I vote beer. Or baked goods if they dont have any allergies because nothing is worse then getting a box of delicious looking cookies filled with nuts that’ll kill you.

Smoke a bowl with them.

Cases of a favorite beer sounds like a good idea! My mom always urged some kind of consumable as a gift in these situations. Consider if there’s anything unique to where you’re going (e.g. if I went to Hawaii, I’d bring back a Kona blend coffee).

If he’s the type of guy that doesn’t expect repayment and did it out of the kindness in his heart, you can reciprocate by doing the same. Let him know you owe him one, and make sure sure it’s received that you’re serious and not just something “you say”.

When your time comes to do something for him, do you expect payment? Or for him to grovel?

Consumable souvenir from wherever you’re going is an obvious choice. If you’re any good at cooking/baking, something homemade is also a good choice (and much harder for him to turn down).

Thought about a couple cases of his favorite beer. Still might do that. Any other ideas?

Consumables that the person already likes make great gifts, since they will get used up and not sit around.

I usually avoid abusable substances, just in case the person has a carefully balanced relationship with that substance.

But you know your friend.

Sometimes I just ask first. No real reason this needs to be a surprise.

“I know you said you won’t take cash, but I’m going to grab you two cases of X as a thank you, on my way back.”

Then they get a chance to call me off, or redirect me if it would be a problem.

And I’ll always let them call it off with even a mild “no thanks”, since they might not want to say to me “I have a real problem with X and I can’t safely have thay much on hand.”.

Brownies or cookies, homemade if you can make them otherwise splurge a little for something fancier than regular store bought.

I just looked after my neighbor’s cats and they gave me a card with a lovely thank you note and a door dash gift card. Totally wasn’t expecting it but it was sweet. Maybe something like that?

A jug of whatever alcohol they have where youre going. As long as he drinks. Like a local brewer.

I’m similar to that guy, I usually skip on cash in lieu of weed or beer. Those are usually good enough for me, because I’m mostly just hanging out with a cat

Framed picture of your cat

My manager would occasionally get me a pizza rather than giving me any more money.

I always opt for something you can eat or drink if they say they don’t want gifts. That way it won’t clutter anything up and you were still able to give them something. So if not the beer, some candies or maybe a tray of smoked salmon would be a good idea. Of if the place you are visiting has some type of specialty, like a local spice or fruit, maybe that.

This summer we let the neighbors park in our driveway since there is currently construction on our street. They’ve dropped off brownies, cupcakes, and a freshly rolled joint as thank you. And if you’re wondering, they were just regular brownies and cupcakes.

Brownies and a bottle of whiskey