When you’ve been invited for dinner or an event, you should always bring the host a small thank you gift.

A bunch of flowers or a bottle of wine is usually the go-to gift and while those are always well received, I thought I’d compile a list that’s slightly different.

A pretty bouquet of flowers costs anywhere between R100-R200, unless you’ve had time to go to a flower market. I usually haven’t had the time, so I try to find different gifts for that price, or obviously less.

At the end of the day, it’s obviously not about the price, but the thought that counts!

A beautiful bottle of preserves, or olive oil. Tie a bow around it for an extra touch.

A pretty packet of delicious biscuits. Bonus, if you can find them in a reusable tin/ cookie jar.

A pot plant – lasts longer (hoping your host remembers to water it) than flowers, which wilt and need to be thrown away after a week. It’s also a lovely reminder of you when they see it on their table or window sill/shelf.
A potted herb plant. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

If you’ve been a house guest, a lovely gesture is to give them something for their home, according to their taste. Any of the above mentioned work just as well too.

A handwritten “Thank You” note is a must too.

Here are some ideas:

Scented candles are always appreciated.

A pretty ornament or vase.

A bottle stopper.

What do you usually bring a host?