   Appropriate Houseguest Gifts
  Hi; I'm frequently a house-guest at a particular family's house, and while I always express appreciation they've had me over so many times for multiple meals that I feel like it is imperative to give something back to show how much I appreciate. I'm wondering as to what is an appropriate gift to give. Here is what I'm considering so far:#1) Booze - a 26oz of Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum. The lady of the house drinks and it is her favourite type of liquor, but her husband drinks only rarely. So while this works, it's not something that will be appreciated as much by both of my hosts.#2) Houseplant / Flowers - Flowers might be a bit smooshy and might be perceived as a bit weird; but a houseplant might be cool.#3) Gift Certificate for a Resteraunt - I don't like this as much as options 1 and 2 because they live in a smaller town, and I can't normally commute there so it's difficult to know what the best resteraunts there are. I wouldn't want to get them a gift certificate for Earls only for the Earls in their town to have a reputation for giving people food poisoning. Also, assigning a dollar value is a bit tacky, IMO.Of all of these options, I like #1 the best; because they'll probably open and share while I'm there, and everybody likes a good drink. #2 is maybe practical, aesthetic and longer lasting but not as much fun. #3 is a nice thought but difficult for me to execute.Any other suggestions?   
  #1 is always a winner (unless the people are like total Anti-Boozers).#2 is...creepy. Don't do this.#3 is a good idea.As far as #3 is concerned...you could buy a gift card for a retail store as well and let them get something they would want. If you know them well enough, you can maybe buy tickets to some sort of event they'd like...like baseball, operah, theatre or whatever they are into.   ;  I think #3 would be the best.  A meal (or other gift certificate) can be enjoyed by everyone.Flowers and plants are nice but if the people are like my mom, they'll be dead in a week.  Alcohol may be good but if the husband doesn't drink he may not appreciate it as much as a gift certificate.   ;  You could always get a gift certificate for a store that specialises in houseware. I think Bed, Bath & Beyond is something you have in the US?   ;  Just take a bottle of wine with you whenever you go to their place for a meal, and invite them over yours at somepoint. Tis all we do.   ;  The gift card is seriously the best idea. You're going to look pretty foolish repaying a kind family's favors via a bottle of $25 spiced rum. Call up the town's municipal center or use a website like Anywho.com (sorry, these are pretty American solutions - but I'm sure there are Canadian alternatives) and find a classy italian restaurant. If you throw ~$150 on the card, you're going to be golden in their eyes, trust me.   ;  why dont you invite them to some nice restaurant (and of course pay for them)?;  You could buy them a movie gift certificate. Always a winner! You can easily find out what theatres are in their area on fandango, just type in the city or zip.   ;  Why not attach a bag of chocolate-covered coffee beans to the booze?   ;  Spider monkey.   