If you’re showing up to an event at someone’s house — especially for the holidays — you might want to consider a gift to thank them for their planning efforts. Because we all know how much it takes to get out of that endless group chat phase.
Sure, there’s always wine. But what kind of wine do they like? Isn’t everyone going to bring wine? Why is wine the de facto option? Put a pin in that and bring one of these hostess gift ideas to the party instead.
We put together a list of ideas for every occasion. Whether they’re hosting you for Thanksgiving or for a dinner party, we’ve got the perfect present. Because despite what you might think, your presence is not a present. Your dishwashing skills aren’t that good.
From more classic options like mugs and kitchen towels, to out-of-the-box picks like a DIY candle set and a custom birthday book, there’s a gift idea for every entertainer. And now you can accept that extra slice of pie without feeling like a jerk. Yeah, okay, we’ll take a fourth.
17 Unique Hostess Gift Ideas
1. Vinyl Record Coasters
Coasters are typically a pretty boring necessity, but these ones that look like records add some personality. Finally, you can stop causing water damage to all your real records for the “aesthetic.”
Available on Amazon
2. Funny Kitchen Towels
Turning lyrics into food puns, and then turning said food puns into kitchen towels is a genius business idea. And an excellent hostess gift idea. Those 3am thoughts are really coming through!
Available on Amazon
3. It’s Five O’Guac Somewhere Serving Dish
What can we say? We’re suckers for puns. And we’re even bigger suckers for guac. We’re also suckers for suckers. We call grape!
Available on Amazon
4. After Dinner Amusements Question Cards
After Dinner Amusements come in a variety of packs, with topics like “Charades,” “Family Time,” and “Riddle Me This.” They’re great for starting fun conversations, or for avoiding awkward ones. No, Uncle Joe, we don’t want to join your Facebook group.
Available on Amazon
5. Cheese Marker Forks, $24.00
A set of four cheese marker forks will upgrade any charcuterie board. Now we can stop putting our hands all over the communal cheese. Sometimes sharing isn’t always caring.
Available on Etsy
6. Vodka Infusion Craft Cocktail Kit, $49.99
A great hostess gift is one that everyone can enjoy the spoils of: like a bottle of wine or a vodka infusion kit. What do you mean that’s not what a gift is?
Available on Etsy
7. Therapy Dough, $15.00
You’re definitely going to want to buy extras of these, because our stress rates are at an all time low now. Just don’t ask our manager about our productivity rates.
Available at Uncommon Goods
8. New York Times Custom Birthday Book, $99.95
What kind of nerd wouldn’t love this gift? The book rounds up all the front page news stories from the year you were born until present day. Unfortunately, there’s not an option to skip 2020. But that’s what scissors are for.
Available at Uncommon Goods
9. Banana Saving Hats
This genius invention keeps your bananas fresher longer, and allows your host to display more cute animals in their home. Their cat will be so jealous.
Available on Amazon
10. Bistro Tile Spoon Rest, $12.00
Nothing like a bistro tile design to make you feel like you’re in a boujee coffee shop. Fancy lattes work too, but they don’t travel as well. We got thirsty.
Available on Anthropologie
11. Yes Chef Mug, $
Pop Culture. Mugs. Our insatiable crush on Jeremy Allen White. If she loves to cook, remind her of her praiseworthy status with this Bear-inspired mug.
Available on Etsy
12. You’re Doing Great Cupcakes, $37.00+
Choose between 25, 50, or 100 mini cupcakes with this hostess gift idea that doubles as dessert. The box features a ton of different flavors, and luckily none of them are inspired by Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans.
Available at Baked by Melissa
13. Woven Checkered Cozy Throw Blanket, $88.00
Anything from Anthropologie is welcome in our house. Oh, except for the bill. You can keep that.
Available at Anthropologie
14. You Laugh You Drink Party Game
Nothing says “thanks for throwing this classy soirée” like introducing a drinking game into the mix. Don’t forget the ping pong balls, red solo cups, and keg.
Available on Amazon
15. Rose Quartz CBD Gua Sha Gift Set, $38.00
This skin care set comes with a rose quartz gua sha and a CBD serum booster for an instant boost to your skin. And to your status as bestie.
Available at Live Love Spa
16. Spotted Wellies Garden Ducks, $30+
Why garden ducks in wellies, you ask? Why not garden ducks in wellies, is what you should be asking. With so much division in the world, isn’t this something we can all agree on?
Available at Uncommon Goods
17. DIY Candle Making Kit, $39.97+
Regular candles as a hostess gift are so basic. But candles you can make yourself? That’s peak gift giving. Hopefully your kitchen counters are wax-resistant.
Available on Etsy
When she's not typing away on her laptop, you can find Laura working on her MBA at Boston College, listening to Taylor Swift, or sweating it out at an OrangeTheory class. Follow her on Instagram @LauraKristine21 and LinkedIn.
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