Should you always buy a gift if visiting someone at home?

[whenyousaythatyouloveme]

V v good friend has invited me round to her house for the day in a couple of weeks . I’ve known her for years but I’ve never been to her house before (or vice versa) - normally just meet halfway between us for lunch instead . Don’t normally buy each other presents but she got me a lovely birthday gift this year and I really think I should get her something in return . Plus I think you’re normally obligated when going to someone else’s house ?

I’m at a complete loss of knowing what though - she loves her garden and reading … I don’t think she’s into alcohol so bottle of wine wouldn’t work .

I don’t want to get the usual flowers (I’ve got a three hour journey, they’d be wilted) but what else could I get? Thought about a diffuser from white company … alternatively I am wondering about a nice scarf and posh chocolate from John Lewis - thinking maybe the one I’ve linked?

www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-check-boucle-scarf-multi/p6371821

I'd just take some chocolates or a nice cake.

Is it her birthday?

if not I’d stick to consumables pot plant/chocolates/nice biscuits if she doesn’t drink

It will be two weeks after I visit, yes ... wouldn't normally buy her a birthday present though (neither would she me, it's just unfortunate I had a difficult funeral on my birthday this year and was given a few more gifts than usual!)

I’d stick to something smaller, a plant or maybe some nice jams.

Unless she’s recently moved into the house and as such, a housewarming gift would be appropriate, and it’s not a special occasion, I personally wouldn’t take a gift.

I would take a bottle of wine if someone was cooking me dinner. If you’re just going to her house for a coffee and a catch up, I wouldn’t think it necessary to take a gift.

I might be a terrible, rude house guest though!

Sorry, cross posted.

As she has an upcoming birthday and bought you a gift, yes, I would reciprocate a birthday present of similar value if your able to afford.

I tend to just take a cake that we can enjoy with a cuppa. All my friends have dogs so I always take a treat for their dogs too. 😂

When going to my friends house and vice Vera's, we always alternate who brings the cakes to enjoy with our cuppa!

Unless it's her birthday or anything I would necessarily buy anything expensive.

Vice versa *

i'd take something nice for pudding.

I don't personally feel that visiting a close friend for the day requires you to bring a gift - especially as you're making a long journey to see her (If you were visiting me, I'd be mindful of how much the journey had cost you).

Small cake,like a lemon drizzle or some nice biscuits.This is thoughtful without leaving her feeling it's out of the ordinary.

I wouldn't turn up empty handed. Would usually take a combination of cake, bits from the deli, biscuits, a plant/flowers, chocolates. Maybe a candle or diffuser if I'd seen something nice.

Thank you, I'll stick with cake and or biscuits then ! I'll nip into M&S before I go up and see what I can get . I have a feeling she'd tell me off for anything overly expensive/showy tbh, so cake probably is the best way to go .

You can't go wrong with a Vicky sponge