Thoughtful gift for adopted sponsor family

Heatherg21

Heatherg21

USNA '24 Mom BGO Bacon Lover Dog Lover
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Jun 26, 2019
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Hey, I know this may have been asked and answered, but my brain is mush. DS has been adopted by an incredible family. Mom, dad, teen girls. Any ideas for a thoughtful gift? DS has purchased a custom wood cutting board with their last name in it, I was thinking maybe a nice snack/chocolate basket?

I owe these folks big time. They've been incredible. And not to just my kid, multiple MIDN.

Thanks in advance.
Merry Christmas to all.
 
Heatherg21 said:
Hey, I know this may have been asked and answered, but my brain is mush. DS has been adopted by an incredible family. Mom, dad, teen girls. Any ideas for a thoughtful gift? DS has purchased a custom wood cutting board with their last name in it, I was thinking maybe a nice snack/chocolate basket?

I owe these folks big time. They've been incredible. And not to just my kid, multiple MIDN.

Thanks in advance.
Merry Christmas to all.
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Though we have never expected any gifts over the years we have sponsored, there are some that are more appreciated and useful than others:

- if you know where they shop for food, a gift card to Sam’s Club, Trader Joe’s, Safeway, Giant, Whole Foods. We also buy gas at Sam’s. I am making 4 RT Yard-BWI runs for the sponsor fam within a 3-day period coming up. We plow those right back into mid support and feeding.
- If you know they like wine, a gift card from Wine Cellars of Annapolis.
- If you know they like chocolate, Kilwin’s.
- If you know they like cheese, The Big Cheese.
- A gas gift card.
- A gift card to a nice restaurant where someone cooks for them. Gift cards to ChartHouse, Ruth’s Chris, PF Chang, Cheesecake Factory, First Watch, other chains that are part of restaurant groups. Or with a little more effort, a local restaurant such as Lewnes, Carroll Creek, where you have to call them.
- A food gift basket showcasing treats from the hometown/state. We’ve gotten wonderful cherry products from MI, 100% Kona coffee from HI, a whole country ham and a crate of ripe white peaches from SC, Jeni’s Ice Cream from IL, Beecher’s Flagship Cheese from WA, maple syrup from the family co-op in NH, spicy cheese straws from GA and bags of whole pecans - endless delights.
- A “capstone” gift from a family with 4 daughters we sponsored over the course of 12 years, a gift card for a bed & breakfast booking website.

We prefer consumables or experiences over “things,” don’t need more stuff and clutter. One exception, if they are serious cooks, a gift card to Williams Sonoma or Sur La Table, so they can choose for themselves.
 
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@LKNBrawley, thank you, I'm looking at their site now.

@Capt MJ what a great list. I know they drive MIDN all over the place, and they feed the heck out of them as well. I also like the home state idea, thank you.
 
Heatherg21 said:
@LKNBrawley, thank you, I'm looking at their site now.

@Capt MJ what a great list. I know they drive MIDN all over the place, and they feed the heck out of them as well. I also like the home state idea, thank you.
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Knowing where you live, a basket with Southwest seasoning rubs, local bbq sauce, etc. Stuff you don’t find on local grocery shelves here on the East Coast.
 
I just had a taste of an Artisanal Maple Bacon Bourbon the other day. Not really to my taste but some might
consider it appropriate.
 
Hard to beat a gift card to their favorite Naptown restaurant. DD also gave a custom painting of her sponsor’s home, though I don’t know the artist she commissioned. Was fairly affordable for a mid.
 
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