It's summer travel season, and that means you may be enjoying the hospitality of a friend or family member who has agreed to open their home to you. Follow proper etiquette, and show up with a gift. We've put together 15 ideas to show your appreciation and offer a few tips for selecting the perfect gift to give when you're a houseguest.

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Thank-you gift tips to keep in mind:

1. Don't get too personal. Avoid artwork, decor pieces or anything else meant to be displayed that may clash with the taste of your host.
2. Don't be too practical. Sure, everyone needs bed sheets and bath towels, but few people want to get them as a gift of appreciation.
3. Be unpredictable. Find something unique that you know will speak to your host and their interests. "I immediately thought of you when I saw this and knew you'd love it, because..." is a sentence you'll be able to complete with no problem when you know you've found the right gift.
4. The amount of thought (and probably money) you put into the gift should be directly proportional to how long you'll be staying (and interrupting this generous person's life).
5. Consider things you can share during your stay or use to make new memories. Alternatively, consider something pampering for a host who might enjoy a little rejuvenating downtime after your visit.
6. Your thoughtful gift should come along with a verbal 'thank you' on arrival, another on departure and one more via note after the fact. All the better if it's handwritten. You did stay with this person, so you should have their address...and who doesn't love getting real mail?