The List: 13 Ways to Get Invited Back

See that chair? That's where you want to be sitting during these hot summer months. And if you don't have a cottage of your own, getting an invite back to a friend's place will surely be a done deal with one of these 18 cottage gifts.

Summer spots are steeped in tradition. That's why this Toronto-based company's luxurious blends, presented in beautiful boxes, will make a great gift for generous hosts—and keep everyone perfectly caffeinated prior to cocktail hour.

Things you don't bring to a friend's cottage: a) colicky newborn b) air conditioner c) her ex-husband d) a stomach virus. In this hilarious game, each question is answered anonymously by players, with points going to whoever correctly guesses the author of each witty, wise and/or wicked reply.

They've stretched themselves to the limit, giving you every comfort from home. Encourage that same behaviour—but in self-serving fashion this time—with a lightweight, non-slip, natural rubber yoga mat perfect for use on the dock or deck.

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.

If Archie comics and old Chatelaine magazines are the extent of light reading at the cottage, the late Nora Ephron's funny, pointed and amusing take on aging will appeal to your female hosts, and any of their future (middle-aged) guests will welcome it on their bedside table.

If the moose decor wasn't a clue, the carefully restored boat should clarify things. For the family that loves classic cottage content, offer up a set of flicks that can stand the test of time (while bridging the great divide between the ages). Our suggestions: Candleshoe, The Parent Trap, Swiss Family Robinson, Freaky Friday and Searching for Bobby Fisher.

Hole in one—good for golf. Hole in one's sweater—not so much. For the family who closes up the cottage at the end of the season, or stays away for long stretches post summer, a package or two of cedar balls to fight the inevitable moth invasion will be on par with one of the most useful gifts they'll ever get.

When their guest towel collection leans more towards ‘My grandma went to Kentucky and all I got was this lousy towel' style, some quick-drying, elegant and understated Turkish bath towels will most certainly fit into their decor—even if the lack of beer logos confuses them.

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.

Midway through creating a masterpiece, no one wants to be told it's time to move. For puzzle enthusiasts who set up shop only to be relocated once dinner time rolls around, a roll-up mat to keep all the pieces in place is a gift that won't be re-gifted.

For the hosts that seemingly have everything (starting with the means to own a vacation property), a great gift idea for dockside or bedside reading/writing/crafting is a bamboo lap desk. Also useful with kids for when a solid surface is needed for colouring and other creative pursuits.

Some gifts are funny (Tina Fey's BossyPants). Some are useful (a Leatherman multi-purpose tool set). Some are both—like this set of wooden flip-coin phrases to be used in jest, or when your married hosts have had just about enough of each other. Consider yourself both a good-gift giver and relationship saver.

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.