How To Thank Your Billet Hosts

They opened their home to you for the hockey season and made you a part of the family. So how can hockey players (or a player’s parents) say thanks to a billet host for all the food, laundry, and love?

We asked people in billet communities across the U.S. and Canada about favorite thank you gifts. You’ll find a range of gifts from unexpected to expensive. All were appreciated – so find the right fit for your family. But EVERY billet host without exception said a note from their billet player has meant the very most.

Thank You Gift Ideas For Billet Hosts

Thanks for the Memories

Bring back all the feels with a gift that’s personal. Many of these gifts include photos from the season. A treasure for every billet mom (and who knows, go pro, and it’s a real treasure!).

• Framed photo of player with his billet family

• Team jersey with the billet’s name

• Photo book with snaps of the season

• Try a Chatbook of select Instagram posts

• Custom team patch with your name

• Light box frame with a photo and inspiring quote

• Digital frame they can fill with photos (start it with a few of your own)

Hockey Handicrafts

True hockey fans will appreciate these creative and clever gifts just for the sake of the sport. Create your own, or search offerings on Etsy and from local artisans.

• Hockey stick frame

• Blanket for the rink – with the team logo, player’s photo, or photo of the family

• Something you make yourself: try pottery or a painting (it’s the love, not the skill!)

From Your Home to Theirs

Give something that makes a connection between your hockey home and your own hometown. Check local farmer’s markets and souvenir shops.

• Food basket of local or famed favorites (baking mix, condiments, sweets, snacks, preserves)

• Hometown skyline pillow

• Shirts for the family from your hometown

• Items with your state/country symbol or flag

Something Practical

What is something your billet family uses all the time that you could replenish, replace, improve, or enhance?

• Grocery store gift card (you know that’ll be put to use!)

• Upgrade an appliance for something you’ve enjoyed (could they use a new waffle maker? could you replace the set of towels you’ve used all season?)

• Gift of service — mow the lawn one more time, make dinner for your host family, take over a DIY project before you go

Something Extra Special

Choose a way to treat your billet hosts to something they might not splurge on themselves.

• Gift card to a favorite restaurant

• Treats from a local bakery

• Flowers (even better, a live plant or tree to remind them of you over the years)

• Event tickets (concerts, sporting event, etc.)

• Omaha Steaks

• Spoonful of Comfort care package

For Your Billet Mom

Because we all know she deserves extra credit.

• Jewelry or addition to a charm bracelet

• Spa day gift certificate or mani/pedi gift card

• Housecleaning gift certificate

• Personal chef experience