<p>Hi all. D is going to be spending an overnight with one of the students on the Bates cross country team. Should she leave a thank you gift to the student for hosting her? I was thinking something like a Walmart gift card or something of that type? Thoughts? First time she will have this opportunity and I'm not sure of the protocol. Thanks for all your help.</p>
<p>no. no need for a gift.
have her send an email afterwards thanking them for a great time. don't forget to make sure she thanks the coach as well, telling them she will be in touch, etc.</p>
<p>When my DD visited and stayed with team members, she either took a sport T shirt from our school or a box of homemade goodies</p>
<p>I don't think that there is a need to gift, but a tin of homemade chocolate chip cookies is always appreciated. Or maybe something like a variety pack of "gourmet" hot chocolate mixes or something like that.</p>
<p>Springing for pizza or similar, while there, is another option.</p>
<p>When my kids did overnights at colleges, they always treated their hosts to dinner. This seems appropriate to me, because it is an inconvenience to the host, no matter how gracious she/he may be.</p>
<p>Food is always welcome, I think. A huge batch of homemade cc cookies that could be shared sounds like a good choice. Pizza too.</p>
<p>Definitely go for dinner or lunch. Have your D ask the host to take her to their favorite place/hangout/lunch spot--she'll get a better feel for the campus and for the team when she sees them out of their academic element, she'll get another taste (literally!) of campus, and can relax while feeling like she's thanking her hostess. Win Win Win!</p>
<p>If they're already friends, you could send the host a SMALL bunch of flowers a week or so later. I just received some from a friend's family and they really brighten up a room.</p>
<p>Thought about the dinner aspect but the coach has them all eating together in the dining hall - wants D to see the hall and has the meal passes for her. Not sure of cookies etc. since the team is in training. I know that some coaches are sticklers for what the team eats. My D's HS coach is like that and it's only HS. We also don't know the person who is hosting. Several years older -- Junior at the school. Other ideas? Did like the idea of a shirt but our school you have to order and takes several weeks usually to get them. Also liked the Hot chocolate idea -- may see what I can do but keep the ideas coming. Still have several days to get something. Thanks again to ALL!!!!</p>
<p>Luckily, girls are much easier to buy for--how about something from Sephora or the Body Shop--scented lotions, soaps, or any other girly stuff you find there? Also, you will be able to buy something no matter what your price point is.</p>
<p>When son did his track visits, I sent homemade goodies--I made choc. chip cookies, banana bread, and fudge, as I recall. (One item went on each visit.)--The guys on the team loved them and in most cases the goodies were consumed while S was there! Even though one team member was his 'host' the goodies always seemed to be shared by the team. Even the most strict coach can't begrudge the kids a cookie or two! Besides, what he doesn't know....</p>
<p>My son was always hesitant to take the stuff because he felt awkward, but each time it worked out well. I just thought it was the right thing to do and wanted to send the message to my son that such courtesies are appropriate.</p>
<p>We'd be doing a lot of scrambling for gifts and gift cards, not to mention money spent if we gave each time our kids did an overnight. Better to give at the end of the season or time stretch, in my opinion. But thank notes are always, always welcome. There are some really neat e-cards that are free of charge out there now.</p>
<p>My kids always brought a gift of lotions or a gift set from say Bath & Body Works or Victoria Secret when they visit & stay at other colleges.</p>