Should You Bring a Gift? A Guide to Visiting Etiquette

So, Kunle invited you over for a dinner at his place, Friday, 7pm, and you've been wondering; Do I come bearing gifts, or is my presence enough?

Truth be told, we've all been there. One minute you're wondering if showing up with a gift would be considered 'doing too much,' but it doesn't feel right to show up empty-handed as well. Relax, I've got you 😁.

Honestly, there's no strict rule that says you must bring a gift when visiting, but it is socially considered a basic guest etiquette . Think about it: when someone opens up their home to you, they're giving you a sneak peek of their world; you can learn a lot about someone from their home arrangement. In other words, the host is in a vulnerable situation. A lot of effort goes into hosting a guest, tidying up, providing refreshments, etc. A little token, even as little as a snack, shows how much you appreciate their effort.

When You Should Bring a Gift:

There are certain situations where bringing a gift should be an obvious choice.

Let's say you get invited to a dinner party; going with at least a bottle of wine is considered a no-brainer—something to share with the host or other attendees.

If it's your first time visiting someone's home, it's advisable to show up with a little token regardless of its cost or size.

An overnight stay? You should definitely come with something. Your host would be responsible for your feeding, a place to lay your head, etc. It's only ethical to bring them a little gift to show your appreciation for their hospitality.

If it's a special celebration, e.g., birthdays, weddings, housewarmings, etc., it is a rule of thumb to come bearing gifts for the celebrant(s). Consider it your own little way of sharing in their joy.

When Its Okay to Skip It:

As much as we advocate for gifting, there are certain situations that do not necessarily require you to go gift shopping before a visit.

If you're going to see your bestie to just chill, binge a show, and complain about your ex 🌝, you do not necessarily have to show up with a gift. A bag of chips, maybe, if you want to. In this instance, the vibe is casual, and your presence is all that matters.

In conclusion, bringing a gift isn't just a necessary formality; it's a sign of thoughtfulness. Do not overthink it, and it doesn't require you to empty your savings. The aim isn't to impress; the aim is to say, "Thank you for opening your doors to me." A drink, food, or fruits would suffice, and when you're not sure what they'll love, just ask.

To answer your question, yes, you should definitely show up to Kunle's house with a little token this Friday 😁.