Exactly. If you give with the expectation of receiving something in return, it's not totally cool.

It has to be something that reads upscale I think it might have to be an art quilt of some sort. They could be very small as it really has to be sort of one size fits all, make it a theme that matches with the foundations interests. If you make something large it has to match a persons household, but if it is a small artquilt it can be on a stand on a desk or some small nook.

I really like Stillclocks idea...give donation quilt to childrens ward in doners name. We all have stuff and if donars are WELL HEALED...do they need more stuff? Kids quilts work up so fast and would really be appreicated by the reciepeiant. (Can't spell at all tonight but I think know you know what I mean).

i would imagine that they want something not only upscale but also unique, after all they are competing for the donation dollars with other charity organizations and the competition is getting tougher each year. I think you need to ask who will be receiving the thank you gift. Women, men, both? I think something very obviously handmade, very luxurious - think made from satin or velvet with embellishments. Perhaps a draw string gift bag of cream colored velvet with a satin and lace applique embellished with some pearls and filled with Lady Godiva Triffles. for the men maybe a silk bag in a plaid with a best seller novel inside. The applique could be as simple as a holiday appropriate symbol, the logo from the charity, or the words "Thank you." A simple hand written thank you card should be inside.

How about Wine Bags? I would furnish the bag, but not the wine. I would need that myself. I like the Linus Quilts idea also.

I second (or third) the Linus idea. Since they obviously want to help, what better way than to make a child happy. Maybe a nice thank you note with a picture of a child with his/her quilt. Maybe put a label on the quilt back stating that it is donated in honor of the donor.

That sounds like a tough one, but maybe table runners, christmas tree skirt, or wallhanging?

I, as a quilter, love and appreciate hand made gifts of all kinds. Unfortunately, not everyone does though, which is what would make this request so hard if given to me.

I like the Project Linus idea. We have all seen places where donors are honored by putting their name on a brick or bench, etc. And, we all know blankies are better than bricks! ;)

Maybe the charity or hospital has a seal, emblem or moto that could be digitized and applied to an item. I like the idea of the wine bag or gift bag of chocolates. What about a golf club cover, sock thing? At that level, I'm sure there is some time being spent on the golf course. (but I see these ideas as being disposable and therefore maybe a waste of time and resources) Or, what about using the selected design to create a special 'certificate' that could be framed to hang on the wall? It would be something unique and eye catching on their brag wall. (maybe less likely to be thrown away or sent to GW)

Good luck, this is not an easy task to find an answer to. But, I'm sure the wonderful members of the QB will be able to help.

I would suggest talking to the person who asked you as to what kind of gifts they were looking for. I would maybe suggest things like the mug rug and cup for the older ladies who are donating. and maybe some wine totes or tote bags for the younger crowed. and maybe donating a project linus quilt in their name for the ones who would be more liking that. it is really hard to give a thank you gift that is one size fits all. mostly because people are so different from eachother. good luck with this.

I like the idea of a Linus quilt and a picture of the recipient, perhaps in a simple frame with a
thank you card. We all know that handmade gifts sometimes receive a lukewarm response even from people who love us. Unless you are FABULOUSLY talented, and the gift is very professionally done, I'd steer away from giving these wealthy people personalized handmade gifts -especially for homes you know nothing about. I know your heart is in the right place, and you could make a child AND the benefactor happy with a Linus quilt.