40 Host and Hostess Gifts (That Aren’t a Bottle of Wine)
Updated: Aug. 18, 2023Forgot to grab something for your host? Don't sweat it—we've got you covered. Check out these creative ideas for hostess gifts.
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If there’s one thing I learned from my mother, hosting takes some serious skill and patience. And no matter how modern some time-honored traditions become, hostess gifts never go out of style. Pulling off a crowd-pleasing gathering from start to finish is no easy feat, which is why nothing says “thank you” more than a little something special for the host or hostess.
Still, it can be hard to know exactly what to gift the host or hostess. Not to mention there are different “levels” of gifting depending on what type of gathering they’re throwing. For a summer barbecue bash or festive holiday party, small-scale gifts like a honey sampler or artisan hand soaps are best. Whereas a weekend-long trip to the host’s lake house may call for something bigger like personalized hand towels.
To simplify your job (aka shopping), we found the best hostess gifts for every budget and occasion. And no, they’re not a bottle of vino. Whether they’re hosting a wine-tasting party or bridal shower, these hostess gifts ensure you never show up empty-handed.
For the Trendy Decorator: Bubble Vase
When it comes to hostess gifts, we love gifting practical yet pretty finds that brighten up any home. This trendy, colorful and oh-so-fun bubble vase does just the trick—and it doesn’t break the bank. It holds all their best buds while reminding them of theirs. Oh, and the color options are endless.
For the Charcuterie Connoisseur: Personalized Serving Board
For over-the-top events that entail long hours of planning, we lean on personalized hostess gifts, like this gorgeous wood and marble serving board. The paddle is made from Acacia wood and comes with three marble serving bowls. Customize it with a name or phrase for an extra thoughtful cheese board gift idea. It’ll become an heirloom piece in no time!
For the Flower Arranger: Dried Flower Bouquet Diffuser
A seasonal flower arrangement and diffuser all in one? Check! This is one of the best hostess gifts because they get two surprises in one. This dried flower bouquet diffuser sits pretty on any tabletop or makes a beautiful guest bathroom addition. Whatever they choose, it blooms with scents of lavender and eucalyptus all year long. Have you seen these gifts for crafters?
For the Every Host: Infused Olive Oil Set
Whether you’re headed to a holiday party or baby shower, gift sets like this infused olive oil collection are just the treat to have in your back pocket. It’s a simple yet thoughtful way to show your thanks without overdoing it. I mean, who doesn’t like the sound of blood orange-infused olive oil?
For the Home Cook: Engraved Wooden Spoon
If you really want to impress the host or hostess, personalized gifts like this engraved wooden spoon are the way to their heart. Choose from a custom spoon, spatula or spork for a show-stopping gift. Have you checked out these other gifts for foodies?
For the Brunch Boss: Mimosa Sugar Cubes
Mimosas on the fly? Say no more. These minute mimosa sugar cubes turn any glass of bubbly into a mimosa or bellini in 60 seconds—no fruit juice necessary. They pair perfectly with your next at-home brunch or wine-tasting party.
For the Sentimentalist: “Thank You” Candle
What better way to show your appreciation than with a candle that says it all? This natural soy-wax candle boasts notes of lemon, soothing cucumber and a hint of patchouli to fill their home with gratitude. We love a candle collection that smells as good as it looks.
For the Jack-of-All Hosts: Statement Home Tray
For the do-it-all entertainer, we can’t think of a more appropriate hostess gift than this editor-loved statement tray. Not only does it do triple duty as a catch-all, serving platter and decorative statement, but it’s also super customizable thanks to interchangeable inserts. Simply pick the tray that matches the host’s aesthetic and an insert to fit the vibe, like a marble pattern for a chic bar cart setup or a football-themed insert for tailgate season.
As Shopping Editor, Annamarie Higley, puts it, “The Jack of all Trays tray is my go-to one-size-fits-all gift for so many people in my life.” Bonus: Once the host has the tray, you can keep on gifting a new insert every time a big party is on the horizon.
For Under $15: Hand Cream
Because their hands are like their paintbrush, this mini hand cream keeps the entertainer’s hands feeling their best. It’s an affordable hostess gift to always have in your back pocket, especially when you don’t want to show up empty-handed during the holiday party season. If Tocca’s hand cream smells anything like their perfume (which is my all-time favorite) the host will thank you long after the party’s over.
For the Queen of Luxury: Agate Coaster
Practical and polished, these gilded agate coasters are oh-so divine. Available in six stunning colors, every coaster boasts a different cut and glimmer, so every hostess gets a gift as unique as they are. More importantly, they’ll never have to worry about their furniture falling victim to guests’ drinks again.
For the Chocoholic: Thank You Truffles
Sometimes the best hostess gifts are edible little goodies like these decadent truffles. Filled with champagne, hazelnut and Irish cream ganache, to name a few, the sweet tooth in your life will be so grateful to have these on hand after a long day—or season—of hosting. Forgot to grab a hostess gift? Check out these care packages to send to friends long after the party is over.
For the Bread Baker: Bread Warming Blanket
Hostess gifts for bread bakers? Check! Affordable and nothing short of thoughtful, this bread-warming blanket keeps their creation at just the right temperature to ensure every dinner party guest receives a slice of warm homemade bread. It says, “I loaf you,” all on its own.
For the Chic Coffee Drinker: Bistro Tile Monogram Mug
The beauty of hostess gifts is that they’re not really an expectation these days, and they can be as simple or extravagant as you please, depending on how well you know the entertainer. Whether you’re fast friends or meeting for the first time at a holiday party, chic kitchen staples like this bistro tile monogram mug are always a welcome gift. I mean, who doesn’t like collecting cute coffee mugs?
For the Quirky Entertainer: Pineapple Bowls
Add some character to the hostess’ serve ware collection with these quirky pineapple bowls. Not only are pineapples the symbol of hospitality, but they’re a timeless yet charming motif worthy of any kitchen display.
For the Preppy Entertainer: Personalized Hand Towels
If the hostess in your life is obsessed with making their home feel like a luxe hotel, these plush hand towels are such a treat for their powder room. Personalize them with the hostess’ last name or initials and match them with the color palette of their guest bathroom. They’re a treat for the hostess and their guests!
For the Candle Queen: Candle Accessories
Keep the host or hostess’ best candle collection up to par by gifting them this three-in-one candle care set. Complete with a wick trimmer, candle snuffer and wick dipper, the champagne gold colorway is classy and practical enough to display on their coffee table. Speaking of, this candle warmer lamp is also a welcome addition to their home.
For the Foodie: Finishing Salts
The secret to a tasty homemade meal? Finishing salts, of course! Think Bolivian rose salt, black lava salt and so. much. more. Every foodie from grill masters to beginner home cooks will appreciate the extra spice in their life. Pro tip: You can gift the entire eight-piece set or gift two at a time for a hostess gift that keeps on giving.
For the Colorful Chef: Pretty Kitchen Towels
In the kitchen, you can always use more towels. These Anthropologie kitchen towels are perfect for the host or hostess who loves to experiment with color. They brighten up the kitchen no matter the season.
For the Bartender: Personalized Rimming Board
Though an all-expenses paid trip to Margaritaville is ideal, hosts and margarita lovers alike will still appreciate this affordable personalized bamboo board. It’s compact yet thoughtful, and it makes rimming those margarita glasses with salt oh-so-easy. These alcohol gifts are always fun too.
For the Snacker: Flower Bowls
Take their hosting game to a whole new level with these fun snack bowls. Dishwasher- and microwave-safe, they’re just the right size for serving with a charcuterie board, a chocolate board or even a taco board.
For the Tea Drinker: Colonial Black Tea
Gift a little history by the way of tea from the colonial era. “For the tea-lover or history buff in your life, I love gifting unique items from local shops I encounter on my travels, like this Colonial Black tea gift set,” says Senior Shopping Editor, Daria Smith. “My grandma is a big fan of these teas from Charleston, South Carolina!
Bonus: The tea tins are so adorable they can be left on the kitchen counter for all to admire.
For the Charmer: Drink Markers
These fun drink charms make it easy for every party guest to claim their beverage. With charming identifiers like a mermaid or starfish, these beach-themed markers add some personality to everyone’s wine glass. Heck, these charms are so cute, the host in your life will put ’em to use with or without a party.
For the Plant Parent: Mini Succulent Garden
Plants and flowers are always welcome hostess gifts, and this mini succulent garden is the sweetest little find to show your thanks. The succulents arrive beautifully arranged inside a ceramic pot. All you have to do is show up with it to your next gathering.
For the Classic Entertainer: Taste of Home Farmhouse Entertaining Cookbook
Gift some fun yet incredibly helpful inspiration with the Taste of Home Farmhouse Entertaining Cookbook. With chapters on summer parties, Christmas Eve appetizers, kids’ Thanksgiving tables and so much more, all of their hosting woes are covered in this essential guide. They’ll share the gift of farmhouse meals in no time.
For the Homebody: Cozy Throw Blanket
Looking for stellar hostess gifts to wow your loved one? Two words: Cozy gifts. Keep their heart warm all season long thanks to this stunning woven throw blanket any homebody would be lucky to own. Bonus: It’s perfect as a housewarming gift too.
For the Food Artist: Fun Toothpick Holder
Complement their cheese board assortment with a fun yet practical decoration like this hedgehog toothpick holder. It’s so cute you may want to add two to your hostess’ serving collection. It pairs beautifully with these adorable chocolate hedgehog cookies.
For the Recipe Keeper: Custom Recipe Art
While most hostess gifts are meant to serve as little tokens of your appreciation, sometimes you want to go the extra mile for bigger occasions like weekend getaways or holiday parties—especially if you personally know the host or hostess. If they have a beloved family recipe or are famous for their chocolate chip cookies, handwritten recipe gifts like this custom illustrated recipe art is a beautiful way to show your love and thanks. You’ll honor their hosting skills and cherish tradition.
For the Sweets-Fanatic: Fresh Cookies
Who wouldn’t want to be greeted with a freshly baked treat? Wow them with these New York-famous chocolate chip cookies from Levain Bakery. They’ll arrive on their doorstep ready to gobble up. Read how much we love them in our Levain cookies review.
For Last-Minute Hostess Gifts: Scented Soap Petals
After a long day (or season) of entertaining, every host or hostess needs a little “me time.” These beautiful soap petals turn their bathroom into their very own spa, whether they use them in the bathtub or as hand soap. It’s like gifting a bouquet of flowers and a spa day all in one—and for only $20!
For the Game-Lover: Conversation Card Game
For when new guests are around or conversation gets dull, this card game is here to help. We’re Not Really Strangers is a conversational card game that builds connection. Prompts like “What does my phone wallpaper tell you about me,” or “What’s been your favorite memory this past year,” lighten the mood and deepen guests’ understanding of each other.
Though it’s recommended to play with four to six people, it’s ideal for large gatherings too. We bring it to family holiday parties (they can get awkward real quick), and everyone walks away feeling refreshed and entertained after playing together. We’ll raise a glass to that!
For the At-Home Barista: Daysie Syrup
A gift every hostess really needs? A sweet surprise to elevate their morning coffee routine. “Comprised of clean and simple ingredients, Daysie organic syrups are a staple in my daily coffee ritual,” says Senior Shopping Editor, Daria Smith.
“They’re also fabulous as a sweetener in cocktails or desserts. I can’t pick a favorite, so I opt to gift all three in a trio.” BRB we’re treating ourselves to this sweet find immediately.
For Under $50: Checkered Cheese Knives
Elevate their charcuterie game with these elegant, checkered cheese knives. Take it to the next level by pairing them with your loved one’s favorite fromage!
For the Queen of Amazon: Honey Drizzler
Collecting unique Amazon gadgets is basically an art form, and any skilled collector needs to add this adorable honey jar to their compilation. It’s like a maple syrup dispenser but for honey.
We tried the honey drizzler and can confirm it’s the perfect vessel for displaying and pouring honey without all the mess. Not only does it make a wonderful gift for bakers, but it’s also the perfect complement to the host or hostess’ tea collection too.
For the Aromatherapy-Obsessed: Cheerful Essential Oil
We all have an entertainer in our life who’s obsessed with essential oils. For me, it’s my mom, and adding another essential oil diffuser blend to their collection is a surefire way to put a smile on their face. I can’t think of a more appropriate scent than this cheerful blend that’s quite literally described as “sunshine in a bottle.” With notes of lime, bergamot and grapefruit, it sets the mood for the whole evening.
For the Dinner Party Host: Gourmet Pesto
Just in time for your next dinner party, this gourmet pesto gift set featuring sweet pepper pesto, artichoke lemon pesto and arugula and pine nut pesto is guaranteed to wow your host. Made with love, each small batch pesto boasts hand-picked basil leaves and wholesome ingredients that’ll leave the host—and guests—warm and fuzzy on the inside.
For the Edgy Book Worm: Tequila Mockingbird Cocktail Book
For under $15, the Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails with a Literary Twist recipe book is the best cocktail book money can buy that’s guaranteed to light up any literature lover’s face. From “Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margarita” to “Romeo and Julep,” they’ll be delighted with cocktails that pair well with their favorite classic novels. And if they don’t drink alcohol, these mocktail books are equally wonderful.
For the Cottagecore Homebody: Pressed Flower Taper Candle
Some candles just aren’t meant for melting, and this taper candle hand-dipped in real flowers is no exception. For decorators who are obsessed with all things cottagecore, this affordable hostess gift fits right at home with the rest of their whimsical home finds. Pro tip: One order includes a single taper candle, so you may want to snag two to pair with their candlestick holder.
For the Perfumist: Capri Blue Volcano Room Spray
If there’s one thing hosts are always trying to perfect, it’s creating a welcoming, long-lasting signature scent throughout their home. And there’s no aroma more timeless than the Capri Blue Volcano room spray. With notes of orchid, jasmine and gardenia, it makes any room bloom with the smell of fresh-cut flowers.
For the Holiday Host: Fillable Heart Ornament
This holiday, don’t forget to show up without a little something extra that says, “I appreciate you.” I personally love this glass heart-shaped ornament as an affordable yet thoughtful choice because the host or hostess gets to put it to use the minute you hand it to them. Plus, they can fill it with sprigs of flowers or festive candy.
They’ll enjoy re-filling it with something new each holiday season that reminds them of the fantastic parties they’ve hosted. Speaking of, these gift baskets go a long way too.
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