I need your suggestions. I am planning a trip to visit my daughter and her family to celebrate my granddaughter's first birthday. During that visit we will also celebrate another family member's birthday. I have been invited to stay (with my daughter & family) at her sister-in-law's home for several days. I would like to bring a small gift to thank the SIL for her hospitality. Since I am flying, space and weight are limited.

Any ideas?

How about a mug rug with matching mug filled with candy?

A picture frame? Depending on whose birthday it is and how the SIL is related to that person...

How about having flowers delivered to her?

We usually try to bring something from our area that is expensive or hard to get in the visited area. For instance we like to bring maple syrup from NE to our southern friends. Or we used to bring lobsters down years ago when we flew.

In your case, if you have the time, energy and interest you could do a small quilt, table topper or wall hanging with Kokkopelli or cactus or some other western theme. Or how about a string of chili's (maybe too fragile?).

I'd avoid any kind of food items - I've been told a bottle of wine is a good hostess gift, but what if they're in recovery? Same goes for candies, what if they're watching their weight, or are diabetic? You'd probably be safe with a lovely food basket, but that might be impractical to transport.

What's always worked for me is a "gourmet" soap & lotion set. I've picked them up from Bath & Bodyworks and I LOVE the Williams-Sonoma products. (The pink grapefruit scented one is amazing!)

A table runner? Something that is Southwestern to remember you by??

Flowers are always a good choice. Since you quilt so beautifully, I'm sure they would be thrilled with a seasonal reversable table topper or wall hanging. Seasonal because it does not depend on house colors. Potholders?
Something from Az like cactus jelly, a sand painting, a small Indian rug.
have fun.

A lady I know makes up several pillow cases and keeps them handy to take when she travels. When she leaves she just puts one on a pillow.

mug rug, table runners, purse, reversible table runner, tote bag

No one has mentioned pot holders. Quick, easy and useful.

I like to give table toppers, you don't have to guess how long their tables are and they are handy and pretty to have around :D:D:D

A set of pot holders and maybe micro oven bag to bake potatoes
in, made of matching material. Mug rug is good too. Does any one know what that family likes to do or what hobbies they do?

Mug rug with mug and assortment os teas.

I would definitely ask what the SIL favorite things are. What are her style choices, color choices? We have heard so many horror stories about people not liking quilted things in the wrong colors or styles that I am really hesitant to suggest these type of gifts without knowing they are wanted. You have an easy way to find out what this lady likes since she is an extended family member. Maybe she is crazy about Merlot wine or sunflowers or Swiss chocolates or John Grisham novels. Just ask and then act accordingly.

tablerunner's are always a big hit.