18 Host and Hostess Gifts (That Aren’t a Bottle of Wine)
Updated: Mar. 14, 2022It's always a good idea to bring a gift to the host or hostess of a party. Check out these creative ideas for host and hostess gifts that are a step above a typical bottle of wine.
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A Great Wine Opener
Forget about picking up a bottle of wine for the hostess. It’s an easy last-minute gift, but every other guest at the gathering will have the same idea! Instead, get the host or hostess something that will help manage the large number of wine bottles they’ll have to open, like a fancy wine opener.
Recipe Cards
A hostess gift should be, above all things, useful—though super cute doesn’t hurt, either! These recipe cards are the perfect addition to any kitchen, and they’re perfect for keeping your favorite recipes handy (speaking of—how about giving our favorite dessert bars a whirl?).
Sea Salt Caramels
Give your host a taste of heaven with these creamy caramels coated in milk chocolate and sprinkled with sea salt. It’s up to them whether they want to share them at the party or keep for themselves!
Tasty Teas
Treat your hostess to a new flavor of tea in adorable packaging. After guests have left, there’s nothing more relaxing than curling up in a quiet house with a cup of calming tea.
A Good Candle
You can never have too many candles, right? Find a unique scent and pretty packaging that sets it apart. If you can stop by a local shop that sells handmade candles, go for those—otherwise, this highly-rated soy candle made by Lulu Candles will do the trick. Read more about how to make candles last longer.
Taste of Home Cookbook
You can’t go wrong with gifting a cookbook from your friends here at Taste of Home. In this 5th edition binder, you’ll find useful explain-it-all sections that guide you through cooking basics and party planning and everything in-between. Not to mention, there are over 1,000 tried-and-tested recipes from home cooks just like you.
Indoor Herb Garden
Hosts with green thumbs will love this inventive and compact herb kit. Don’t know which to pick? Check out our 10 must-have herbs. Each is a good bet for your hostess!
Cheese Board
Who doesn’t love a good cheese board spread? Treat your host to a sleek and stylish cheese board—just right for every party. This lazy Susan version can swivel around to whoever is hungriest.
Hot Chocolate Kit
The hosts have spent all their time and energy planning an incredible evening—gift them something they can use the next day while they relax. The beauty with gifting a hot chocolate kit is that you can find a premade kit, or you can quickly make your own using a Mason jar, mini marshmallows and our best hot chocolate recipe.
Adorable Aprons
Hosting can be messy. Gift your favorite cook a pretty patterned apron to keep her clean in the kitchen. We’ve got a thing for this retro-style apron from Madmade Design. All their aprons are made in the USA and they come in multiple sizes—no more too-long straps! (Psst... You can see this apron in action in our vintage recipe collection.)
Sassy Oven Mitts
Blue Q has a splendid line of sassy oven mitts. However, some may feature words that would make your mother-in-law blush! Gift them to a friend who loves to bake, and be sure to check out our guide to the best gifts for bakers.
Kitchen Towels
In the kitchen, you can always do with more towels. This set of three towels is great for your gal pal with a farmhouse-inspired home. You just might have to get yourself a set to match.
Spices & Salts
Your favorite host or hostess undoubtedly loves to cook. Treat her to a gift set of better-than-the-supermarket spices or salts—perfect for recipes old and new. This Aegean blend is great for so many Mediterranean dishes.
Artisanal Soaps
We love gifting soap—it smells great, everyone uses it and if you get handmade bars with cute labels, they double as home decor. If you’ve got a local craft store or farmers market nearby, see if you can find a bar or two. Otherwise, this soap set from Amazon comes with six adorable bars ideal for just about any host or hostess.
Soothing Lotions
No doubt about it, all those dishes can be hard on the hands. Treat her to some luxurious and ultra-hydrating hand cream for when the work is all done.
Box of Chocolates
When all else fails, reach for your favorite candies. Any hostess would be happy to share a box of sweets (though we can’t blame her if she saves them for herself!). If you’re looking to really impress, try one of our favorite candy brands, See’s—they did great in our taste test!
Canned Cocktails
Bring on the fun with these Bee’s Knees canned cocktails. These gin-based cocktails are infused with lemon and honey and are sure to bring a smile to your hostess with their adorable bumblebee design. If you’re looking for more options, check out these other boozy canned drinks.
Homemade Cookies
Homemade cookies are the perfect hostess gift. Buy from a local bakery, make these ultimate chocolate chip cookies or indulge in these butter rum triple chunkers from The Maui Cookie Lady.
