UltimateMama always likes to bring a little something when stopping by a friend’s home.  These hostess gifts are usually quite unexpected but definitely greatly appreciated.  Recently, UltimateMama found chocolate boxes from MarieBelle New York really bring smiles no matter what time of year! Her favorite are the 4 piece chocolate ganache blue box sets which feature beautiful designs on hand-made chocolate.

UltimateMama and her children always bring flowers to thank generous hostesses and hosts for their hospitality and kindness.  No matter the season, UltimateMama selects (or picks) the perfect flowers and arranges them into a unique container for a sophisticated presentation. Sometimes the vase may be crystal or glass, but many times painted water pitchers or rustic metal buckets add an extra splash of sunshine to someone’s day. Amber Waves farm in Amagansett, New York has some lovely ideas for floral arrangements in clever containers that will make the recipient smile.

UltimateMama realizes that with the holidays comes lots of quality time with friends.  One can never teach their child manners too early.  UltimateMama helps her young children select and bring a small gift whenever visiting a friend for a long duration or special occasion.  The children present the gift to the hostess or their children upon arrival as a nice way of saying "thank you" for the hospitality or fun time. 

For a Christmas Eve dinner party at a friends apartment, UltimateMama arrived with gourmet food items for the parents while her children presented their friends with short-sleeved shirts for an upcoming vacation to San Juan along with a few books.  

This weekend, UltimateMama's children will be giving a few books and games to friends they are visiting in Connecticut. 

Gifts do not have to be expensive as it is really just meant to be a nice way of encouraging your children to appreciate those who host them in a special way. 

A few ideas for gifts your children can give their mini-hosts or hostesses:

– Books

– Coloring books/crayons

– Stuffed animals

– Washable watercolors, paint, markers

– Something edible

– A hand-made craft

– Pajamas

– T-shirts

– Puzzles

– Games

– Flash Cards

– Cars or trucks

– Hair accessories

– Framed pictures

– Mini photo albums

– Socks, mittens, hats

– Sunglasses

– Bathtub toys

– Balls or other sports accessories

– Sidewalk chalk

– Bubbles