The List: 18 Ways to Get Invited Back

Don’t get caught on the bad guest list.

Secure your room at the cottage, your chair on the dock and your seat on the boat with a great cottage gift to use for the summers to come—summers you’ll hopefully also be spending there too. Show your thanks to your gracious hosts with these 18 Ways to Get Invited Back.

Corkcicle
A wine bucket isn’t out of place poolside at the St. Regis, but on the dock? That’s a little over the top. Keep their vino cool without carrying down all sorts of accessories. Freeze it, pop it in the bottle and the liquid stays ice-cold pour after pour. ($24.95, more)

Fun Cone
Here’s how to ingratiate yourself even with an unannounced visit. For families with young kids, wrap up some of these handy ice cream/popsicle holders that will keep drips, drops (and, as a result, tears) at bay. Add a litre of your favourite ice cream, and a dinner invite on the dock is virtually guaranteed. ($4 each, more)

Pongo Ping Pong Game
With the exception of siblings, most rivalries are made, not born. Gift some competitive in-cottage one-upmanship, particularly useful on rainy days, with an indoor ping pong set that will fit most tabletops. ($40, more)

Whether you’re on your way to the cottage, cabin or campsite, don’t forget to pack one of these 18 Ways to Get Invited Back. 

Tested by Alison R., Toronto