When you start dating someone, your whole life changes, it’s a roller coaster of emotions–excitement to nervousness and back again, but one of the best parts about it is meeting their family for the first time.
That said, when you’re introducing yourself to his parents for the first time, I can’t stress enough how important it is that you bring something special as a gift. A thoughtful gesture will make them feel like they’ve known you forever.
Do Your Homework
Parents are often the most complex people to impress. They’re always watching over you, making sure you don’t make mistakes, and giving you advice on how to live your life. So what happens when you go to meet them for the first time? You might want to prepare yourself for some awkward moments.
Here are four things to remember before heading to the family reunion.
Don’t Be Too Intimidated.
The best way to handle an intimidating parent is to act like you already know them. Make small talk and show interest in what they’re doing. This makes them comfortable enough to open up and tell you more about themselves.
Know Their Family History
If you’re meeting someone’s parents for the first time, try to learn something about their family history. Whether it’s where they grew up, their favorite hobby, or even their hometown, knowing something about their background can help put you at ease.
Know What They Like
It’s easy to assume that everyone likes the same things, but that isn’t necessarily true. So if you’re visiting someone’s home, ask if there’s anything you should avoid bringing into the house. For example, if you’re visiting a mom who loves cooking, you may not want to bring food from a restaurant because she’ll end up eating it all.
Bring Something Special
As mentioned above, bringing a gift is a great way to make your first impression memorable.
Here are 21 gifts that’ll make any parent happy:
1. Handmade card or letter – This is a great way to show your appreciation for all that they do for their children. You could also include a small note with some homemade cookies or chocolates.
2. Gift basket – If you know what kind of person they are, then you probably already know what things they enjoy. Include a few items from their favorite category (books, movies, music), so they can share those.
3. Personalized photo frame – Everyone has photos of their kids growing up, and these frames are perfect for showing off those memories.
5. DIY Rustic Bread Board – A beautiful, vintage-inspired gift doesn’t have to cost a fortune. A few everyday tools and materials are needed to make this rustic breadboard. If you bring a freshly baked loaf of homemade walnut bread, you can count on being invited back for another year.
6. DIY craft – If you know they like crafts, why not surprise them by doing one together? Maybe they’d even appreciate a new picture frame or candle holder.
7. Tickets to an event – Whether it be a concert, play, museum, or sporting event, tickets are always appreciated.
8. Cheese Basket – Don’t settle for a pre-packaged spread; instead, create your own with the help of your friends and family by assembling your gourmet cheese board and spreading knives from scratch. Don’t forget to include a menu as well.
9. Scented Candles: A good rule of thumb is to opt for a candle that is both attractively packaged and slightly more expensive than the average glass jar candle. Wrap the gift in cellophane or with a pretty bow and include a box of designer matches.
Take time to do your homework. Smells are an excellent way to learn about your partner’s family. Florals? Vanillas? As a bonus, soy candles are non-toxic, burn longer, and have a more potent scent.
10. Gift certificate – For anything at all. From groceries to restaurants, spa treatments, or whatever else they may need.
11. DIY flavor liquors – Forget the standard bottle of wine or whiskey; these DIY flavor liquors are great conversation starters and unique gifts. Before giving alcohol as a gift, make sure no one in the family has religious or moral objections. You don’t want to upset anyone.
12. Flowers – If your boyfriend can tell you in advance what kind of flowers his parents prefer, these gifts will mean a lot more. In any case, you can’t go wrong with bringing a bouquet. Peonies, daffodils, and hydrangeas are all low-maintenance flowers that will last for at least a few days.
13. Candy – It’s sweet, delicious, and will go down well.
14. Treats – Who doesn’t enjoy a delicious (and preferably warm) pastry? It doesn’t matter if it’s a simple piece of cake. Don’t freak out. To bake a cake quickly, you don’t need to get out your cookbooks or visit YouTube.
Don’t try to bake yourself; find someone who can do it better than you. A friend, your mother, or a bakery. A baked good that tastes fantastic is the goal. Because of this, there is no need to discuss the item’s origins in great depth.
15. A gift card for a restaurant
Ideally, this should be a restaurant not too far from their location. Extra points if you’ve managed to elicit some information from your partner and are certain of their preferred dining establishment. Hopefully, they’ll only think and talk positively about you when they use the gift card you gave them.
16. A fruit basket – This is a classic gift idea. Fruit baskets are very popular as they come in many shapes and sizes. It’s a lovely but safe bet; what’s not to love about a basket full of fresh fruit? There are two or three fruits that everyone can agree they like, no matter how picky they are. A fruit basket is an excellent choice for a healthy gift that will last for several days. In addition, the basket can be reused.
17. A keepsake from your hometown – Bringing a memento of your place of origin is a sign that you are willing to share anything about yourself that they might be interested in learning about you if you come from a different cultural background, city, or country. It’s also a great way to start a conversation. If you’re looking for a souvenir from your hometown, state, or country, it could be anything from a fridge magnet to a local delicacy.
18. TEA – Both a single pack of high-quality tea and a variety pack are available. Even if your partner’s parents are not interested in drinking it, it will never go to waste. Teas are another safe option if you don’t know what they like. They can always offer it to their guests.
19. Wine – You can choose between red, white, sparkling, or champagne. The best thing about wine is that it is versatile. Your partner’s parents can drink it by themselves or serve it with food. It’s a perfect gift for every occasion.
20. Coffee – Whether it’s a coffee machine or just a bag of beans, coffee is a wonderful gift because it’s something people can enjoy together.
21. Low-Maintenance Greens – Orchids, river stones, and birch bark make beautiful gifts that don’t require much time and effort. To achieve an upscale look, place it in a glass terrarium.
What to Keep in Mind while Buying Gifts for His Parents:
When meeting a significant other’s parents for the first time, we all know what to do and what not to do: Bring a gift, but don’t get into a political debate. Also, don’t talk with your mouth full of food.
You can show your parents that you care about their child and his family by giving him a gift that is sincere, thoughtful, and sincere during the holidays. So following are a few things you need to consider while choosing a gift for your significant other’s parents:
1. Check out the person’s size before purchasing any gift. If you are unsure, ask someone who has met the parent before.
2. Don’t forget to include a note explaining why you chose the gift you did.
3. Make sure the gift is appropriate for the occasion.
4. Avoid sending flowers unless you are positive that the recipient likes them.
5. Do not send a gift the same day you meet the parents. Wait until after you’ve had a chance to spend quality time with them.
6. Remember to give a gift unique to you and your relationship.
7. Choose a gift that shows that you took the time to think about the person and their interests.
8. Remember that the gift should reflect your relationship with your significant other.
9. When selecting a gift, avoid getting too personal.
10. Never buy a gift for your significant other’s parents without asking them first.
11. Always thank your significant other’s parents for accepting you as part of their family.
12. If you want to impress your significant other’s parents, try to find a gift they would love.
13. If you are having trouble finding a gift, you can always ask your significant other’s parents what they like.
14. If you plan to take your significant other’s parents out for dinner, you can always order a gift basket filled with items that you know they’ll enjoy.
15. If you visit your significant other’s parents at home, you can always arrange for a housewarming party where you invite friends over to celebrate the new addition to your family.
16. If you have no idea what to get your significant other’s parents, you can always search for ideas online.
17. When looking for gifts for your significant other’s mother, you can always opt for personalized gifts such as mugs or t-shirts.
18. If you plan to visit your significant other’s parents in another city, you can always choose from local gifts such as wine glasses, coffee mugs, or even chocolates.
19. If you plan a trip to see your significant other’s parents and want to surprise them with something special, then you can always opt for a gift card.
20. If you want to make your significant other’s parents feel more welcome, you can always give them a gift certificate for a spa treatment.
21. If you plan an intimate date night with your significant other’s parents, you can always opt for romantic gifts such as jewelry or perfume.
22. If you are planning a big event such as a wedding anniversary, you can always consider giving your significant other’s parents a gift certificate for a restaurant.
23. You can also opt for a gift certificate for a massage therapy session or a facial.
24. If you are planning something special for your significant other’s parents, such as a birthday celebration, then you can always plan by choosing a gift that will last long into the future.
25. If you want to show how much you care for your significant other’s parent, then you can always go for a gift that will be useful for years to come.
26. You can also opt to give your significant other’s parents something that will help them relax.
27. You can also opt for a gift that will keep them entertained throughout the year.
28. If you want to express gratitude towards your significant other’s parents, you can always opt to give them a unique and meaningful gift.
29. If you want to let your significant other’s parents know how grateful you are for everything they’ve done for you, you can always send them a heartfelt message.
30. You can also opt for something that will remind them of you every day.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What to bring to meet the boyfriend’s parents?
Bring a housewarming gift. It’s etiquette 101, so even if your guy says his folks don’t expect you to, don’t show up empty-handed. Bring flowers, dessert, or a bottle of wine if you’re just going over for dinner. For longer stays, consider chocolates or a book about something that interests them.
What to wear when you meet his parents for the first time?
It’s better to stay on the safer side the first time you meet your partner’s parents. She also says to avoid sweatshirts, dirty and worn-out sneakers, ill-fitting pants and shirts, and anything wrinkled. You want to show up looking clean, confident, and presentable.
Should you take a gift when meeting your boyfriend’s parents?
Gifts for your boyfriend’s or girlfriend’s parents will always be appreciated. Depending on their tastes, whether they will be used is a different story.
Is meeting the parents a big deal?
Yes, because it shows that you’re committed to the person and want them to meet the important people in your/their lives. It’s welcoming them to the family.
What should I say when introducing myself to his parents?
Say “Hello” and introduce yourself. Don’t worry about being too formal; he’ll probably have already told them who you are.
Do I need to buy something for him?
No, but you can get something nice for yourself. Just make sure it’s not too expensive.
What should I do if I’m invited to his parent’s home?
Be prepared with an idea of what you’d like to talk about. Ask questions about their life, hobbies, etc.
What should I do when I see his mom?
Smile and greet her politely. Make eye contact and nod. Let her know you’re happy she has a son.
Conclusion:
Is it a big deal to meet the parents for the first time? It’s possible. It could be overwhelming if you are unprepared or don’t take the meeting seriously.
I’d like to stress once again that you shouldn’t get stressed out about what to pack for your trip. Starting with your appearance is the best way to get noticed. Dress up for the meeting as if it’s important to you. Be who you are. Let them see the real you, and they’ll warm up to you once they realize why their child likes you so much.