A friend of a friend is going to be taxiing us around, and while I would prefer to just show my appreciation in cash (always the right size and always just what they needed), I’ve been told to push my German heritage and autistic traits down as it would be uncouth.
So, any ideas on a gift? Can’t really do most of my preferred food options - either too bulky or can’t get them through security. And after that I really don’t know what would go over well.
If they read English I would suggest a coffee table picture book of Chicago. If not, Cubs hat!
Garret popcorn the carmel and cheese mix in small size is something uniquely Chicago.
I would get them a Cubs or White Sox cap, a tacky Chicago-themed refrigerator magnet, and a Chicago-themed dish towel.
Maple syrup is probably not easy to get in your area, but my Italian cousins love it. Baseball caps , as suggested in a previous reply, would be a good gift for young children/teens. Perhaps you could treat your "chauffeur " to lunch or dinner. I wouldn't offer cash.
Magnet with skyline.
Chicago Blues CD
My answer would depend on for how long they will be "taxing you around."
If for several days or even if just one day, make sure to pay for the friend's meals while you all are out and around, as well as petrol...then also insist on sending the friend off with a full tank.
If they say, no, no, no, then ship something really nice (reflective of the time and expense the friend went to) once you get home, along with a sincere note of thanks after the fact..
Ya' gotta ask yourself what would show sincere appreciation if you were the one taxing........you would likely turn down on-the-spot offers of meals and petrol...but you would smile if a nice package and sincere note of thanks arrived later.
If you offer to pay for all meals while out and about, and if he/she turns you down or agrees to split only, then INSIST on having them choose a really nice restaurant for the "last night special meal" that will be "on you."
Not knowing the friend, nor the dynamics of said friendship (old college buddy, business associate, etc.) , nor if the taxing is one day or 20 days, it's hard for any of us to really advise.
If you think they might really "need" the cash, you can always hand them a sealed envelope with a card with a hand-written note, and just say: "Here is a heart-felt note of thanks I wrote out, but please read it later, as I get all embarrassed because I am not the best writer...so please read it later..............." at which time they will find the kind words and your kind gift of cash (again, if you think that is what they really need."
If the "need" is not really a serious need, then treat them to a really nice dinner somewhere they might not treat themselves to......to "create memories.'
Caleb Williams jersey?
I would wait as well. Offer to pay for petrol or to buy their meals but hold off on the gift.
Why? You don't know them. By the time you leave, you will know a little more about this person, their likes and dislikes. Then send a gift. They may even tell you something they like that you can get in Chicago.
I'll vote with filling the gas tank and picking up meals too. Yep, always the right size!
I wouldn't bother with a baseball cap or football jersey (yes, I Googled Caleb Williams). Only a very small minority of European adults would wear those. I bought a black on black New Era fitted with the sticker left on the brim (as was the style at the time, before snapbacks made a return) Yankees cap for wearing in New York. I've never worn it outdoors in the UK. Too self conscious, but maybe that's just me.
Cash isn't always the right size in Europe either. I mentioned in another thread recently that there's different cultural attitudes. Sure, make sure their costs are covered. An inappropriate amount of cash can be embarrassing, especially if they're a friend doing you a favour. It will often result in the to-ing and fro-ing of "take it" - "no, no you shouldn't" pantomime even if they want it really.
As another European resident, I too, caution against money or even mentioning it. It’s not a subject people discuss. Rather we just treat each other, and don’t count centimes or pennies when out. So, as others have said, do run to the pump to insert your credit card before your host does. Do get up and go to the counter to pay when at a restaurant without saying anything. That’s one way to show your appreciation. However, if you have one of those hats and the host admires it, you can give it to him/her or for the offspring.
When we moved back to Europe, my husband wore his US baseball cap proudly, as we were in a transition moment. He won’t touch them now.
I just re-read about cash always the right size and just what they need, and agree that it’s uncouth. ;— ) LOL
Money wins in Monopoly. Relationships prevail in Italy (and France, Spain, …).
That you should offer (and even insist) to pay for gasoline, and also meals, goes without saying.
I am sticking with this book with a very nice thank you note written inside. Your visit will long be remembered more so than cash or a tank of gas, which I would pay for anyway based on Euro gas prices.
Maple syrup is what I like to gift. You can usually get a plastic jug.
Agree with Roberto. Paying for the gas and meals keeps you even. Gifting a nice something shows appreciation for the time and effort that will also be part of this.
If they're sports fans/enthusiasts, a Cubs/Bears/Bulls/Blackhawks shirt, hat, mug, magnet.
Garret popcorn, maybe a sampler, its kinda cliche but....
A jar of giardiniera or, mild sauce.
CTA-themed tee's or, magnets
Bottle of Malort
I’m sorry, did you say a bottle of Malört? I want to be nice to these people!
