Sending Sandy-Grams

For those fortunate enough to be back in their homes after "urban camping," it's time to send a thank you. You can't go wrong with a thoughtful thank you note, perhaps from Greenwich Letterpress or Sugar Paper. 

[Typewriter Thank You - Sugar Paper]

[Big Thank You, Blue Raspberry - Sugar Paper]

[Thank You Caligraphy, Black - Sugar Paper]

If you're able to splurge on a gift, here are some ideas - 

• The Gift of Cleanliness Even if you tidied up here and there while crashing at your friend's place, it can't hurt to send in a professional to do the dirty work - pun intended. Hire a cleaning service to make sure your host's place gets spic and span post Sandy.

• Household Items Your gift need not be fancy. A functional gift can be wonderful, especially if you depleted your host's supply of paper towels, toilet paper, etc. Send a special delivery from drugstore.com or FreshDirect with household items. Replenish what you used and also add something thoughtful like your host's favorite hand lotion or candy. 

• Edible Arrangements You can't go wrong with giving something sweet. If you're tight on cash you can bake a batch of cookies and hand-deliver them. Whip up whatever dessert your Sandy host loves. Or order something delicious online. We got personal and ordered a pecan pie from our gracious host's favorite BBQ joint. (He's from Texas.)

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P.S. As discussed here, I think you have a one-month grace period after you've returned to relative normalcy to send a little somethin' somethin' to your super-storm host. 

P.P.S. While you're in the giving mood, donate to those still seriously struggling.