Suitable present for this kind family?

[CheesyWeez]

I'm terrible at thinking of suitable presents for people... so I'm asking for some ideas.
We have lived abroad, in France, this year for my husband's job.
Meanwhile our daughter was living with her friend and her family so she could finish her 'A' levels. I paid for her lodging, and the family have been so lovely and kind to her and now the year is coming to an end. At Christmas I bought them some nice Parisian coffee cups. Well I thought they were nice. And each time I've been, some cheese from 'our' region, although they said to stop with the cheese after a while.
I want to get a nice present for them - what would wise mumsnetters suggest?

[Ragwort]

Do they like wine? Could be tricky if they've said 'no thanks' to cheese .

Vouchers for a special treat - theatre or similar?

[llhj]

That's a very big kindness. I'd be thinking £250 in vouchers plus a gift like an expensive photo frame /vase etc.

[CheesyWeez]

Great ideas. I think I'll combine them! I think they like wine. I could buy a selection of red white and sparkling, and some John Lewis vouchers. You're right, it is a huge kindness and I did try to compensate by paying more than they asked for for food and bills. We were very lucky to find such a good arrangement. It was the girls themselves who thought of it! It was hard, as my husband had lost his job and this one came up in Paris. He's had to travel a lot so I really had to go with him or I and the other DCs would hardly have seen him for a year.
Thank you for your ideas, I'll be at the wine merchant tomorrow! And John Lewis on Saturday!

[cdtaylornats]

I hate to state the obvious but wouldn't a quick call to your daughter to peek at their wine rack tell you whether they like wine, which colour to get and possibly the kind? If they like German White its not going to be much use if you rock up with a couple of bottles of Chataeuneuf.

[CheesyWeez]

Thanks cd, but that's the thing, that's not obvious to me. So I called and she's having a sneaky look now. I already have some champagne for them, I think most people would appreciate that as a gift. Just waiting to see what else to put with it.

[Lulooo]

How long did she stay with them? If it was just a week or so then I'd go for something around £50- £100. If it was for longer (3-4 months) then I'd definitely look at something a bit more substantial. Looking after someones child for that long is quite a big deal. Maybe you could book them a mini break? Two night in a hotel somewhere with changeable dates in case it doesn't suit them? Or a 1 day spa day for the parents and something for the kids?

[CheesyWeez]

Luloo she stayed a whole school year sharing a room with her friend who is at the same school and the same age. They are 18. I paid her food and bills of course, and she wasn't there in the school holidays much, except this week, the last half term, as the girls have part time jobs in the same shop. We're bringing her home tomorrow, she'll have to pop back for one last exam later in June. I haven't bought the John Lewis vouchers yet so I can think about the mini break, will discuss with DH tonight... I'm a little bit socially awkward but my daughter and DH are not. I don't think the family were fed up with the arrangement though. We'll talk about it with them tomorrow! Thanks for your suggestions. I was thinking I should give them something costing around the same as a month's lodging, so these suggestions confirm my thought of £250 plus something else (the wine and champagne).