Gift Guides

12 Hostess Gifts To Bring For Christmas This Year

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Is your holiday schedule filled to the brim with parties and dinners, pageants and gift exchanges? Then you might need to buy a few host or hostess gifts in the near future. Our gift guide has everything you need to know about when to buy a host gift, along with our 12 favorite hostess gifts for the upcoming season.

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Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails with a Literary Twist

Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails with a Literary Twist

Custom Message Shortbread Cookies

Custom Message Shortbread Cookies

 The Original Wine Condom

The Original Wine Condom

Anthropologie’s Floral Ceramic Vase

Anthropologie’s Floral Ceramic Vase

When Do You Buy a Hostess Gift?

Sure, you don’t need to buy a hostess gift for every single party or Christmas event you attend. The best friend whose house you can head to whenever you have a problem? The parent who lets you crash on occasion? Those people maybe don’t require a hostess gift if they invite you over for a Christmas movie marathon or to swap holiday cookies.

However, if you’re invited to a more formal occasion, like a holiday dinner party, or if you’re invited to any occasion at which you want to be sure you make a good impression, plan to bring a hostess gift. You might bring a hostess gift if your friend is hosting an actual dinner party for several friends (versus just calling you up to grab takeout and veg in front of the television). You might likewise want to bring a hostess gift if you’re attending a holiday event at the home of a family member that you don’t know very well or if you’re meeting your significant other’s family for the first time.

There are a few caveats, though. A hostess gift, for example, is not expected if you’re contributing to the actual party in some way, such as by bringing a dish or chipping in for the drinks. A hostess gift is also not expected if there’s a particular event honoree, such as a birthday guy or gal; in these cases, though, you would bring a gift for the honoree. The same thing goes during the holidays; you’re already buying a holiday gift, so a separate present isn’t required.

Hostess Gift Etiquette

But just knowing when to buy a hostess gift isn’t enough to ensure a perfect gift-giving experience. You also want to follow a few rules of gift-giving etiquette.

Be discreet

Firstly, be discreet when giving your gift. Don’t bring it out at the dinner table while everyone’s gathered around. Don’t make a big deal out of it.

Instead, simply offer up your gift upon arrival as you exchange your pleasantries, and then go about with the event’s activities. If your gift is wrapped, don’t expect the host to open it right at that moment or to even use the gift that evening. They’re busy hosting, after all.

Don’t overdo the wrapping

And on the note of wrapping, don’t overdo things. This is probably not the time for a big gift bag with lots of tissue paper or balloons. Instead, if possible, maybe just add a bow to your bottle of wine, or have the gift wrapped before it’s shipped from the retailer.

Pick your gift carefully

Before you just buy a bottle of wine or a gourmet food item, though, think about the event you’re attending. You don’t want to make your recipient feel forced into using your gift right then and there. Instead, opt to buy something that your host may like, which compliments the event well, without intruding upon it — or buy something unrelated that will still be appreciated.

Additionally, don’t get too personal with a hostess gift unless you know the individual very well and even then, keep things light. This is not the time to be overly sentimental.

The 12 Best Hostess Gift Ideas for This Holiday Season

Decided that your upcoming event definitely warrants a hostess gift? Then consider one of these recommended items.

1. A Personalized Serving, Cheese Board or Charcuterie Board

A Personalized Serving, Cheese Board or Charcuterie Board

While you shouldn’t typically bring food to a hosted event (which we’ll get into when we discuss the hostess gifts to avoid below), feel free to bring food-adjacent items as a host gift for your foodie friends — like this thoughtful personalized serving board, cutting board and charcuterie board, available on Etsy. The rustic board is available in five different sizes and is engraved with your host’s name or initials.

2. Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails with a Literary Twist

Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails with a Literary Twist

For a whimsical gift for that friend who both loves to read and loves drink, try this affordable hostess gift for the bar cart. This mixology book offers fun cocktail recipes based on or inspired by favorite literature, from, yes, To Kill a Mockingbird to The Picture of Dorian Grey and beyond.

3. Encyclopedia of the Exquisite: An Anecdotal History of Elegant Delights

Encyclopedia of the Exquisite: An Anecdotal History of Elegant Delights

For that host who only loves the finer things in life, this coffee table book is a must-have. It’s a little on the pricey side, as far as books go, but it’s a tome they’ll keep out and enjoy over and over again. Each encyclopedic entry features anecdotes and historical facts on everything and anything luxurious and fancy, from top hats to Champagne, divans to lingerie.

Related: 18 Great Thank You Gifts To Show Your Appreciation

4. Custom Message Shortbread Cookies

Custom Message Shortbread Cookies

These shortbread cookies come in a lovely little gift box, which helps make it more apparent that these cookies are meant as a gift for your host and not to be shared among the party guests (though, if your host wants to pass them around at the soiree, we wouldn’t argue). The simple, sweet shortbread cookies stand apart, though, thanks to the personalized messages imprinted on each cookie. Available from Uncommon Goods, the cookies come with 24 in each box.

5. West Elm Clouded Agate Coasters

West Elm Clouded Agate Coasters

This gift would easily double as both a hostess gift and a housewarming gift. These stylish and nature-inspired agate coasters add a little bit of luxury to any living room while being just as functional as they are fashionable.

6. The Original Wine Condom

The Original Wine Condom

Okay, so this is not a gift that you’d want to give your new mother-in-law (more than likely — unless your mother-in-law is pretty cool), but it is one that you might consider giving your friend with a sense of humor. The rubber topper effectively reseals opened bottles of wine, keeping them fresh and tasty between glasses.

7. Vento Ice Bucket

Vento Ice Bucket

If you’re looking for a thoughtful hostess gift that’s a bit of a splurge, you can’t go wrong with this luxe ice bucket from Neiman Marcus. It’s gorgeous and artistic while also being fully functional, whether your host wants to break it out and use it to chill the night’s Champagne or they’d rather save it to enjoy all on their own later.

8. Anthropologie’s Dagny Butter Dish

Anthropologie's Dagny Butter Dish

Back on the affordable side, this butter dish available at Anthropologie is cute, elegant and useful. Hand-painted with a botanical print, the butter dish is dishwasher and microwave-safe but looks oh-so-charming despite its functionality. It’s a gift that your hostess can easily use every day.

9. An Orchid From The Sill

An Orchid From The Sill

If you’re going to give your host a plant (we talk about why you should avoid showing up at their door with flower bouquets below), opt for something like this orchid that’s already in a pot or vase, so it requires no extra or urgent work on your host’s end. Even better, arrange for the plant to arrive with a thank you note either the day of the party, earlier in the day, or the day after the event takes place.

Related: The 49 Best Gifts For Couples [They Will Actually Like]

10. Mark & Graham Italian Cashmere Throw

Mark & Graham Italian Cashmere Throw

If you know your host’s sense of style, you can buy them something to specifically match their home decor — like one of these Italian cashmere throw blankets. Another luxury-leaning gift, it’s sure to impress. The dry-clean-only throw is made from a blend of lambswool and cashmere and features embroidered monogramming.

11. La Chatelaine Hand Cream Trio Tin Gift Set 

La Chatelaine Hand Cream Trio Tin Gift Set 

After your host works their fingers to the bone putting on a great party, help them recoup with this vintage-style tin of three hand lotions, all made in France and offering delightful and bright aromas such as orange blossom and pear.

Better yet, the gift, which is one of Oprah’s favorite things, is available on Amazon, so it’s an easy addition to your next Amazon haul.

12. Anthropologie’s Floral Ceramic Vase

Anthropologie's Floral Ceramic Vase

Again, while you don’t want to bring a flower bouquet to the party, you could still bring a vase. This pretty and artful option from Anthropologie is on the affordable side, and the terracotta vases are all hand-painted and available in two different colors, blue or white.

Hostess Gifts to Avoid

Now that you know some of the best hostess gifts to consider giving this season, what are some of the hostess gifts you should avoid? Here are a few items that are better left for another occasion — or disregarded entirely.

Food intended for the party

If your host says not to bring food to the party (or rather, doesn’t explicitly say to bring food to the party), then don’t bring food to the party. 

You might bring a food-related gift that can be enjoyed later by just the host and their family, but don’t bring anything to eat right then, at the event. Doing so may imply that you don’t care for the hard work, time and money your host has put into hosting and creating their event menu.

Regifted items

We all know when we’ve been regifted an item. Save yourself and your host the awkwardness by not regifting. It’s the thought in gift-giving that counts, after all, so you should think about getting your host something new.

Flowers

While flowers are a very popular hostess gift, they’re losing popularity for one very sensible reason—when you give your host a bouquet of flowers at the door, they’re forced to stop whatever they’re doing and then attend to those flowers. While this may only take five or 10 minutes, it’s still an inconvenience that you can help your hostess avoid.

Hostess Gift FAQs

Still unsure about how to go about giving the perfect hostess gift? Let’s see if we can answer any of your lingering questions.

How much should you spend on a hostess gift?

For most occasions, a gift under $50 is fine. However, if the event is a little more elaborate, you may increase your budget, depending on both the event and the host. Some events call for a Walmart gift, while others are more in line with Williams Sonoma or Nordstrom.

Do you still have to bring a hostess gift even if your host says not to?

Yes. If your host says not to bring anything, they’re likely being polite and saying not to worry about the actual elements of the party — things like food and drinks. However, a hostess gift like one of the recommended items above will still be appreciated.

Should you include a note with a hostess gift?

Yes! It doesn’t need to be anything extravagant. If you’re unsure what to write, a simple “Thank you for having me!” with your name is enough.

Should you give a hostess gift for an overnight stay?

Yes! While hostess gifts are typically associated with parties or similar events, hostess gifts are also appropriate for overnight or longer stays, during which you are the only guest or one of only a few guests. 

However, for an overnight stay, the rules change somewhat. You can give and even buy your gift later on in the stay, after you have an idea of what your host might like or need. You can also expand your idea of what the gift might be under these circumstances (for example, you might offer to take your host out to dinner during your stay to show your appreciation).

Ready to Gift?

If you know the right occasions for giving a hostess gift, as well as the right way to go about it, you can’t go wrong with this small and sweet gesture of appreciation. It’s difficult throwing holiday parties and events, no matter the size. Give a little something back to your host for all their hard work.

You might also be interested in: 27 Gift Idea’s For Your Boyfriend’s Mom This Holiday Season

The Best Hostess Gifts To Bring For Christmas: 

  1. A Personalized Serving, Cheese Board or Charcuterie Board
  2. Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails with a Literary Twist
  3. Encyclopedia of the Exquisite: An Anecdotal History of Elegant Delights
  4. Custom Message Shortbread Cookies
  5. West Elm Clouded Agate Coasters
  6. The Original Wine Condom
  7. Vento Ice Bucket
  8. Anthropologie’s Dagny Butter Dish
  9. An Orchid From The Sill
  10. Mark & Graham Italian Cashmere Throw
  11. La Chatelaine Hand Cream Trio Tin Gift Set
  12. Anthropologie’s Floral Ceramic Vase

Holly Riddle

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