When visiting someone's house for the first time in the USA, it's customary to bring a small gift as a gesture of gratitude and hospitality. Here are some common options:
Flowers: A bouquet of fresh flowers is a classic and thoughtful gift. Make sure to choose a type of flower that isn't associated with romantic intentions, like roses, unless you're visiting a romantic partner.
Wine or Champagne: A bottle of wine or champagne can be a great gift for adults who enjoy drinking. Choose a bottle that suits the taste of your host, whether it's red, white, or sparkling.
Chocolates or Desserts: A box of high-quality chocolates or a selection of desserts can be a sweet treat to share with your host.
Gourmet Food Items: Bringing a specialty food item, such as a local cheese, jams, nuts, or olive oil, can show thoughtfulness and provide something unique.
Candles: A nicely scented candle can be a thoughtful and cozy gift that your host can enjoy in their home.
Small Home Decor: Consider bringing a small decorative item like a vase, a decorative bowl, or a picture frame that matches the host's style.
Plant: A potted plant, such as a small houseplant or succulent, can be a long-lasting and refreshing gift that adds a touch of nature to their home.
Books: If you know your host's reading preferences, a good book can be a thoughtful and personal gift.
Tea or Coffee: If your host enjoys beverages, a selection of high-quality teas or coffees can be a great gift.
Board Games or Puzzles: If you know they enjoy games, a board game or an interesting puzzle can provide entertainment for them and other guests.
Remember to consider any dietary restrictions, allergies, or personal preferences when choosing a gift. It's also a nice touch to include a handwritten note expressing your gratitude for their hospitality. The key is to choose something that aligns with your host's interests and preferences while showing your appreciation for their invitation.
Practice Exercises:
Exercise 1: Vocabulary Matching Match the gift-related words on the left with their meanings on the right.
Flowers
Wine
Chocolates
Candle
Plant
Book
Tea
Picture Frame
a. A decorative item for a picture.
b. A small plant you can keep inside.
c. A bottle of bubbly drink for celebrations.
d. Sweets made from cocoa.
e. Fragrant things you can burn for light.
f. A thoughtful present to read.
g. A popular drink made with leaves and hot water.
h. Fragrant things you can burn for light.
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice Choose the correct option for each question.
What is a common gift for celebrating special occasions? a) Chocolates b) Pencils c) Rocks
What should you consider when choosing a gift? a) Nothing, any gift is fine. b) The recipient's preferences and interests. c) The cheapest option available.
Which of the following is a type of beverage? a) Flower b) Plant c) Tea
What can you bring if you know the host enjoys reading? a) A potted plant b) A board game c) A book
Exercise 3: Fill in the Blanks Fill in the blanks with the correct words from the word bank.
Word Bank: flowers, candle, dessert, wine, picture frame
When you visit a friend's house, it's nice to bring a small gift, such as a bouquet of fresh __________.
Some people enjoy relaxing with a glass of red or white __________.
A scented __________ can create a cozy atmosphere in a room.
After dinner, you can enjoy a delicious __________ like cake or ice cream.
A decorative __________ __________ can be a thoughtful gift to display a memorable photo.
Exercise 4: True or False Determine whether the following statements are true or false.
Bringing a gift when visiting someone's house for the first time is not necessary. (True/False)
Wine and champagne are common gift options suitable for all occasions. (True/False)
A potted plant is a good gift idea for someone who loves gardening. (True/False)
A candle is a gift that cannot be used to create a cozy atmosphere. (True/False)
Giving chocolates to someone with a known allergy is a considerate choice. (True/False)
These exercises are designed to reinforce the vocabulary and concepts related to bringing gifts to someone's house. They cover various question types and skills, including vocabulary matching, multiple choice, fill in the blanks, and true or false statements.
Discussion questions:
entry level
Why do we give gifts when we go to someone's house for the first time?
What are some things you can bring as a gift to a friend's house?
Do you like receiving gifts when someone comes to your house? Why or why not?
Have you ever given a plant as a gift? How did the person react?
What kind of gift would you bring if you didn't know much about the person you're visiting?
advanced
Why is it important to bring a gift when visiting someone's house for the first time? Discuss the cultural and social significance of gift-giving as a way to express gratitude and build positive relationships.
What are some factors you should consider when choosing a gift for your host? Explore different aspects such as their interests, preferences, and any cultural or dietary considerations that might influence your choice.
Do you think the type of gift you bring reflects your personality? Share your thoughts on how the gifts you choose might convey something about you as a person and your relationship with the host.
In your opinion, which gift option from the list (flowers, wine, chocolates, etc.) is the most versatile and suitable for various occasions? Explain your reasoning and discuss situations in which this gift would be an ideal choice.
Have you ever received a particularly thoughtful or memorable gift from someone visiting your house for the first time? Share your experience and discuss how the gift impacted your impression of the person and the overall atmosphere of the visit.
Answer Key :
Exercise 1: Vocabulary Matching
Flowers - a. A decorative item for a picture.
Wine - c. A bottle of bubbly drink for celebrations.
Chocolates - d. Sweets made from cocoa.
Candle - e. Fragrant things you can burn for light.
Plant - b. A small plant you can keep inside.
Book - f. A thoughtful present to read.
Tea - g. A popular drink made with leaves and hot water.
Picture Frame - a. A decorative item for a picture.
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
What is a common gift for celebrating special occasions? - a) Chocolates
What should you consider when choosing a gift? - b) The recipient's preferences and interests.
Which of the following is a type of beverage? - c) Tea
What can you bring if you know the host enjoys reading? - c) A book
Exercise 3: Fill in the Blanks
When you visit a friend's house, it's nice to bring a small gift, such as a bouquet of fresh flowers.
Some people enjoy relaxing with a glass of red or white wine.
A scented candle can create a cozy atmosphere in a room.
After dinner, you can enjoy a delicious dessert like cake or ice cream.
A decorative picture frame can be a thoughtful gift to display a memorable photo.
Exercise 4: True or False
Bringing a gift when visiting someone's house for the first time is not necessary. - False
Wine and champagne are common gift options suitable for all occasions. - False
A potted plant is a good gift idea for someone who loves gardening. - True
A candle is a gift that cannot be used to create a cozy atmosphere. - False
Giving chocolates to someone with a known allergy is a considerate choice. - False