What are the Best Hostess Gifts for the Holidays?

Whether you are popping in for a party, or staying over as a houseguest over the holidays, the advice is the same. As a guest, never show up empty handed, even if your host insists on best wishes only. But what should you bring and more importantly, what shouldn’t you bring? How much should you spend? What are the best hostess gifts over the holidays?  

How to Choose the Right Holiday Hostess Gift 

Yes, it is the thought that counts, but truly memorable and meaningful gifts that properly express your gratitude as a guest require research and planning too. 

“Each host is as unique as the gift given, and it takes skill to put thought and effort into the gesture,” says Diane Gottsman, national etiquette expert and founder of the Protocol School of Texas.  

What are the most popular hostess gifts over the holidays? “Tried-and-true host gifts include a nice bottle of wine, a beautifully wrapped box of chocolates, cocktail napkins or something you know the host is fond of,” she says.  

Other popular choices include a gift certificate for a local restaurant, deli or coffee shop, board games, cookbooks, and designer candles and candle holders.  

A word of advice on the holiday bottle of wine: make sure that it is appropriate for the household you are going to, and that it will be consumed and appreciated. An alternative would be a selection of mocktails or craft soda.  

Also, very popular over the holidays are food gifts, and these are a great idea- with a caveat.    

It’s fine to bring a gift of food, but only if it is meant to be consumed later. If the host has indicated that they don’t need or want any additional dishes at their dinner or cocktail party, and you bring an additional plate, they may feel compelled to serve it to be polite.  

However, baked goods, a food basket or even a premade freezer meal (a quick and ready meal solution that is much appreciated over the busy holiday season) are all good ideas that the host can use after everyone has gone home.  

As for how much you should spend, that depends on how long you are staying in the home, meaning that while the sentiment is the same, the gift should be appropriate to the length of the hospitality, according to Gottsman.  

“The gift is the same gesture, but it might be larger in scale,” says Gottsman. In addition to a smaller token gift for the host, the overnight guest might “offer to take them to dinner and contribute to the household in some way with a more substantial offering during your stay,” she explains.  

The conventional wisdom is that in the range of $20-$30 for a host gift for a party is appropriate, and that your budget would be bigger if your stay extends longer  

It’s advisable to steer away from overly personal items, unless you know the host well.   

The good news is that there are dozens of relatively neutral and very usable housing goods and home décor items to choose from that will delight homeowner hosts over the holidays.    

When the Host Says no Gifts

Even if the host says, ‘just bring yourself’, a small token will always be appreciated. By saying that it’s not necessary to bring anything, the host might actually be saying that the meal or appetizers (depending on the occasion) are covered, so you don’t need to contribute.  

Discreet and small should be the guideline. Don’t announce your gift. Instead, show up with a small token that your host can enjoy post-party, with your name attached, so the host knows who it is from. Leave the gift on the counter, or somewhere they will be sure to find it. 

“Remember, you are not actually bringing anything for the party, but you are showing up with a gift for the host,” says Gottsman.  

Gifts are often most appreciated and authentically thoughtful when they are unexpected.   

Looking for unique holiday host gift ideas? Here is what’s trending.  

Gifts That Support Self-Care 

If a season ever called for self-care, it’s the holidays, when time is short and to-do lists are long.  

Shower steamers, hand or body creams, bath salts, a cozy reading throw, essential oils or a collection of positive affirmations are all good choices.  

Fancy Food Gifts 

If you are planning on a food gift, think of fancy pantry items as opposed to immediate consumables. Higher-end ingredients add flavor for months after the holiday season and are often things that the host may not buy for themselves during weekly grocery shopping.  

Look for infused olive oils or vinegars, tea or coffee sets, spice sets, meal kits or designer jams, jellies or honey.  

Festive Floral Arrangements 

A lovely seasonal tied bouquet or plant is always appreciated, especially if it comes in a keepsake vase that the homeowner would likely re-use.  

If you are bringing flowers, make sure that they are in a container (such as a vase or flower cup) so that the host doesn’t have to seek out something to put them in when you arrive.  

Or if you are planning on spending a little more on your gift, a monthly floral subscription for a few months means that the blooms will keep coming.  

Setting the Table With Style 

Items that might help your host set their holiday table throughout the season are useful, so table linens, festive paper napkins, napkin rings, coasters and festive centerpieces are all good choices.  

Serving tools fall under this category too, with charcuterie boards, cheese knives, unique serving spoons and serving bowls or trays all popular.   

Small Appliances 

Chances are your host already has a lot of basic household appliances, so focus on gadgets and tools that they may not have but would really enjoy.  

For example, if your host entertains often, a raclette grill is a unique centerpiece for a fun and conversational dinner party.  

Does your host love movie night? A hot-air popcorn popper with a supply of gourmet popcorn would be welcome.  

For hosts that are coffee aficionados, consider a pour-over coffee maker or a snazzy grinder, with some coffee, of course.  

Gifts with a Social Conscience 

You can thank your host for their hospitality and help your community and/or the planet at the same time.  

Make a donation to a charity on behalf of your host that holds meaning for them (or for you) and include a note highlighting your choice.  

Great eco-conscious gifts include decorative reusable food containers or beeswax wrappers, organic cleaning supplies, an eco-friendly tote, hand towels or an apron made from sustainable materials or cast-iron cookware. 

Gifts for Brand New Homeowners 

Did your guests move into a new home in the last few months? Or are they first-time homeowners? 

They may still be stocking their home with must-needed items. Ovenware or bakeware, bath towels or even a toolbox with necessary tools would be welcome. 

You can’t go wrong with a gift card to a local hardware or housing goods store, especially if the homeowners are planning any DIY at their new home. 

Gifts for Your Four-Legged Hosts 

If your hosts are pet owners, they will appreciate a little token of your appreciation for their pet as a hostess gift. Choose a fancy food dish, new toys, grooming tools, or a new, fluffy pet bed. 

Organization tools that help pets and their owners are good too, such as decorative hooks for leashes or pet toy storage.