Would it be impolite to not give a gift to someone who gave you a gift?

It is one of life’s dilemma’s, and everyone has had this problem at one time or another. I think your idea of getting them a small gift is wonderful. Don’t worry about whether it is reciprocated. If you get them a gift and they don’t get you one, then you will be “even.” Ha-ha.

Can you cook? Bake? Craft something pretty? You don’t have to break the bank to do something nice for someone.

Feel free to get them a small gift for their birthdays. Have a small gift prepared for next Christmas for them.

I like the idea of a small, hand-made gift for them. You don’t have the financial resources to match what they purchased and you shouldn’t try to. Just something small from the heart (a year is a long time, you may be much closer by then) would be appreciated I am sure.

These jellies know what they are talking about. I’m impressed.

A “Thank You” is all that is necessary. Remember, right now, they have the money and you do not. And, I think they know this.

They must like you a lot, that is apparent.

A note or oral thank you will be sufficient until your financial situation is better.

A handwritten thank-you note that sincerely and warmly expresses your appreciation would be a very nice return for their thoughtfulness.

It’s understandable that you didn’t get them a gift at that time. You didn’t know them very well, so you didn’t know what to expect. Now that you know them better, a small gift would be appropriate if you think you can afford it. Maybe you could get them chocolates, scented lotion, or some nice stationery.

Be sure to write thank you notes. I like the idea of gifting them with home made cookies or a craft gift you make. There are a lot of possibilities. Google around.

I agree with @lonelydragon . Some of the cute gift I have received from potential future daughters-in-law are: cross-stitched kitchen decorations, crocheted Christmas ornaments, trinket box, hand-painted ceramic tile on a stand, bottle of Victoria Secrets lotion, bottle of Bath and Body Works lotion, or soap, bar of Soap Lady soap, Avon hand lotion, little travel size hand sanitizer. With a ribbon and a little note, any of these things would make a nice present without being presumptuous or expensive.

I vote for the baked gift idea, like cookies or brownies or little tarts. You could package them in a cute way, with a nice gift tag (a handmade tag might be more appreciated). Flowers or a plant are another gift that people often don’t think of giving, but is always appreciated and is practical as well. A third idea is a photo of your bf in a nice frame, practical and fun!

@jca Depends on whether she can cook (ha-ha). Could be a big mistake.

Yes, I like to receive plants. You can’t really screw them up.

You could get a small gift for them for their birthdays and Christmas, or if you have a talent like baking or crafting you could make them something cool, which I’m sure they’d love! Remember, it’s the thought that counts. :-)

Cool thanks!

You can buy a very modest kitchen gadget…such as measuring spoons, pastry brush, lemon zester, beeswax candles, or potato peeler, and wrap it in a new dish towel. I don’t hang around the kitchen much these days but do enjoy a few gadgets. And I am always in need of fresh, pretty new kitchen towels, being a sloppy person.

We also have here in our local food coop items such as homemade moisturizer, that sells for $5.95 a jar and is wonderful.

In certain situations there’s an expected reciprocity but I think, like others said, a handwritten thank you note will suffice.