Gift ideas for Israeli host

[Sam Finkelstein]

A generous cousin is letting us use their guest suite for a whole week when we visit this summer.

Since giving money is tacky, can anyone suggest a nice gift to show we really appreciate the favor?

They’re native Israeli, wife has American parents.

[yesitsme]

If they're not wealthy give them money with a thank you note, they will figure out what they need

[yerushabubby]

There are also all sorts of gift cards out there - maybe one of those with a nice box of chocolates or other small gift.

[Dan]

Some nice scotch, wine and/or chocolate?

[PlatinumGuy]

Crystal or Apple products are nice if you want more than alcohol/flowers/chocolate.

[jj1000]

After your stay see if anything is missing in the home and give that.

[ExGingi]

I would think a gift certificate to a linen store, or alternatively a set of luxury towels.

ETA: this is appropriate to give without waiting until after the stay. It will always be appreciated by any balebosta.

[coffeebean]

Just a heads up. In America people's standards have become out of control when it comes to gifts, and although a gift in America is always appreciated, it's much harder to get away with something not extraordinary especially for a return on a nice favor. I've noticed the appreciation Israelis have when it comes to even the smallest gift, and a minimumal difference of appreciation between a small and large gift.

[ExGingi]

I think it also depends on personality.

A gift is always appreciated, as it shows appreciation. As to what the gift is, that is very individualized. I think chocolates are universally appreciated. Scotch - not everyone is a consumer. Anything non consumable has the risk of just creating clutter, which is why I suggested linen (GC as tastes vary) or Luxury towels, which I think can always be useful.

[Yehuda57]

https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=129444.0

[whacked1]

matching "I love NY" tshirts for the whole fam. 

[ExGingi]

matching "I love NY" tshirts for the whole fam. 

ALOL

I needed a good laugh. TYVM

[AsherO]

If you’re joining them for meals maybe treat them with takeout one dinner (or Shabbos food which will give the balaboosta a break too, if the budget allows for it).

[gozalim]

Crystal or Apple products are nice if you want more than alcohol/flowers/chocolate.

the upside of this, as well as scotch, is that it is a high-duty import, if you're coming in, you can bring in for a lot less

[Sam Finkelstein]

Thanks everyone for the ideas. I think we’ll go with a nice set of American towels (if they still make them  ).

The chocolate was a good idea, and I would’ve done it had we booked a stopover in ZRH. But American chocolate is overpriced and won’t be appreciated IMHO.

Just a heads up. In America people's standards have become out of control when it comes to gifts, and although a gift in America is always appreciated, it's much harder to get away with something not extraordinary especially for a return on a nice favor. I've noticed the appreciation Israelis have when it comes to even the smallest gift, and a minimumal difference of appreciation between a small and large gift.

Yup, I remember my Israeli cousins were shocked when they got thank-you cards from us.