<p>My D will be doing a 2-night visit at a midwest LAC next week. The school says D should bring a sleeping bag and a pillow and that she will stay with a student. Fine. </p>
<p>Question: should we send D with something to give to the girl hosting the overnight? Like a box of homemade cookies, a crate of fruit, or something? Or am I hopelessly archaic?</p>
<p>For my overnight visits I picked up a small (and I mean SMALL - like the 4-piece or 8-piece Godivas) box of gourmet chocolates and cookies from a local bakery, and put them on my hosts' desk the morning I left with a card thanking them. But as a college student now, I would be forever indebted to someone who made me homemade cookies! Fruit would be wonderful as well, since the dining hall fruit selection is limited. Any food that isn't the dining hall's is a great gift idea....</p>
<p>There was a thread about "host" gifts a while ago. Suggestions included homemade goodies or something from the prospie's home state/town. It's always a nice gesture.</p>
<p>homemade cookies are a good choice.</p>
<p>O.k. I think I'll pack some fresh local mandarins and, if I can make the time, some homemade cookies.</p>
<p>Don't worry if you can't do anything in advance. My D is a tour guide at Smith and she has most appreciated when the prospectives she has hosted overnight write her a note afterwards and tell her that the school has moved to the top of their lists!</p>
<p>She does like exotic teas, and one student visitor did later send her a small gift pack of special teas. But the notes are most appreciated, at least by her. </p>
<p>Chocolate, of course, almost always works. My D keeps a dish of Hershey's kisses in her room to encourage visitors, since she is in a single. </p>
<p>I do think fresh, local mandarins are a lovely idea, though.</p>
<p>I've hosted many prospective students, and never expect or hope for a gift. It's certainly a friendly and appreciated gesture, but if you don't get a chance to make cookies, don't worry about it.</p>
<p>It would be a lovely gesture. I would vote for the cookies, fruit, or chocolate. Dining halls usually have bananas and apples, so go for something different than that. Chocolate is always a good one, and anything homemade is beloved by college students.</p>
<p>Cookies and chocolates are good choices....here's another one:</p>
<p>S had younger sister up for Sibs weekend. She stayed with the girls in room next door (can't blame her not wanting to bunk with 3 slobs!). She got a cute gift bag and went to Bath & Body Works and created her own little goodie bag with small bottles of assorted soaps and lotions. The girls loved them and sent HER a thank you note!</p>
<p>D did the same on her 4 overnight visits last year - a small gift bag with assorted travel size lotions etc from Bath & Body Works. They were always appreciated.</p>
<p>All those suggestions are great for girls--but for a boy visiting overnight, my s would always treat his host to a meal. Easy and practical.</p>
<p>^ Yeah, and plus can you imagine the looks if he gave them a 'goodie bag' from Bath and Body Works? :)</p>