The 58 Best Hostess Gifts of 2024

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 Signature Pillar Candle

Amazon

View On Amazon $20 View On Walmart $39 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.

LIFVER Absorbent Coasters Set of 6 with Holder

Amazon

View On Amazon $16

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

View On Amazon $20 View On Walmart $24 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

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If your favorite hostess is cooking up a meal, they’ll appreciate having this spoon rest 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

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

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

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.

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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.

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

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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.

Pottery Barn

View On Pottery Barn $34

The Pottery Barn Nouvel Handcrafted Recycled Glass Vase comes in five sizes (bowl, bud, medium, tall, and extra large) of various shapes. Because each one is hand-blown from recycled glass that is BPA, phthalate, lead, and latex-free, each one varies slightly, making it one-of-a-kind.

We love that you could arrange flowers or plants in the vase to amp up your gift-giving from a simple bunch of store-bought flowers to an arrangement work of art.

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

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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

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 set contains sage and cedarwood to gently cleanse, while the lotion conditions and moisturizes.

Terrain

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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.

Umbra

View On Umbra.com $40

Whether you’re attending a casual cookout or a fancy dinner, this lazy Susan 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

View On Walmart $10

Four beautiful wine glasses at around $10 a set? Sounds like the best hostess gift if you ask us. These 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.

Nordstrom

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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.

Annie Selke

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Make a host’s life a little easier by presenting them with a lacquered tray that can go from kitchen to dining table to sofa, distributing drinks and snacks, or staying put and keeping napkins, silverware, and other essentials rounded up.

This one comes in many fun colors (though the Evergreen is definitely today’s It color) and square and rectangular shapes, plus it has a high-shine finish.

Cuisinart 4-Piece Folding Grill Tool Set

Amazon

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The next time someone invites you over for a barbecue, tote this 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.

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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

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Help them elevate their cocktail-and-cheese hour with a charcuterie board. The 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

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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.

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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.

View On Amazon $19

Whether your host is whipping up dishes from a fave online resource or an heirloom paper recipe card, this cast-iron and bamboo holder will keep the recipe upright and easy to read while they’re cooking. It is adjustable so you can put your tablet or cookbook at just the right angle, and it accommodates both slim and thick books easily. When the meal is over, it folds down to stow away.

Amazon

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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.

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.

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

View On Williams-Sonoma $20

A bench scraper 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.

View On Kingarthurbaking.com $43

Gifting this pan and mix to your favorite baker might come across as a heavy-handed hint for them to whip up some pumpkin spice muffins for you, but they’d probably be OK with that. Your baking friend will like the muffin and bread mix, of course, but they’ll especially appreciate the heavy-duty, nonstick pumpkin loaf pan, which imprints cute gourds and leaves into whatever you bake inside of it.

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

View On Food52 $44 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.

Amazon

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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.

laguiole-7-piece-laguiole-cheese-knife--spreader-set

Amazon

View On Amazon $35 View On Saksoff5th.com View On Macy's $64

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.

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.

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.

Raaka Chocolate

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A gorgeous gift box of either three or eight chocolate bars is the best hostess gift for anyone with a sweet tooth. It features a mix of Raaka classics such as Bourbon Cask Aged, Pink Sea Salt and Oat Milk, plus more unexpected flavors like Green Tea Crunch, Bananas Foster, and Early Grey.

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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 Kit: 10-Piece Bar Tool Set with Bamboo Stand | Perfect Home Bartending Kit and Martini Cocktail Shaker Set For a Perfect Drink Mixing...

Amazon

View On Amazon $32 View On Mixologyandcraft.com

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

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, 1 Wine Saver Pump Black with 8 Vacuum Wine Stoppers

Amazon

View On Amazon $32

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

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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.

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.

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.

View On Ritualzeroproof.com $68

Toting a bottle of spirits with you to your next party is a no-brainer, but more and more people these days are abstaining from alcohol, whether for a season or for good. How about offering these folks a tasty, sophisticated, booze-free option?

We like Ritual Zero Proof’s offerings, such as the Boulevardier Cocktail Bundle. It includes two bottles: one is an alternative to whiskey, and the other mimics an aperitif. Use them in cocktails as you would traditional spirits—these are not meant to be consumed neat (or straight).

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

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This cute bisected serving tray 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.

View On Urban Outfitters $20

You can never go wrong with bringing this disco ball bottle opener as a gift to the host of your next party. With bottle openers, the more the merrier, and this one won’t get easily misplaced.

View On Amazon $16

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

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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

View On Nordstrom $123 View On Vitruvi.com View On West Elm $120

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.

ABC Carpet & Home

View On Abchome.com

Whether your friend celebrates Christmas or not, this felt ornament is a sweet hostess gift. Perfect for the avocado toast enthusiast in your life, the kitschy bit of decor is hand-crafted and suitable for year-round cheer. They can hang it just about anywhere to display their foodie credentials.

Because the material is so soft, they don't have to worry about kids or pets breaking the ornament (or injuring themselves).

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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

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

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.

Food52

View On Food52 $25

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.

My Drap Recycled Cotton Tear-Off Table Linens

Food52

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Tear-off table linens have the look and feel of luxe linens thanks to the recycled cotton material, without the hassle. Choose from napkins or placemats and simply tear them off the roll when you need new ones. The best part? They are machine-washable, so you can lessen your environmental impact without stressing about stains.

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 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.