With the holidays approaching, I’ve been searching for the perfect hostess gifts to bring to someone’s house for dinner or for a weekend visit. Since our big cross-country move this summer, we’ve been visiting friends and family and have also started meeting new families in our area. I like to give gifts that are personal and thoughtful, don’t add clutter, and are inexpensive (around $20 or less is my goal). Here are 15 little hostess gifts you can make or buy that will surprise your host and share your appreciation.
1. Breakfast treat for the next morning
Bring a breakfast treat for your host to enjoy with their cup of coffee the morning after hosting a dinner. Homemade goodies are always thoughtful, but you can also pick up something from a local bakery. Muffins, coffee cake, granola, doughnuts, and croissants are always popular with families.
2. Box of chocolates
A small box of chocolates tied with a ribbon from a local chocolate shop is always fun. You can select an assortment from the case or buy a prepackaged box. I usually spend about $20 on an variety of truffles and chocolates from the case. If I’m planning ahead and want to be really thoughtful, my absolute favorite chocolates are from Bixby Chocolate in Maine (they ship nationwide).
3. Potted herbs
Potted herbs are a sweet, thoughtful, and inexpensive hostess gift for anytime of year. I usually choose basil for spring and summer and rosemary or parsley for fall and winter. Sometimes I wrap the pot in twine or add a cute plant marker like this.
4. Dish towel and a wooden spoon
Pick out a cute dish towel, top it with a classic wooden spoon, and tie together with a pretty ribbon. Easy! This is also a gift you can prep and have on hand for last minute dinners and trips.
5. Bottle of wine
This is an easy, thoughtful choice for any host. You can select a bottle based on your personal favorite, if the host prefers red or white, a location your host loves, or based on the meal they are preparing. If you want to do something extra, tie a wine stopper or corkscrew to the bottle.
6. Bestseller or favorite novel
I will always remember when a friend visited for the weekend and brought me a bestseller that I had been waiting to get from the library for months. I was so thrilled. It’s easy to pick up recent bestsellers at the airport if you are flying to visit friends or family. I also always appreciate being gifted someone’s favorite book, it always feels so personal and thoughtful.
7. Activity for the kids
I always appreciate when guests make my kids feel special and loved. Pick up a game, toy, book, or activity for your host’s kids that they can do independently to keep them entertained. A few of my favorites are a coloring book and colored pencils, a fun new board game, or an outside activity. The kids will love you for it and so will the parents!
8. Something local
Pick up a small trinket by a local artisan. My favorite local coffee shop sells beautiful handmade pottery, local honey, and other gifts by local artisans. I keep a few nearby shops in mind where I know I can always find the perfect last minute hostess gifts and support local artists.
9. Farmer’s market goodies
Local farmer’s markets and farm stands will have fresh flowers, small cartons of fresh fruits and vegetables, local honey and preserves, and other unique foodie gifts. Tie a pretty ribbon around your pick and you’re done!
10. Olive oil
You can pair a bottle of olive oil with a loaf of crusty bread or gift it on its own. You may have some locally made olive oil options in your area or you can stop by a cooking store like William Sonoma for an assortment to choose from. Brightland Olive Oil is my go-to olive oil for gifting.
11. A new candle
I always appreciate being gifted a new candle. My favorite candle of all time is the Floraco Magnolia Mint candle. It smells fresh and clean, is chemical free, and looks amazing anywhere in the house.
12. Something festive or seasonal
Based on the current season, what might your host might find useful or festive for this time of year? Think citronella candles for summer, herbal tea for fall, holiday decor for winter, and garden scissors for spring.
13. Luxurious hand soap
Fancy hand soap is a luxurious gift that people often don’t buy for themselves and love to receive. Floraco, Aesop, and Follain all have terrific hand soap options that smell amazing, but are a little pricier. You can also pick up a fun seasonal hand soap and lotion set from Trader Joe’s, Homegoods, or Bath & Body Works for an inexpensive option.
14. An easy to care for potted indoor plant
Snake plants, aloe vera, succulents (pictured), spider plants, and bamboo are all good options for easy to take care of indoor plants. Trader Joe’s and Terrain have a great selection of plants that come ready to give in cute pots.
15. Fun new cookbook
If your host loves to bake or cook, pick up a beautiful cookbook to thank them for their hospitality. It can be a personal favorite, from a region they have visited, by a local chef, or a new bestseller with pretty pictures. My favorites to give are this cookbook or this cookbook.
What are your go-to hostess gifts? Have you received any thoughtful hostess gifts lately?
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