I say get the merlot--and tell her you noticed that she likes it. Ask some wine-shop guy for a recommendation, and you'll be fine. I think gifts that show you through about the specific person are better than gifts you pick out of only obliation, or that indicate you considered her _classification_--young mom, etc. And I'm w/ Lindac, get something consumable. That poor woman, if she's got little kids, already has too many little things in her house. If you don't want to do the wine, do a nice jam, or something. I personally won't do candles or bath & lotion stuff, because I hate them and I think most people have plenty, even if they like them. Even fresh flowers are nice. They're beautiful, many of us forget to buy them for ourselves, and they WILT!

As your friend of so many years, Jamie's, I am excited that you are able to visit us, after so long, in our home. I value you as the kind and considerate person you are and am looking forward to simply enjoying your company and sharing the delicious meal my husband will prepare for us. I will be touched that you thought to also bring a gift and if you choose from any of the ideas mentioned above I will be delighted...they are all perfect. I think the idea of a cooking related gift to include DH in our friendship and to thank him for his efforts is especially appealing (whoops, but that's Sis3 talking, not your friend! I just happen to love cooking related gifts and have even been known to design my kitchen decor around a particularly colorful tagine that I received as a gift from overseas!). Have a wonderful time with your old friend!

I wouldn't use products, though Ravencajun's sound good, and if they're working outside the sun protection might be very welcome. It's just very personal and you don't know who has allergies and sensitivities. Having to say no thank-you and give the products away can be disheartening, when the point of the gift is the opposite. You didn't mention a price range. Awhile back I did something a little similar, but it was only for six girls and I had a high budget. They LOVED it! It was inexpensive train case style organizers with the tacklebox style trays that lift/hinge out, with a few little things inside. Each got a thumb drive, cute ball speaker for the iPod/phone, pretty pencil, goofy animal notepad, a cute keychain and a screen cleaning cloth. I think they cost about $60 each to put together, but you could keep it under $40 and still put a few little things inside, or you could do under $15 just with a thumb drive, pocket notepad, etc. Another very popular such gift was Leathman micras. Those are around $20. Going back to Ravencajun's suggestion, if they'll be working outside, there are cute (like young cute) full on sunhats which protect the neck as well as the face for less than $10. Still, I like your own idea of the hair wrap and shower shoes, especially those superabsorbancy towels that fold to nothing. Even if they already have shower shoes, those get gross and need replacing. The only thing would be knowing the right sizes. You could add a few spa items like a small loofah and a pretty emery board.

I brought this up in the food basket thread, but Trader Joe's has 2 times right now that could work as unique hostess gifts. They have a maple syrup that was stored in barrels used for aging bourbon and they also have a rainbow of honey sampler with 6 different honeys from different areas of the world including a sunflower honey from the Ukraine. Eucalyptus honey from Argentina, Macadamia from America and Mimosa from Brazil.