35 Best Hostess Gifts to Give This Holiday Season, According to Etiquette Experts

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Whether it’s a holiday gathering, cocktail party or a more formal dinner, bringing a hostess gift is customary when celebrating any happy occasion. “A hostess gift shows appreciation for your host’s time and efforts,” says Diane Gottsman, etiquette expert and founder of The Protocol School of Texas. “It’s really about showing them that you are pleased to have been invited.”

While many people bring a bottle of wine as a hostess gift — and that’s fine (though you should read our tips about that in our FAQs, at the end of this guide) — you may want to choose a more creative option. If you’re fresh out of fun ideas, we’ve got you covered! We’ve roundup up ideas for every type of host from home bakers and chefs to foodies and grill masters. We’ve got ideas that work for any type of party from casual to formal and any type of host. Even better? We’ve got ideas at every price point, including a great selection of picks for less than $20. We’ve included plenty of handmade gift ideas, too.

While it’s traditional to choose something your host can use for future entertaining events, it’s not obligatory to stick with this theme. If you know your host well, it’s fine to choose something that’s in line with his or her hobbies or interests. After all, the whole purpose of a hostess gift is to be thoughtful about the time your host has invested in entertaining and to show your gratitude for having been included in the celebration, says Gottsman.

Ahead, check out our favorite fun, functional and creative hostess gift ideas for anyone and everyone.

Beeswax Tapers

These gorgeous beeswax candles, handmade by a small business in Ohio since 1869, are a lovely addition to any table. The tapers are unscented, but the company also offers pretty jar candles scented with essential oils and tapers in many other sizes and colors.

Gift Box

Not sure what to bring? This customizable gift lets you choose the size (two or more choices), then the recipient can pick whatever they want from candies, snacks, wine, and even pet treats! Your recipient will love getting to pick exactly what they crave most.

Grill Cleaning and Sauce Set

How about a grilling gift to make your host's cookouts fun and easy? This set, from a Black-owned business, comes with two mops for slathering on the sauce, two bottles of sweet BBQ sauce, two scrubbing stones and two handles to hold the stones and protect fingers during post-cookout cleanups.

S'Mores Bowl

How fun is this idea? This smoke-free tabletop fire lets you roast s'mores any time, either indoors or out. It's a fun way to gather everyone of all ages together for a little winter fun, without having to build a fire!

Black Amarena Cocktail Cherries

If your host mixes up a mean cocktail, treat him or her to these incredible garnishes and mix-ins. They're divine! There's something for everyone ranging from blue cheese olives to cocktail onions to margarita mixes and martini gift kits.

Moroccan Glass Handblown Cone Jug

This stunning cone jug is the perfect gift for the host or hostess with the mostest! Offered by a woman-owned small business, which curates and sells only handmade products that honor the heritage of artisans around the world, this handblown glass jug from Morocco comes in three beautiful colors (blue, amber or green).

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Every foodie knows extra virgin olive oil is the most delectable, and this one is pressed only from rich, buttery Sicilian olives. If your host loves food and cooking, this is a thoughtful (and useful!) gift.

Pink Bubbly Chocolate Truffles Bag

A little chocolatey? A little fizzy? Just like sparkling wine, these sweet and bubbly chocolates could quite possibly be the best truffles you've ever tried!

Ring Dish

Give the host somewhere to put his or her rings when doing chores. This cute dish features an inspirational saying about friendship, too.

Apothecary Matches

Who knew matches could be so...pretty? These apothecary matches, from a small woman-owned business in North Carolina, come in a handsome glass jar with striker. They're cute enough to sit out, instead of hidden away in the junk drawer.

Waxed Amaryllis Bulb

Here's the perfect gift for the flower lover: This waxed amaryllis bulb requires no feeding, planting or watering. Just place it in indirect light, and your host will enjoy beautiful blooms in four to six weeks. What a unique gift!

Organic Oyster Mushroom Grow Kit

What a unique gift for the foodie or home gardener! This mushroom growing kit is so easy to use. They can grow it right on their countertop! Kids will get a kick out of it, too. There's also a pink oyster or shiitake kit.

Tabletop Water Fountain

The soothing sounds of trickling water are perfect on your host's end table or desktop. This petite lighted fountain measures just 8 inches tall, so it fits anywhere for instant relaxation.

Calamondin Citrus Plant

If your host loves houseplants, how about one that's pretty and edible? This calamondin citrus plant is a creative gift, and the tiny oranges, which are produced year-round, are great as drink garnishes. Delicious and fun!

Olive Dish

Handmade in Portugal, this olive dish has a separate compartment just for pits! It's the perfect addition to your host's charcuterie board.

Pour-Over Coffee Brewer Carafe

Coffee lovers know pour-over coffee makes the richest, most delicious brew. Your host will love that this one keeps coffee warm for hours in the stainless steel carafe, whether he or she is hosting a lazy Sunday morning brunch or dinner party for friends.

Embossed Rolling Pin

This rolling pin is almost too pretty to use! Handmade by a small family business in Europe, your recipient will love baked goods embossed with this functional rolling pin.

Desktop Palm Plant

Tiny but beautiful, this desktop palm is easy-care. Your host will love its petite size and low-maintenance needs. It's the perfect size for end tables or desk tops.

Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser

Give your host the gift of relaxation with this tabletop aroma diffuser. It can run up to six hours continuously, diffusing his or her favorite essential oils. It also has a fun color-changing night light.

Personalized Hometown Map Glass Set

These personalized glasses are made in the USA by a small business. Choose rocks, wine or pint glasses with your host's hometown etched beautifully on them. Or opt for the customized night sky, famous ballpark maps, or even quotes from classic literature.

Indigo Gin

A bottle of spirits is a welcome hostess gift, but why go with the ordinary? Empress Indigo Gin is infused with butterfly pea blossom, so it has a naturally lovely lavender color. It's a beautiful addition to the amateur mixologist's bar cart and cocktail repertoire.

Gift Box

These biscotti are the perfect treat for dipping in morning coffee or as a light afternoon snack. Handmade by a small business in New Jersey, they're packaged in a pretty box for a gift-worthy presentation.

Silicone Drink Coasters (Set of 4)

Don't you hate the way most coasters stick to the bottom of your wet glass? Offered by a small business, these silicone coasters won't stick and are heat proof, slip resistant, and dishwasher safe. They come in more than 10 different patterns, all based on ancient Mediterranean mosaics.

3-Ply Stainless Steel Whistling Tea Kettle

If your host loves a cuppa, give this whistling kettle with a stay-cool handle. This shiny stainless steel tea kettle boasts a 3-ply base to help water boil fast. With its mirror finish, it's as pretty as it is useful for tea parties or afternoon pick-me-ups.

Cocktail Napkins

These cocktail napkins with funny sayings about pups are perfect for your dog-loving host! There are also sets with inspirational quotes, quotes from famous people, and funny quotes about marriage.

Lustre Non-Alcoholic Botanical Spirits

Looking for a creative gift in beautiful packaging? Wilderton distills this non-alcoholic spirit using natural botanicals with a citrusy, floral kick. Crafted by a small business in Oregon, these distillates make delicious non-alcoholic cocktails that anyone who's focused on healthy living can enjoy. There's also smokey, spicy Earthen and herbal-forward Bittersweet Aperitivo.

Pearled Candle Kit

This kit includes plant-based candle pearls and wicks that can be placed in any container your recipient likes. Made by a small business in Arkansas, the pearls take the shape of any container and burn completely, so there's no waste or containers to toss. Choose from unscented or seasonally-scented pearls.

Premium Vietnamese Coffee

Made by a woman-owned small business, these single-serve pour-over coffees are great idea for the host who loves new and interesting flavors. There's the classic vanilla latte, but also more unique tastes such as lavender and salted caramel.

Baking Spice Set

Give your host the best baking spices ever! This set of three from King Arthur Baking are premium spices that any baker will love.

Jungle Spoon

If your host loves to cook and loves plants, this Monstera ladle is so much fun to give (and receive!). The spoon has plenty of holes, just like a Monstera plant's foliage, for easy serving.

Hot Chocolate Mugs

These adorable mugs, which feel great in the hand, are offered by a woman-owned small business, which curates and sells only handmade products which honor the heritage of artisans around the world. Add some spicy drinking chocolate, and you've got a delicious gift that's perfect for chilly evenings.

Marble Honeycomb Cheese Knives (Set of 3)

Dress up your host's cheese plate with these gorgeous marble cheese knives. The tiny bees make them irresistible!

Charcuterie Experience

This curated all-in-one kit provides everything you need for a delicious charcuterie board. It serves six to eight people for apps, or two to four as the main meal. It's a great way to provide your host with a night off from cooking, or to send afterwards as a thoughtful thank you gift for the whole family.

Cotton Linen Napkins

These beautiful napkins comes in more than 30 different patterns, so you'll be sure to find a style that your host will love. This set of 12 is made machine washable and generously sized at 20 inches x 20 inches.

Whiskey Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup

Everyone loves maple syrup, but treat your host to maple syrup that's been whisky barrel-aged. Of course, it's delish on pancakes, but drizzle it over ice cream or into cocktails for an extra-special treat.

What to look for when shopping for a hostess gift

When deciding what to bring or send your host, keep in mind a few tips to choose the right hostess gift, with tips from Diane Gottsman, etiquette expert and founder of The Protocol School of Texas. Here's what to look for:

• Choose something you know they love, such as special chocolates

• Select something your host can use for entertaining

• Give something just for fun or to pamper your host

• Choose something the host’s whole family can enjoy

FAQs

✔️ How much should you spend on a hostess gift?

That depends on the occasion and your budget. What’s generally considered reasonable for an event such as a cookout, a cocktail party, or sit-down dinner is around $25 to $30. “It’s a modest amount that is a gesture of good will on your part, showing your appreciation for their hospitality and time,” says Gottsman.

But if you’re staying for a few nights or a week, it’s customary to give a more generous gift, such as something nice for their home or garden, or to take them out for dinner. “The key should be thinking about how you can bring joy to your host or offer something that will make a memory together, like a nice dinner out at their favorite restaurant,” says Gottsman.

✔️ Do you always have to give a hostess gift?

Generally speaking, it’s considered polite to bring a small token of appreciation for your host’s kindness and efforts. The dollar figure is less important that being thoughtful about selecting something you think they will enjoy, says Gottsman.

✔️ Should you bring a hostess gift or send one afterwards?

Either is fine. Or both is okay, too! If you’re staying for a while, bringing a small gift is okay, then send a more generous one later, if you like. It's entirely up to you. What’s never wrong? Sending a handwritten thank you note, says Gottsman.

✔️ Is there anything that isn’t appropriate for a hostess gift?

It really depends on how well you know the person, but in general, it’s considered rude to give home décor, which is too personal and imposes your tastes on the host, or bouquets that will have to be tended to right away, thus taking your busy host’s attention from the party. If you do want to give flowers, send them to arrive the day after the party, says Gottsman.

Also, don’t bring food that appears it should be served at the party, such as a cake you just baked, even if you’re a world-class baker. This pressures your host to serve it during the event, which is presumptuous of you to impact their menu.

Other types of food, such as a special box of chocolates, coffee, or other goodies, are fine to bring because it’s apparent they’re meant to be enjoyed by the host at a later time, says Gottsman.

✔️ Is it okay to bring wine for a hostess gift?

If you know your host enjoys wine, the old standby gift of a bottle of wine is fine, as long as you make it clear you don’t expect them to serve it during the party. Say something like, “I thought you two might enjoy this bottle some evening in the coming weeks” so it’s apparent you don’t expect them to open it now.

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