There is a family that has taken my boys to football practice everyday(aside from the two weeks my husband was out of town and I had the car) for over 4months. My transmission in my car went and we couldn't really afford another one(and thankfuly we didn't get a loan because I am now prego and we need a van) right before football started. My son and their son are good friends so we asked them if they could pick the boys up. They have faithfully taken my boys everyday. I thank them everyday when they pull in the drive way and always tell them how grateful we are. The parents tell me to stop acting like it's such a big deal because it isn't they are going to the field anyway(dad is athletic director for our league) and we are on the way. But still it is a blessing to my kids because without this family there would be no steady ride for them and they wouldn't have been able to play. My husband goes to the field when he gets off work but is not home in time to take the boys.
We want to do something for them but are not sure what. I thought maybe make them a pasta dinner with meatballs,garlic bread,and desert. Or gift cards to a pizza place. I then thought maybe a gift card to a restraunt so the parents could go out alone. They have 5 boys and I am sure money is tight so I doubt they go out to eat often. What do you think? What would you like? They are the most generous humble people we know and really want to bless them the way they blessed my kids.
I would invite them over for a family dinner. Since the boys are friends, cultivate the family friendship as well.
I also like the idea of watching their kids so they can go out...
Have their boys over for a "Boys Night", which will free the parents up to do whatever they want.
What about a GAS CARD because they are giving your kids rides? Otherwise, definitely a dinner or restaraunt card are great ideas. Make the dinner one that is easily frozen so they can just put it in the freezer and pull out one of those nights when things just aren't going right for them so they don't have to worry about dinner. I think any of your ideas are great. OR...what about offering to babysit while mom and dad have an evening or weekend afternoon alone??
invite them for a meal at your house, make it fun...& when they leave, give them a gift basket with the gas card & some of the other goodies mentioned.
But, seriously, the meal would be enough! Sounds like it's time to really start being social with them!
gas card! tucked inside a thank you card. Make a basket, put homemade sauce and meatballs, raw pasta, and a loaf of bread. Give it to them when they drop the boys off.
Humble people do not like when you make a bg fuss or invite them over. It kind of makes them uncomfortable and that's the last thing you want. But sending it home with them aallows them to feel appreciated without being uncomfortable and then they can boil the noodles at home and it's just a nice suprise.
I would have them over for a nice family dinner. Spaghetti night sounds like a lot of fun with that many boys!
I think the ideas you have sound really nice. Who wouldn't appreciate a home cooked meal or a gift card to take the whole gang out somewhere for a meal?
Other ideas:
A gas gift card
Gift card to the grocery store
Edible arrangement
Zoo or museum family membership (if that's something they might do)
You are so thoughtful. Your idea's would be welcomed I'm sure. You could also offer free babysitting for date night for them. Give them a specific date, like "Next Friday we would like to watch your kids while you guys go to dinner or a movie".
Hey there.
Go to www.coliryan.com. Click on stores to the right. Then click R. Go to restaurants.com and order a giftcard. Use coupon code TREAT at checkout. A $50 giftcard will cost you $10 and you will get 20% cash back on top of that. A 100.00 gift card will be $16. CRAZY isn't it. They'll never know. :)
Get some for yourself and enjoy a night out too.
Then I would offer to watch the kids so the parents can go out alone.
:)
I love the dinner at your house idea. Such a nice thing
I love that you want to go above to thank them and that you do it daily. That's why they don't think it's a big deal - you show gratitude.
One other is a gas card.
But love something more personal....dinner or gift card for a dinner out.
I Love Sue H's response!
