Do you take something for the host on a play date?

[GoodnightGentleBoris]

I’ve started doing play dates with my nursery age child and usually take a pack of biscuits or some cake for the host. But we’ve hosted a few back where people have come empty handed, even when I’ve done kids tea.

Whats the etiquette here - would you usually take something or am I being the weirdo?

I didn't, but I always reciprocated the play date, so it evened out. Maybe on the very first time I might have.
I would absolutely take a gift, if for whatever reason, I wasn't going to reciprocate.

I think it's nice to take something, but I wouldn't care if someone didn't and whether I do depends on where I'm going and who I'm seeing. Close friends whose homes we are often in and out of we don't generally bother, someone I didn't know well and it felt more 'formal', I probably would.

Our group used to and it got out of hand. Far too many cakes/biscuits then just left at the hosts house. We agreed that if it's at yours you outside and you never bring anything to others'. Much easier!

As that age, I took something to enjoy with the host while children played. Sometimes they would open it, other times they would have something else prepared so just put it aside. As pp said, this was usually the case where I didnt know the parents well. For close friends, we don't tend to bother as we are always in and out of each others' houses

Yes I think that was my thinking, that we could have something delicious while the children played cos otherwise you’re just chatting to a stranger 😆

Agree on real friends tho, this is just new people

I took a small pack of biscuits but didn't feel guilty if I forgot something.

Saying that, at nursery age we didn't do a lot of playdates unless it was a really good friend as the nursery was for childcare and we used the weekends for family things.

I'd usually take something but just a pack of biscuits, nothing home made or elaborate so as not to put pressure on.

Dd had food intolerances so I would always take safe food and take enough to share. But I would bring home any leftovers. Good, close friends would make the effort to provide safe food in return once they got their head around it. For more distant friends, I would provide as per my usual habit and not fret too much about what was put on the table by the hostess mum.

Honestly I haven't had many playdates with strangers or at people's houses. Tend to go out somewhere

No but reciprocate the play date.

I don't take anything and wouldn't expect anything the brought.

I actually find it a little bit annoying when someone brings something with them, although I appreciate the gesture.

Why is it annoying when someone brings something?

I usually take something, at least some biscuits or other sweets or maybe a small colouring book or stickers for the other child. If it's close to Christmas or Easter I might take themed chocolates (or a present if we know them well).

Most people don't being anything to our house on playdates so I don't think it's common.

I'm curious too though why anyone would find it annoying?

Because it's not necessarily something I can/want to eat, it's not necessarily something I want the children to eat. It's fine if you're not having a lot of playdates, but if you're a frequent 'playdater' it's an awful lot of cake/biscuits/chocolate and I don't really want it.

I certainly don't want colouring books, stickers or other gifts aka tat coming in! Save your money, my space and the environment and leave that out!

I do appreciate it's a nice gesture, but honestly your company is enough. At most, I'd like a message asking if there is anything they need to bring, but don't turn up with unsolicited snacks/gifts.

No