We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Shopping Holiday Gift Reviews Gift Guides The 53 Best Hostess Gifts That Are So Useful You’ll Want To Keep Them These are the best hostess gifts of 2024 to stash away for an easy last-minute gift idea (or to treat yourself). By Belle DuChene Belle DuChene Belle DuChene is an award-winning digital content producer and professor of communications who has a passion for all things lifestyle including fashion, food and French culture. (And wine, of course!) Her career in the fashion industry has taken her to New York City, Chicago, London and Paris. Belle's focus is on demonstrating a can-do, DIY attitude for incorporating artistic elements into one's wardrobe, home, and lifestyle. She currently owns an award-winning content creation agency and teaches at three colleges and universities. She holds a B.A. in French and Textiles and Apparel as well as an M.A. in Communications from the University of Northern Iowa. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process and Sarah Halverson Sarah Halverson Sarah Halverson has written several do-it-yourself and home tour feature articles for Better Homes & Gardens. Much of her work focuses on updating older or historical homes, and her home tour articles cover a range of home styles and restoration processes. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on May 10, 2024 In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Reviews The Bottom Line What to Know Before Shopping Your Questions, Answered Who We Are Better Homes & Gardens / Kevin Liang Showing up empty-handed to a special event or party is the worst, especially if everyone else has put in the effort to bring a gift to thank the host for their hospitality. The best hostess gifts will make them feel seen and appreciated, but finding a thoughtful gift isn’t easy. Maybe you don't know the hostess very well, so it’s hard to narrow down the options on the market to find a gift they'll really like. Perhaps you want something other than a gift card or the same old bottle of wine. Or, maybe you forgot about the event and are on a time crunch. If you didn't have time to create adorable DIY hostess gifts, couldn't think of something while on the run, or need some inspiration, we're here to help. We researched a variety of items to find the best hostess gifts in various categories. The best hostess gifts are foolproof and suit various tastes and occasions, especially housewarmings. From games to décor to items for parties, our picks are so practical, clever, and stylish, that you may even order them for yourself. Yankee Candle MidSummer's Night Candle Amazon View On Amazon $20 View On Walmart $34 View On Yankeecandle.com $34 Candles are one of the best hostess gifts, but it can be hard to know which aroma or design is best for someone else. The Yankee Candle MidSummer's Night Signature Pillar Candle is a safe bet because it’s one of the brand's top sellers, with a blend of musk, patchouli, sage, and mahogany that appeals to many preferences. House of Lilac Bud Vase Arrangement House of Lilac View On Houseoflilac.com Flowers make for a thoughtful gift but if you want to take it up a notch, consider the House of Lilac Dried Flower Bud Vase Arrangement. With this pick, you can choose both the vase style and the color palette of the florals, so you'll be able to gift your favorite hostess with a bouquet that suits their style. The dried florals will last for years as well, so they can be used as centerpieces for future dinner parties. Williams Sonoma Walnut Cookbook Holder Pottery Barn View On Williams-Sonoma $50 View On Havenly.com $50 If the hostess in your life is known for their cooking, they'll appreciate the Williams Sonoma Walnut Cookbook Holder. This pick makes it easy to prop up a cookbook, so your favorite hostess can check cooking times, ingredients, and other next steps while they prep. Compartes 20 Piece Signature Truffles Gift Box Compartes View On Compartes.com You can't go wrong with a box of chocolate, especially when it's the Compartes Signature Truffles Gift Box. The set includes 20 truffles that are individually wrapped in patterned wrapping paper that's sure to impress. Plus, the truffles are handmade and feature a variety of fillings, so there's something to suit everyone's taste. LIFVER Absorbent Coasters Set of 6 with Holder Amazon View On Amazon $15 Coasters are the best practical–yet often overlooked–hostess gift. These Lifver Terrazzo Drink Coasters make a big impact even though they are only 4 inches wide. The ceramic top grabs onto your glass and is absorbent to capture condensation from iced drinks. The non-slip cork base protects the surfaces in your home from scratches, scuffs, and water rings, and presents slipping, which inevitably reduces the number of spills. Wrap up the coasters with a bag of roasted coffee and a mug or a pair of wine glasses to make a great hostess gift. Hygge Games The Hygge Game Hygge Games View On Amazon $20 View On Walmart $20 View On Uncommon Goods $20 The Hygge Game is like giving the gift of contentment. The term Hygge first appeared in Danish writing in the 1800s as a derivative of a Norwegian term meaning “well-being.” It became a buzzword that went viral a few years ago and has now become a mantra for a stress-free lifestyle where one enjoys the good things in life. The thought-evoking entertaining party game is intended to spark conversation through 300 questions. It is great for icebreakers and bringing people even closer together. Plus, it is acceptable for guests of all ages. Crate & Barrel Stoneware Spoon Rest Crate & Barrel View On Crate & Barrel $10 If your favorite hostess is cooking up a meal, they’ll appreciate having this spoon rest from Crate & Barrel handy for ladles, spoons, and other utensils. The stoneware spoon rest has a minimal look and is only offered in white, so it’s sure to match any kitchen. It’s dishwasher safe, so it’s easy to keep in good condition between meals. Plus, it's less expensive than other options, so it's one of the best hostess gifts if you have a specific budget in mind. Uncommon Goods Cocktail Picks Uncommon Goods View On Uncommon Goods $24 These cocktail picks from Uncommon Goods are a fun upgrade from traditional cocktail umbrellas. The set includes four cocktail picks, each of which features a female diver in a retro swimsuit that’s headed straight towards the drink they’re in. The stainless steel picks are reusable, and are one of the best gifts for hostesses that are known for their delicious beverages. Natural Life Stainless Steel Bowl Natural Life View On Naturallife.com While a meal may be the main event of a gathering, we think the serveware can be just as important. Take this stainless steel serving bowl from Natural Life, which features a vibrant floral design that’ll look stunning on any table. Whether your favorite hostess is serving salad, chips, or pasta, or just wants to store leftovers, this bowl is sure to come in handy. If they’re all set on serving dishes, the bowl can also be used for meal prep. EasyPlant Money Tree EasyPlant View On Easyplant.com While flowers are always a nice touch, Easyplant’s Money Tree makes for a great gift that’s just as thoughtful as a bouquet. The plant symbolizes prosperity, which is a sweet message to share with your favorite hostess. It comes with a ceramic pot that’s offered in a variety of colors, so you can choose which suits the lucky recipient best. Plus, it features a self-watering system and only needs to be watered once a month, so it’s quite low-maintenance. Lid Sid Pot Lid Lifter View On Amazon $15 View On Monkeybusinessusa.com View On Milkandchat.com You wouldn’t think that these person-shaped blobs of silicone would be so helpful to an avid cook, but they are! The Lid Sid perches on the edge of a pot to keep it from boiling over and holds up the lid to allow steam to escape. It’s an adorable (but also practical) gift for the cook who has every other gadget under the sun. DrawYourPortrait Custom Pet Portrait Etsy View On Etsy $27 This Custom Pet Portrait from Etsy could have been the top pick in the category of the best-personalized hostess gifts because there’s nothing that hits closer to the heart than a gift that shows the cute little face of one’s favorite furbaby. It’s available in all standard sizes. Once you’ve chosen a size, you select from a wrapped canvas print that comes in a wooden frame, a digital download printable file, a high-quality paper print, or a black acrylic frame that comes with hanging hardware. Estelle Colored Wine Stemware Estelle View On Nordstrom $185 View On Estellecoloredglass.com These viral wine glasses from South Carolina-based brand Estelle Colored Glass are one of the best hostess gifts for several reasons. First of all, they're gorgeous. Available in a beautiful rainbow of unusual shades such as amber smoke, mint green, and blush pink, they have retro appeal without actually being antiques. The glasses are handblown and available in sets of six, so they're great for small gatherings. Or you can buy a couple of sets in mix-and-match colors for an eclectic look. Better Homes & Gardens Cake Stand Better Homes & Gardens View On Walmart $20 An elegant cake stand makes a great gift for hostesses who love to bake. This one is from BHG's own collection and looks a lot more expensive than it is, with versatile speckled stoneware in an elegant pedestal shape. The neutral, subtly rustic piece serves as the perfect backdrop for beautiful cakes, brownies, muffins, and breads. Magnolia Room Spray Magnolia View On Magnolia.com Scented with citrus and musk, this Linen room spray from Magnolia is a light and clean scent that doesn’t overpower but lasts a good long time. It can be sprayed in a gathering space or set discreetly in the bathroom for guests. And it’s made in the USA and free of glycol, petro, and phthalates for a bonus. Grown Alchemist Hydrate & Revive Hand Care Set Grown Alchemist View On Grownalchemist.com $59 Stationing some yummy-smelling hand soap at the kitchen sink is not merely an indulgence for a regular host—it’s practically a necessity. They probably wash their hands all the time while prepping snacks and drinks for guests. The hand wash in this Grown Alchemist set contains sage and cedarwood to gently cleanse, while the lotion conditions and moisturizes. Terrain Melamine Serving Platter Terrain View On Shopterrain.com You can never have too many serving platters for appetizers, bread, desserts, and the like, so this option from Terrain will be a welcome addition to a hostess’s brood. Made of melamine and bamboo fiber, it is safe for the dishwasher (top rack only), suitable for outdoor meals, and comes in three festive colors—we are partial to the Multi, which features muted rainbow hues. Bellwood Lazy Susan Umbra View On Umbra.com $40 Whether you’re attending a casual cookout or a fancy dinner, this lazy Susan by Umbra will be a very welcome plus-one. Set on a buffet or dining table, it can hold drinks, condiments, silverware, or what-have-you in a practical and stylish setting. It rotates a full 360 degrees and its base is wood with a topper of plastic dividers. The four dividers can be removed if needed so your host can customize how items are stored. Better Homes & Gardens Wine Glasses Better Homes & Gardens View On Walmart $10 Four beautiful wine glasses at around $10 a set? Sounds like the best hostess gift if you ask us. These Better Homes & Gardens glasses, which are recommended for serving red wine, have an attractive flare shape that makes them a bit more modern and eye-catching than your average wine glass. Plus they're so affordable that a breakage won't be viewed as a total tragedy. Vacation Classic Sunscreen Spray Nordstrom View On Nordstrom $19 View On Ulta $19 View On Revolve $19 Say you’re headed to a friend’s pool party or for dinner and drinks on the patio. Tuck an extra bottle of this sunscreen into your bag to give to your host; they’ll likely appreciate your thoughtfulness and even share it with anyone who forgot to bring their own. It's water-resistant, offering SPF 30 protection for up to 80 minutes, and its continuous spray is air-powered (not chemically propelled). It goes on cleanly and applies transparently on all skin tones. The coconut oil, banana extract, shea oil, and vitamin E in the formula nourish and hydrate skin. Cuisinart 4-Piece Folding Grill Tool Set Amazon View On Amazon $38 View On Macy's $84 View On Jcpenney.com $41 The next time someone invites you over for a barbecue, tote this Cuisinart tool set along with you as a gift to the grill aficionado. It includes a spatula, tongs, and fork for flipping burgers, turning bratwurst, and spearing brisket, and all three fold up into a zipper case so they can be stored compactly. Portland Pet Food Bacon Biscuit Dog Treats View On Portlandpetfoodcompany.com For the host who already has everything—and also a dog or two—might we suggest bringing a gift for their furry friends? This 5-ounce bag of bacon biscuits will be well-received, not only by your human friend but also by their dogs. They’re made of garbanzo bean flour, bacon, and organic eggs for a high-protein snack, and they are free of grain and gluten. Better Homes & Gardens Charcuterie Platter Better Homes & Gardens View On Walmart $10 Help them elevate their cocktail-and-cheese hour with a charcuterie board. This Better Homes & Gardens white stoneware will let cheeses, meats, fruit, and crackers really pop. This platter is both dishwasher- and microwave-safe, so it's minimal fuss when it comes time to clean up. Smokehouse by Thoughtfully Ultimate Grilling Spice Set Amazon View On Amazon $40 View On Walmart $35 View On Macy's $50 The Ultimate Grilling Spice Set is not just for meat lovers—its 20 unique and expertly flavored combinations are great for veggies, too, making it a vegetarian, gluten-free, and keto-friendly gift option. We love the classics like the Memphis rub (sugar, brown sugar, chili flakes, garlic flakes, onion flakes, and cayenne) and Jamaican jerk rub (salt, brown sugar, onion flakes, cinnamon flakes, garlic flakes), and the Caribbean (coriander seeds, salt, onion flakes, sugar). Staples like rosemary and herb salt are great for beginner grillers as they learn to define and cook with their favorite flavors, and adventurous flavors like lime chipotle or chili rosemary will keep any master griller’s interest piqued. Coyuchi Organic Waffle Kitchen Towels View On Wayfair $10 View On Coyuchi.com $58 View On Perigold.com These organic waffle towels from Coyuchi are handsome enough to hang in the guest bathroom—look at those pretty colors!—but they’re also made to withstand frequent washes and everyday use in the kitchen. The organic cotton is yarn-dyed so the color will last, and the waffle weave is extra thirsty for soaking up spills. The towels come in five colorways, and we are partial to Meadow, which contains three pairs of cream, light gray, and gold towels. Henckels 4-Piece Paring Knife Set Amazon View On Amazon $19 View On Urban Outfitters $20 View On Macy's $20 To help your favorite host throw their next dinner party, consider giving them this set of four paring knives from Henckels. A paring knife is considered essential for those who like to cook, and this set ensures that a host will always have a clean, sharp one at their disposal. These include a bird’s beak peeler, a conventional paring knife, one with a straight edge, and a knife with a longer serrated blade. Food52 Gingham Linen Potholders View On Food52 $25 That friend who’s always contributing homemade bread, muffins, and cookies to your gatherings would delight in this set of linen potholders. They feature a pocket for sliding your hand inside, plenty of padding, a quilted texture, and a loop for hanging. They also double as trivets for hot dishes. Available in four chipper colors. LinenMe Linen Apron View On Etsy $49 View On Linenme.com A quality apron will protect skin and clothes from spills and splatters so they can go from cooking to hosting in a snap. This elegant linen apron will become their go-to, with its neck strap, large lap pocket for stashing a phone, and extra-long waist straps. Plus it comes in 22 colors, so you can truly match their apron to their personality. Williams Sonoma Olivewood Bench Scraper Williams Sonoma View On Williams-Sonoma $20 A bench scraper, like this pick from Williams Sonoma, is one of the trusty tools that a baker or cook needs in his arsenal. Use its blade to chop nuts, divide dough, measure the height of cakes, cut brownies into equal squares, and scrape peels and rinds into the compost bin. It’s an inexpensive host gift that they'll reach for time and time again. Hickory Farms Thank You Treats Gift Box Hickory Farms View On Hickoryfarms.com $40 Food gift baskets can get pretty expensive once you navigate options for add-ons and shipping, but the Hickory Farms Thank You Treats Gift Box is the exception. The box contains classic treats like the Hickory Farms’ signature summer beef sausage, farmhouse cheddar, smoked Gouda, sweet hot mustard, toasted crackers, and chewy dark chocolate sea salt caramels. Its solid lineup makes this one of the best hostess gifts. We love that it would also be a great idea for a host you don’t know well yet, since it is likely to satisfy diverse palates. Kosterina Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Italian Balsamic Vinegar Gift Set Kosterina View On Crate & Barrel $100 View On Kosterina.com The Kosterina Greek Olive Oil & Italian Balsamic Vinegar Tasting Set is the fancy–and slightly pricey–culinary gift you wouldn’t necessarily buy for yourself, but would love to receive. Both bottles of olive oil are made from high-quality, early-harvest Koroneiki olives grown in southern Greece and then cold-pressed in small batches. The balsamic vinegar is made with Lambrusco and Trebbiano grapes by artisans in Modena, Italy, and has a fruity flavor with a peppery finish. Each 12.7 fluid-ounce bottle adds depth and acidity to salads, bread, roasted meats, and grilled veggies. Bambusi Cheese Board and Knife Set Amazon View On Amazon $38 View On Walmart $52 Your food-loving friend is guaranteed to love the Bambusi Cheese Board and Knife Set because it represents the entire contents of a cheese shop on one 14 x 14-inch serving platter. It is one of the best hostess gifts you can buy on Amazon because it’s unique yet useful. The set is well-stocked with four cheese knives, three labeling slates with two chalk markers, one wine opener, and a carrying bag. Made of 100 percent bamboo, the board is durable and made for the long haul. We love the grooves around the serving area because crackers fit just right without sliding all over the place. French Home Store Cheese Knife & Spreader Set Amazon View On Amazon $35 View On Target $37 View On Saksoff5th.com Sometimes the little things in life mean the most, and this cute seven-piece Laguiole Cheese Knife & Spreader Set is the best hostess gift for someone who can appreciate how these knives can make something as simple as cheddar cheese on crackers seem fancy. We love the iconic Laguiole bee insignia, and the triple-rivet design found on the top of the iconic French design flatware. It gives the stainless steel blades with ergonomic and properly weighted acrylic handles an air of elegance. The set includes a spade, fork-tipped spear, soft cheese spreader, four regular spreaders, and a little wood tray to keep the blades sharp while storing. Eight Owls Linen Napkins Amazon View On Amazon $33 The Eight Owl Linen Napkins made our list of best hostess gifts because they look like the expensive French linens we picture on the table of a café in Paris or at a picnic in Provence, but they are wallet-friendly and easy to toss in the wash. Each soft, stonewashed linen package comes with a pack of four 18 x 18-inch napkins with mitered corners, quality stitching, and beautiful packaging. The hardest thing will be deciding which color to choose since we love every tone, from the rustic orange and soft mulberry for fall to the bold red and purple grape for summer. Walkers Nonsuch Walkers Nonsuch Assorted Toffees View On Amazon $8 Treating a host to high-quality candies they’ve probably never had before is a fantastic idea: Hosts can share with the rest of the party, or they can set aside these candies for themselves. Walker’s Nonsuch is one of England’s finest and oldest makers of traditional toffee, and it is still family-owned and operated. This bag of goodies contains an assortment of toffees and chocolate eclairs made with whole milk and butter, including classic English toffee, versions covered in milk or dark chocolate, and a banana split toffee that tastes remarkably like a real banana split. Urban Accents Movie Night Popcorn Set View On Amazon $22 View On Walmart $34 View On Stonewallkitchen.com The next time friends with an amazing home theater invite you over for a double feature, bring along this Movie Night Popcorn Set as a token of thanks. It includes three bags of small-batch popcorn and five bottles of premium seasonings, from chili lime to kettle corn, so everyone can dress their popcorn their way. Mixology Bartender Bar Tool Set Amazon View On Amazon $31 Available in three colors (silver, gold, copper), the Mixology Bartender Kit with Bamboo or Mahogany Stand comes equipped with matching, must-have accessories to make it easy for newbies and practiced bartenders to craft cocktails like a pro. The 24-ounce cocktail shaker has a built-in strainer to remove chunks of ice. The double-sided jigger lists milliliters and centiliters to precisely measure liquids for metric and imperial drink recipes. The corkscrew has an easy-to-use, two-step lever, and two liquor pourers to reduce the risk of messy spills from a bottle. Winc Gift Card Winc View On Target $60 View On Winc.com If you’ve ever stared at an aisle of wine in a state of paralysis so long you could feel yourself aging with the grapes, you’ll want to know about the Winc Wine Gift Card because it takes all of the guesswork out of matching a hostess’ preferences to the perfect bottle. Instead, they will answer six quick questions in the Palate Profile quiz to select a bottle of wine according to the type, region, and hints of flavor that the hostess likes best. The Winc gift card is sent digitally. You simply choose the amount you want and write a personalized note. A code will be used to redeem the card online. Whiskey Peaks American Mountains Whiskey Glass Set Huckberry View On Amazon $37 View On Huckberry $60 Sure, you could bring your whiskey-adoring friend yet another bottle of spirits for their next party. But for the connoisseur who already has a well-stocked bar, might we suggest these tumblers? Hand-blown, the striking glasses are molded to resemble famous mountain peaks. They do need to be hand-washed, but it’s probably a small price to pay for such a striking set. Vacu Vin Wine Saver Pump Black with 8 Vacuum Wine Stopper Amazon View On Amazon $32 View On Walmart $30 Rather than bring a bottle of wine to your next dinner party—a gift that’s here today and gone tonight—how about picking up these wine stoppers for the host? They come in a set of eight and provide an air-tight seal to prolong and preserve opened bottles of wine. You can also use them in bottles of beer, soy sauce, vinegar, and so on. La Monarca Bakery Authentic Mexican Style Hot Chocolate Mix Amazon View On Amazon $15 View On World Market $9 Once you feel that first chill in the air, it is officially hot drink season! This means you can eagerly bring this cocoa set for the host of your next shindig—and maybe they’ll share it with you. The Mexican cocoa mix is made with cocoa butter, sugar, tapioca, cinnamon, and salt. Harney & Sons Best Sellers View On Harney.com An assortment of classic Harney & Sons teas (Hot Cinnamon Spice, Earl Grey Supreme, Paris, and English Breakfast) will delight the tea-loving host in your life. Each tin contains 20 sachets of caffeinated tea in the company’s best selling varieties. West Elm Fluted Acrylic Pitcher View On West Elm $20 A hostess can never have too many pitchers on hand—not only do they let guests pour their own water, tea, and cocktails, but they can also double as vases. We especially like this translucent pitcher from West Elm because it is made of durable acrylic, it’s lightweight, and it has a modern fluted pattern. Mixly Classic Cocktail Kit View On Mixlycocktailco.com $25 Options for mixers are just as important as spirits. Even more fun than the conventional margarita or sour mix is this collection from Mixly Cocktail Co. The Classic Cocktail Kit features three bottles of its top-selling mixers: Pineapple Basil Lime, Grapefruit Jalapeno, and Cucumber Mint Lime, plus a recipe card for what spirits to pair with which mixers. They’re all sweetened with honey and fresh-squeezed juices. Better Homes & Gardens Serving Tray Better Homes & Gardens View On Walmart $20 This cute bisected serving tray by Better Homes & Gardens is perfect for serving different types of fruits, or chips and dip. It has an artisanal look but is affordable and low-maintenance since you can toss it in the dishwasher or heat it in the microwave without worrying about damage. Easy Cocktails View On Amazon $15 A recipe book with more than 150 drinks, Easy Cocktails is the hostess gift that will keep on giving—we bet this book will inform parties for years to come! Each featured drink is made with four ingredients or less, practically ensuring that they’re all unfussy and easy. Duluth Trading Shut the Box Game Duluth Trading View On Duluthtrading.com Simple enough for kids but so engaging that the whole group will get caught up in the spirited competition, 4-Way Shut the Box from Duluth Trading is a fun, fast-paced game that will sharpen everyone’s ciphering skills. Constructed of solid wood and meant for up to four players, Shut the Box is an old English pub game that’s ripe for a comeback. VITRUVI Essential Oil Diffuser VITRUVI View On Nordstrom $123 View On Vitruvi.com View On West Elm $85 Candles make a home smell great, but they come with some inherent risk that only increases the more crowded your home becomes. For the frequent party-thrower, an essential oil diffuser can. be a great alternative. The Stone Ceramic Diffuser from Vitruvi is one of the best on the market. Made of matte ceramic and BPA-free plastic, it comes in a gorgeous range of colors such as sky blue, cocoa brown, sea green, terracotta, and lavender. In addition to the beautiful design, it can scent rooms up to 500 square feet for 4 to 8 hours. Cavallini Vintage Wildflowers Puzzle View On Amazon $25 View On Artofplay.com View On Calendars.com A puzzle is low-fi fun for the whole family and a welcome gift to the hosts the next time your kiddos are invited to a birthday party. The premium, 1,000-piece puzzle was inspired by intricate vintage prints from Cavallini’s vast historical archives; choose between trees, birds, national parks, or (our favorite) wildflowers. Each puzzle is packaged in a 10-inch-long cardboard tube. The pieces can be safely stored in a muslin bag inside. Starface Hydro-Stars Starface View On Amazon $15 View On Target $15 View On Walmart $15 Unless you're familiar with what your giftee likes, skincare isn't always an ideal present. But we think the Starface Hydro-Stars are an exception. They are star-shaped hydrocolloid "pimple protectors" that absorb oil and diminish redness from blemishes. They're ideal for popping on the night before a big event to stop that burgeoning zit from blossoming into a full-blown pimple. Stone Hollow Farmstead Gift Box Stone Hollow Farmstead View On Stonehollowfarmstead.com Dinner gets all the love when it comes to hosting events—but what about breakfast? Stone Hollow Farmstead's Blissful Breakfast Box (which earned a coveted spot on 2023's Oprah Favorite Things list) can take a brunch gathering to the next level. It contains four items—Wildflower Honey, Sprouted Flour Pancake Mix, Stone Hollow Floral Honeysuckle Jelly, and Rose Geranium Syrup—beautifully packaged in a wooden box. Food 52 Oven Mitts Food52 View On Food52 $29 A great pair of oven mitts is a staple for any home chef. This quality set from Food 52 is made of platinum-grade silicone and cotton, with an ultra-soft lining for added comfort. Our favorite detail? In addition to traditional hanging loops, there are magnets so you can stick them to a fridge or oven for storage. Ritual Zero Proof Whiskey Alternative Amazon View On Amazon $33 View On Ritualzeroproof.com A bottle of wine or liquor is a classic hostess gift, but Ritual Zero Proof's Whiskey Alternative is another great option to consider. The non-alcoholic beverage offers similar flavors as whiskey, so all guests can enjoy a cocktail before or after dinner. The Bottom Line When shopping online for the best hostess gifts, it is best to start with the basics. A hostess gift is something you bring to a special event or party to thank the host for inviting you. Generally, this item is something the hosts would use while entertaining, such as serving platters, coasters, linens, and tea towels. They can be generic in design or holiday themed. The difference between that and, say, a birthday gift is that a birthday gift is often much more personal: a bottle of perfume or a book. Stylist and etiquette expert Haya Maraka says that just as there are faux pas when attending a party as a guest, you can make mistakes with gift-giving too. To steer clear of any mishaps, “It is important to take some time and make it personal,” Maraka advises. And, if you want to put your best foot forward—or if you had an oops and arrived empty-handed—Maraka says going the extra mile is still a good idea. “Always include a handwritten thank you note. Sometimes it is even nice to send a gift after the party, as well.” In our research, we found over 50 of the best hostess gifts that are nearly foolproof. Some are more personal, some are silly, and some more clever. What to Know About Hostess Gifts Before Shopping Price It’s the thought that counts, not the size or price. The point of presenting a gift to your hostess is not to show anyone up or to win anyone over. It is to show the hostess your gratitude for welcoming you to be a part of the special event and to make them feel special, but it should be discreet. “You never need to go overboard to make an elegant and simple statement,” says Makara. Take her advice to heart by adding a personal touch like a handwritten note, and you’ll set yourself up for success. Practicality Deciding what is practical for a hostess depends on the reason for the event, who will be present, the location, and the host's personality. You should also consider the ages and any possible dietary restrictions. For casual gatherings like a game night with friends, a game to be used that evening or some time in the future might be the best hostess gift. Housewarmings can be the most fun since the best hostess gift is one that will contribute to their new home or welcome them to the neighborhood. Think wine glasses, dish towels, or candles. Formal celebrations that honor a person may be a bit different. For special events like birthdays or anniversaries, a card, flowers, or a gift certificate that is thoughtfully wrapped might be the best route. Knowing the personality of the hostess may trump all these rules. “Nothing in life should be boring. My grandma always taught me that the gift reflects the gifter (one who gives a gift)," says Maraka. Entertaining Style Because everyone’s entertaining style is a little different, it is worth pausing a moment to reflect on the style of the hostess (if you know them well). If you don’t know them well or have some doubts, double up on items instead of decorative ones. For example, a hostess with a modern aesthetic in her home may not appreciate the same serving set as the hostess with a farm chic touch. To avoid a gifting disaster, concentrate on consumables like candles, food finds, soaps, lotions, and generic gift cards that are sure to be appreciated. The hostess can choose to set them out to be consumed at the party or wait for a later time, as opposed to a decorative item that might pressure them to display in their home. For a dear friend you know well, you can lean more into their hobbies or build on shared memories to have the most impact. Your Questions, Answered When should you bring a hostess gift? As a general rule, you should bring a hostess gift to any event in your home or has food or drink–yes, that’s most of them–like brunches, luncheons, dinners, or cocktail parties. If there will be eating or drinking, you should bring something to share or leave behind. You should do this every time, remembering that the perfect gifts can be small. Makara says you should always bring something with you, but the first time you are invited to someone’s home. How much should you spend on a hostess gift? Unfortunately, the answer to this question is: it depends. If your contribution was a dish to share and requested by the hostess, there is no other expense other than your grocery bill. If you are attending a dinner party, consider what you would spend on a nice dinner out, and allocate that much money to a gift. If those two general rules don’t fit the bill, Makara suggests finding something between a simple bouquet of flowers ($20) to a lovely coffee table book ($60). If your budget allows, you can go as high as $200 for a gift. Who We Are Belle DuChene is an award-winning digital content producer and stylist often seen in Better Homes & Gardens home and garden videos. She is the agency director of a micro-influencer talent agency and teaches strategic digital communications at three colleges and universities. Sarah Halverson has been writing for various magazines and websites for more than 25 years. For this article, they researched a variety of hostess gifts, looking at price, practicality, style, and more to find the best hostess gifts across different price points and tastes. Belle also consulted Haya Maraka, a stylist, etiquette expert, and author of A Lady Knows: Modes and Manners. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit