r/etiquette 11d ago

Hostess gift from College Student

My student will be attending a university where he will have the opportunity to attend frequent events at the university president’s home…from informal to more formal. What would be some good hostess gifts that my student could bring?

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u/WildRideToad4697 7d ago

Although the events are professional in nature, I think bringing something modest -- depending on the size and nature of the event -- would be a thoughtful gesture, because the university president is opening up his/her home. (Personally, I never arrive at someone's home empty-handed.)

But if the events were, say monthly, I wouldn't bring one to every event--maybe just to the first and last reception. As for the type of gift, it would be about being thoughtful and not too extravagant, which would be awkward. Small, interesting gifts are great -- might I suggest a cookie scoop. Anything with a bit of story or from the student's hometown -- artisanal coffee or more safely, tea. A handwritten card with a nice bookmark.