Here’s What To Bring When You’re Meeting The Parents

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Wow, look at you! You’re meeting the parents for the first time. Whose parents, you ask? Whether it’s your significant other’s or your best friend’s, meeting the fam can be nerve-wracking. You have to think about what to wear, what to say…and what to bring, since you can’t go empty-handed. Here’s the rundown on what you should consider bringing to impress the hell out of that family.

The Classic: A bottle of wine

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The most obvious choice of what to bring without being too bold? A bottle of the family’s fave red or white. Oh, mom likes rosé? No problem. Just be sure, like with all the other gift ideas we’ll go through here, that you talk to your significant other or friend about your idea beforehand. It’s possible that the family doesn’t drink.

The Safe Bet: Flowers or box of chocolates

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Sure, flowers may seem exclusive for a date, but that’s so not true. There are hundreds of species of flowers, and each has its purpose. Go with wildflowers or a traditional mixed bouquet. (Skip the roses, which are for date night.) Not comfortable with flowers? A box of chocolates or any other sweets are great choices. Even better: bring treats from your hometown or where you currently live to connect the two places.

The Personal Touch: Homemade treats

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Again, make sure you talk to the person who’s bringing you around his or her fam to make sure you account for any allergies. But homemade treats are the perfect way to break the ice and to show the family that you’ve put a lot of thought into a gift. Some faves? You could do cookies, easy fudge or a chocolate pie. The options are endless.

The Bottom Line

You’re going to be fine as long as you ask your friend or significant other to approve the gift before you show up at their family’s home. Don’t overthink it — giving a gift at all is nice as hell. That family’s going to eat you right up, pal.

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