<p>Definitely let your daughter bring the gift with her, as opposed to you shipping products to them. Many many families host their student’s friends over the holidays, and while a gift is appreciated, it should be simple and come directly from the student.</p>
<p>I say NO to gift cards, restaurant certificates or anything monetary.</p>
<p>Can your daughter get a ride to a local gourmet store, or a BJ’s club, and pick up a basket of fruit and nuts and a Thank-you card?</p>
<p>My mother was a college professor and growing up we often had students for Thanksgiving. I remember one year a Hawaiian student’s mother sent leis for my mother and father – we have pictures of them wearing them at dinner. I also remember the year 4 Japanese students came for dinner and then came back the next night and did a full Japenese dinner. Pretty exotic for 1963 in the Midwest! I think if there is something uniquely Hawaii-Thanksgiving your family does you could send that. Get creative.</p>
<p>I like winecountrygiftbaskets.com where you can get a gourmet food basket for what it costs to send flowers. I’ve used them for years and the baskets are very nice with name brand products.</p>
<p>I agree that it’s the thought that counts. I think hand lotion/soap from Crabtree or L’occitane would be very nice also. Someone gave me a hand spa set from Crabtree and I loved it.</p>
<p>Skyhook, the wine store does a nice job, and this isn’t even the good wine store in town! It’s always an interesting selection of wine in the $10 to $15 a bottle range. We don’t love everything, but there are always some things that we think are great bargains. In fact we just went and got a case of one of them this afternoon.</p>
<p>My mother talked to someone at the store, but just gave them general directions. It’s fine to say I’d like to get six reds, six whites. The wines we get from her generally include a couple from South America (which keeps the price down) and some from Spain, France, Italy, US and Australia or New Zealand.</p>
<p>While walking around the shopping area near DS’s school we wandered into an olive oil shop. They sell flavored olive oils and vinegars. They also had gift wrapped items that included a bottle of olive oil, tin of spices to mix in and a dipping bowl. DS loves olive oil and bread which is served in some italian restaurants. I pointed at the gift set and said if he gets an invite to someones home to buy one for a gift. Hopefully he will remember it when needed!</p>
<p>Sent from my DROID2 GLOBAL using CC App</p>
<p>VAmom–Excellent idea! I’m going to remember that one.</p>
<p>mathmom–Thank you. You’ve given me the confidence to do it.</p>
<p>I would not send a table arrangement–that is imposing your taste on someone else–or a meal, or baked goods from a bakery. I love to cook, and I don’t want to have to deal with someone else’s mediocre contributions. Wine would be great, but not from a kid not old enough to buy it. Something like a box of excellent chocolates, a bunch of nice flowers that can be placed anywhere in the house, or a lovely pair of tea towels from Le Jacquard Francais would make a nice hostess gift.</p>
<p>I like Vamom’s suggestions, also.</p>
<p>I happen to have a business making high end truffles and chocolates, so obviously people do not bring me that. But for most people, it would be welcome.</p>
<p>In my opinion, flowers are a LOVELY gesture. Might I say, perhaps something that says Hawaii more directly like protea (so unfamiliar to many) and/or traditional treats from your area? I think it would be really fun if a student came to my house from another area, and brought traditions from their home. I completely agree that helpfulness and a heartfelt thank you note are the best thank you, but something fun from Hawaii would be great as well!!!</p>
<p>There are haupia mixes, dried fruit drink mixes made by Hawaiian Sun, Hawaii tea, jellies, jams & coffees, which would all be nice touches, I think. Have given them to friends and family when we visit. Hurricane popcorn (& other) mixes are also popular.</p>
<p>OP here. WOW! Thanks HImom and everyone for your wonderful suggestions! I think I will try to send something from Hawaii. I guess I just take our stuff for granted. lololu, what a nice story about the leis! I may try that for another host… this host is allergic to flowers.</p>
<p>Mahalo (thank you)!</p>
<p>The kukui nut and silk/crocheted leis are popular, as are shell leis (with no scent), tshirts, all sorts of local stuff. WalMart, Costco & elsewhere. Try to think outside the box. They might even get a kick out of some of the instant mixes, seasonings, miso soup mix, cookbook, who knows? Have also given a Hawaiian designed pincushion on a wooden base, gift cards, all sorts of cheery things to brighten those dreary winters up on the mainland.</p>