[jaycee]

Just wondering if anyone has any good ideas for how to say "thank you", or indeed if a gift is the right thing to do?

A bit of background on this: a bought a house in NZ four years ago, intending to live in it, but circumstances got in the way, so I ended up renting out the house to the people I bought it from. They finally got another place in September last year and, finally, I am moving in on February 12th. (Flying 8th Feb on a student visa to begin my degree at Unitec :eek: ).

Besides always paying the rent on time and liaising with me on anything that needed doing, they have been kind enough to keep an eye on the house and clean it for me before my arrival.

I gave them a week's free rental at the end of their tenancy, but I'd like to make some kind of gesture of thanks. They are a couple with two kids (and another baby on the way) but we've never actually met, so I don't know what their tastes are. A card, wine and flowers spring to mind, but want to make sure I'm not causing offence in any way!

[jubjub]

I don't think you would be causing any offence at all, they would most likely be delighted, especially after a free weeks rent too!

You could maybe get some Pumpkin Patch vouchers for the kids clothes, specially with the new baby on the way? but what you were thinking sounds nice too...

[nippa&pippa]

Sound good ideas, but just warn you, we have tried to give thank you presents (bottle of wine, flowers etc we tried) to kiwis few times and all of them rejected it as they are 'happy to help us' but doesn't want presents :confused: .....i am not sure is all kiwis like this???

[sarahw]

Yep I've also experienced buying gifts for people & them telling us they didn't want anything & refusing to take them or being very embarassed & being told 'that's just what we do for each other over here'. I've persevered because some people are really pleased when you get them something & it was how I was brought up & I think if that's the worst cultural booboo I'm going to make over here then its not too bad!

I think the idea of the vouchers for P-Patch sounds good since the woman will not be able to enjoy wine if she's preggers. If you're worried that they'll be embarassed at that then a basket of muffins/fruit? They always go down well - especially if the muffins are home made! I've never known a Kiwi refuse baked goods!! :D

[amaoricangirl]

Yes if theres one things Kiwis wont refuse it is FOOD! Maybe having them over for a bbq or giving them a cake... or even a pavlova would go over well without them thinking its "too much". We are very much helpful people but for some of us too much attention makes us uncomfortable :o A small gesture really does mean a lot, so dont think you have to go way out there.

[nippa&pippa]

If you're worried that they'll be embarassed at that then a basket of muffins/fruit? They always go down well - especially if the muffins are home made! I've never known a Kiwi refuse baked goods!! :D

Agree on that! i always bring my egg free chocolate cupcakes with me, (mainly because that my children don't miss out as they tend to serve out!) kiwis love it! even ask for recipes!

[Ana&Steve]

I third Sarah and N&P, it would be very hard for someone to turn down a homemade or personalized gift. Let us know what you decide!
Ana

[jaycee]

Thank you all for your replies - the 'embarrassment' thing is exactly what I was afraid of - I think I would feel the same way myself. But in the end I'm less afraid of that than being thought of as ungrateful.

The food idea sounds great, but I think home baking is probably out, at least this time round, as I'm not sure what I would be able to rustle up in a motel kitchen! So I think I'll have a look round the shops when I get there and see what suitable edibles I can find, and failing that Pumpkin Patch sounds like a good idea too. Vouchers can just be tucked inside a card - not too conspicuous and I can always make the excuse that it's a baby gift ;)