Host Gift Upgrades
One way I love to approach host + hostess gifts is to provide a nice upgrade for something they already have and often use. In an effort to reduce clutter or avoid gifting an item that may end up in the back of a cabinet or drawer, wrap up a household upgrade that you know your host will love to use.
1. Williams Sonoma Meyer Lemon Essential Oils Collection – WilliamsSonoma.com
This is a great gift option to grab next time you’re at Williams Sonoma and keep on hand for upcoming soirées. Everyone loves a nice hand soap and lotion combo. Include the countertop spray, too - their kitchen will smell heavenly!
2. Pretty Stationery - BespokeDesigns.com
Nice stationery is a guaranteed hit and something your host will actually use.
3. Byredo Candle – Bloomingdales.com
Not everyone loves to buy pricey candles, but everyone loves to receive them!
4. No.723 Laundry Kit – TheLaundress.com
Upgrading regular laundry detergent with luxury laundry care? How chic!
5. Lucky Charm Cocktail Picks - JoannaBuchanan.com
These cocktail picks are fabulous, packed with personality, and dress up any martini or otherwise.
6. Brightland Olive Oil - Brightland.co
Olive oil is a kitchen staple and your host will love receiving this upgraded variety. This gift could be used later or opened up the night of the party and served with a crispy baguette (which you should also bring!)
Luxury Gifts
Want to really, really thank your hosts? If you’re visiting for the weekend or over the holidays and want to make an impact, these luxury gifts will surprise and delight.
1. Artisanal, Local Chocolates - Chocolatieree.com
A little something sweet for a post-event treat.
2. Personalized Wine Pack – TheFineWineCompanyofWestport.com
Pick up a beautiful crate packed with your host’s favorite wines.
3. Fresh Flower Bar Arrangement - FreshFlowerBar.com
If you plan to show up with flowers, make sure it’s an arrangement. Hosts should never be put in the position to snip stems and locate a vase while entertaining but a signature hatbox full of beautiful blooms from Fresh Flower Bar is a wonderful way to show your gratitude.
4. Seedlip Non-Alcoholic Spirits - SeedlipDrinks.com
These non-alcoholic spirits make mocktails that will blow your host’s mind.
5. Bud Vases - ElysiaHome.com
For a host who loves color, these fun bud vases are a great alternative to a traditional arrangement and come in a set of three.
6. Caviar from Caviar & Caviar – Amazon.com
Nothing says luxury like caviar for your host with the most expensive tastebuds.
Hostess Gifts Under $50
Sometimes the best things in life come in small packages. These host/hostess gifts are all under $50; they may be small but are great options for a BIG thank you!
1. Anthropologie Tea Towel- How To Fold Napkins - Anthropologie.com
A traditional hostess gift with a visual guide of napkin folding. Your host can reference it prior to their next event.
2. Custom Message Shortbread Cookies – UncommonGoods.com
You’ll win the award for the most unique gift with this one. Customize these shortbread cookies with your hosts’ name, an inside joke, or even a "thank you." They’ll definitely be talking about these at their next get together.
3. Dipped Ceramic Pitcher - MarkAndGraham.com
This ceramic pitcher can be used for beverages or even as a small vase. You can even add a monogram if you want to personalize your hostess gift.
4. Sweetgrass Harbor Stripe Napkins - SweetGrassHome.com
Linen napkins are a traditional hostess gift and these come in a variety of colors and patterns to match your host’s dining décor.
5. Ohia Lehua Honey - BigIslandBees.com
Organic Hawaiian honey that won’t overwhelm tea drinkers and pairs perfectly on a charcuterie board.
6. Spirited: Cocktails from Around the World – Amazon.com
For the host who is always making new craft beverages, gift this cocktail book. You just may be invited back for a cocktail tasting!
Homemade Host Gifts
If you’re a DIY’er or just want your host to know you put a little extra effort into their gift, try these easy, but impressive homemade gifts.
1. Compound Butter
Compound butter is actually so easy to make and is an impressive gift. Grab some softened premium butter and mix in fresh herbs, Everything But The Bagel Seasoning, or cinnamon. Roll into plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours. Wrap in butcher paper and baker’s twine prior to gifting.
2. Sugar Scrub
Combine sugar, coconut oil, and citrus zest (essential oils work just fine, too!) and portion into a small jar. Your host will be thankful for their soft skin!
3. Simmer Pot Starter
This time of year, I love a simmer pot on the stove to fill the house with seasonal smells. Fill a mason jar with a lemon peel, orange peel, some cinnamon sticks, a few tablespoons of whole cloves, and two bay leaves. When you gift this to your host, add a tag with the following instructions: Fill a saucepan with water and bring to a boil, add your simmer pot mixture and again, bring to a boil. Lower the heat down to a simmer as the scent fill yours home. Add water as needed, usually every 30 minutes.
4. Infused Salt
Infused salts are much easier to make than you might think. Just combine 1 teaspoon spice or dried herbs to 1/4 cup kosher salt. You can be more generous if you’re using citrus or fresh herbs. Chipotle and lime zest is a favorite of mine to gift. It’s a delicious rub for pork, chicken, or beef but also is a fantastic way to rim a Bloody Mary.
5. Chocolate Chip Cookies
I don’t know anyone who can turn down a chocolate chip cookie and I doubt your host will either. If you aren’t gifted in the baking category or don’t have a recipe you love, just follow the recipe on the chocolate chip bag and add a bit of flaky sea salt on top as the cookies come out the oven for a gourmet feel. Trust me.
6. Rose Infused Bath Soak
Gift your host a little relaxation when the entertaining is over. Combine 1 ½ cups Epsom salt, ¼ cup pink Himalayan Sea Salt, 1 Tbsp. baking soda, ¼ cup dried rose buds & petals, and 10 (or so) drops of rose essential oil. Mix well and portion into jars. Easy as that and ready to gift.
