, it doesn't need to be a lot of $, just enough to let them pick out a book they'll like.

Have fun, sounds like an event I would enjoy!

Jen

 

[Steel]

I would bring something like Jen W. said a book or little game/sticker set or novelty ice cube tray (bob the builder os something). It does not have to be anything big.

Nice thought Zoe. Whatever you bring will be appreciated.

 

[zoebartlett]

Thanks Jen and Steal! I'm making a list of things to look at when I run to the store tomorrow, and I'm also going to stop at a farmer's market along the way and put together a fruit basket also.

 

[jaysonsmom]

My cousin and his wife who have no kids always come visit my family ( I have 2 kids) bearing something like a pie or cake from a bakery. Although it's much appreciated, it's really not necessary, I don't think my kids expect it....but they love it!

 

[Gypsy]

I love buying things for little kids. They get such joy out of it. So yeah, I do when I visit friends with kids. I just try to make sure they are toys that the kids can play with on their own. Bubbles are great, but you gotta sit there and blow them for them if they are too little.

 

[MsP]

I love buying things for little kids. They get such joy out of it. So yeah, I do when I visit friends with kids. I just try to make sure they are toys that the kids can play with on their own. Bubbles are great, but you gotta sit there and blow them for them if they are too little.

That...the bolded part. As a kid, I remember visiting one of my parents friends as we were traveling and when I arrived she had gotten me a small basket with some coloring books, little figures from the dollar store, candy, etc. While my parents were chatting, eating dinner, drinking cocktails afterwards... I had lots of little *new* things to play with. I still... several decades later... remember her as "the friend who got me neat presents when I came to visit"!

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Bubbles would be a great gift. Also, Target has little buckets and shovels that are fun for kids to play around with. Anything that encourages kids to play outdoors! Craft stuff is great too. . .with back-to-school products being stocked in stores right around this time, you can find great deals on Crayola Markers, etc. I bought two boxes of those for $1 each!

 

[Karl_K]

lots and lots of duct tape

 

[yssie]

lots and lots of duct tape

OMG
snort!

 

[Arkteia]

Actually, adults are much less thrilled by gifts than kids. I agree with everything that has been posted above; something small, bubbles, or this kids' chewing gum, what not. They will remember you and ask to come again!

 

[zoebartlett]

What would be a good (and fun) gift for the 2.5 year old? I like the pail and shovel idea but they lvie near the beach, so I'm assuming they already have tons of these at home.

 

[zipzapgirl]

What about those new memory rubber band thingees that are so hot right now?

http://www.squidoo.com/silly-bandz-animal-rubber-bands

They come in little theme packs and are cheap. My co-workers say that all of the kids they know are crazy about them and wearing them up and down their arms, trading them, showing them off, etc.

 

[TooPatient]

What would be a good (and fun) gift for the 2.5 year old? I like the pail and shovel idea but they lvie near the beach, so I'm assuming they already have tons of these at home.

A cute book or two. (lots of pictures)
An age appropriate puzzle. (big pieces)
A little music thing. (recorder, xylophone, tamborine --- caution: may annoy parents)

 

[zoebartlett]

Thanks everyone, for your suggestions! I really appreciate it. I went with a bottle of wine for my friend and her husband, a small fruit basket, and bubbles and side walk chalk for the kids. It's supposed to be pretty hot this weekend, and I know we'll spend a lot of time outdoors.

Duct tape...hilarious! Maybe next time...

 

[kenny]

Duct tape is a good start . . .

 

[MissMina]

I wouldn't bring the kids sweets or gum.
The parents might not allow it.
Simple age appropriate items like
Bubbles coloring books and stickers are always fun.