Fashion

Those of us who don’t own our own vacation homes may be lucky enough to have friends who do.  A plaque in my aunt’s North Carolina retreat reads, “Buy a mountain house, and you’ll always have friends.” Truer words were never spoken.

So how do you thank the people who are kind enough to share their little piece of paradise with you?  The best gifts add something to the home, so that your hosts remember your visit fondly for years to come. (And hopefully invite you back!)

Since so many happy times revolve around eating, I love giving pretty, helpful gifts for the kitchen.  These Williams-Sonoma kitchen towels are endlessly useful, even doubling as casual dinner napkins.

A set of 8 is currently on sale for $8.99, which means you can give a big stack of them.

If you’re willing to spend a bit more (and have more room in your luggage), try something novel and fun, like the Cuisinart ice cream maker, currently on sale for $49.95 at both Amazon and Crate & Barrel.

Or you could help stock the house with entertaining items for those days when the weather makes outdoor fun impossible.  With a little shopping, you can always find cool DVDs at good prices. If your hosts have kids, consider family friendly options, like this Harry Potter box set, currently on sale for $29.99.

But because the whole purpose of a vacation home is spending time on the beach, hiking trail, or boat, I love gifts that make those activities more stylish!  For just $17.99, get one of Blue Q’s fabulous bags, perfect for lugging sunscreen, insect repellent, bottled water, and flip-flops.

Not only are they cute and inexpensive, they’re also eco-friendly.  The bags are made from recycled water bottles and grain sacks, and a portion of each purchase benefits the Nature Conservancy.  That’s a gift your hosts are sure to appreciate!

Lucie is the Director of ZinaBeverlyHills.com.  

Photo by Tricia Morton McLemore.  

Rate this post!  Loading ... Written by Lucie Amberg Filed Under Green & Eco Chic, Home Life, ON SALE! Add comments  Email This Post Tags: Eco-Friendly, sale, Vacation