So, last night we hosted another couple. Not our first time hosting, but first time with and hosting this particular couple. Not only were they a ton of fun, but they were incredibly sweet, brining a nice bottle of wine, an amazing dessert pastry, and a couple of new toys for our cats. Above and beyond what we’d ever expect.

Seems pretty clear that we all intend to get together again soon, with them likely hosting at some point. We want to reciprocate, but we’re at a bit of an impasse trying to figure out an appropriate equivalent to the cat toys. They don’t have any pets, but they have two young kids. Our female half suggested getting something like a kids science kit for them. This is something she gifts to the kids of a platonic friend we have and would be appropriate under normal circumstances for this couple’s kids, given what we know about them. But because of how we know them and the fact we’ve only met once, our male half thinks this gift might be inappropriate. His argument is that if we become closer friends over time, then it could be fine, but not at this stage.

Curious your thoughts. And if it’s not appropriate, what would you recommend instead? A bottle of wine and some other dessert is already a given in this scenario.