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The 22 best hostess gifts that'll guarantee you an invite back
Don't show up empty-handed — snag a tea sampler, set of embroidered cocktail napkins and more, all under $75.
'Tis the season for holiday parties! Whether you’re heading to a family gathering or a white elephant gift exchange with friends, there’s usually an impulse to bring a little token of thanks for the invite. A hostess gift is a nice gesture and all, but is it necessary? Etiquette expert Myka Meier from Beaumont Etiquette says yes.
"Remember to never arrive empty-handed! It's thoughtful to bring a hostess gift whenever you're invited to someone's home for a party, dinner or overnight stay, as it shows appreciation for their hospitality," Meier tells Yahoo.
You don’t have to go overboard on your budget to show your appreciation. "Aim for a price point that reflects your gratitude and the occasion. On average, host gifts typically range from $20 to $50, but remember it's the sentiment that truly counts," Meier suggests.
Tailor the hostess gift to the occasion. "A box of your favorite macaroons from your local bakery may be a great gift for an invitation to a luncheon; however, if you are staying the weekend at your friend's beach house with your family, a larger host gift would be more appropriate," says Meier.
Everyone appreciates a nice bottle of wine or bouquet of flowers, and both are super easy to grab at the last minute on the way to the party — a little too easy, actually, and therefore too predictable. But if you spend a little more time, or browse this list of gift ideas, you can come up with a more unique option. "My favorite go-to host gift is one of my homemade loaves of bread — either pumpkin or lemon depending on the season. I also love bringing a gift for a pet if someone has one, such as a chew toy or bone with a bow around it," says Meier. Some unexpected advice: Skip the wine because it could "clash with the meal being served," and bring flowers in a vase, "so the person does not have to do work to cut the stems and find a vase when they are trying to host guests."
Need more inspiration? We’ve got you covered with a list of the best hostess gifts you can give, all of which are under $75. There are cute and cozy decor pieces, fun games to play during the event itself and useful finds that the host will bust out at their next gathering. If you want even more options, check out our favorite gift baskets to send and some standout Amazon finds for under $50.
The best hostess gifts of 2024
Help your host relax once the guests leave with a cup of hot tea. This gift box includes 20 individually wrapped tea bags in flavors like white ginger pear and chamomile citron.
Beekman 1802
You can't go wrong with a classic hand soap and lotion combo. This skin-softening duo comes in a chic ceramic caddy, which they can use long after they use what's in the bottles.
This is arguably the sweetest hostess gift you can give. Inside, they'll find eight mini versions of Bonne Maman's most popular preserves, jellies and marmalades. They're made with simple ingredients — no high-fructose corn syrup, no preservatives, no added color, just fresh and fruity goodness.
Better Homes & Gardens
If you're set on bringing flowers, take Meier's advice and gift them in a pretty vase. This ribbed glass beauty can be used all year round and looks way more expensive than it is.
Do your hosts love a game night? Then introduce them to Phase 10, a fast-paced, Rummy-type card game for ages 7 and up, and ask them to play it at your next gathering.
Give the host(ess) something that can be put to use right away. Candles are your best bet — and this one from Voluspa, which has notes of rose, cucumber and jasmine, boasts a 100-hour burn time. Hint: it's also perfect for pairing with an electric lighter so no one has to search for matches.
Instead of showing up with just a bottle of wine, bring this marble wine chiller to keep whatever they're serving — or your gifted bottle — at the perfect temperature.
Our Place
No one would pass up a pack of pretty glasses. These beauties (available in seven hues) are stackable and made from chip-resistant, restaurant-grade glass. Pick between 12 oz and 16 oz options.
Amazon
This flameless lighter is rechargeable, so they won't have to replace it when it runs out of juice. Go the extra mile and pair it with a candle.
Everyone could use fresh tea towels, and the price of this four-piece set is hard to beat. Gift them as-is or wrap your favorite one around a loaf of homemade bread.
Anthropologie
Festive and memorable, these colorful cocktail napkins feature popular drink garnishes (think: olives and cherries) and would be a welcome addition to any bar cart.
Magnolia Bakery
Who says baked goods have to be homemade? Magnolia Bakery offers nationwide shipping on tons of sweet treats — including this assortment of 24 mini cupcakes.
Brightland
At-home chefs will adore this set of four oils and vinegars from Brightland. This bundle includes two cold-press, extra-virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegar and champagne vinegar in cute containers that will look great in any kitchen.
Ideal for picnics, campouts and beach days, this Stanley 64-ounce stainless-steel pitcher can keep drinks cold for up to eight hours and iced for over 24 hours. It comes in several colors, including rose quartz and charcoal.
Hot honey is such a fun and unexpected condiment, especially on pizza, fried chicken and other savory bites. This duo really brings the heat — it includes the original and extra-hot versions, perfect for drizzling on garlic bread, fried chicken, roasted veggies or even ice cream.
This honey pot and dipper from Le Creuset is, dare we say, sweeter than honey. This adorable duo would bee a welcome addition to anyone's kitchen counter.
Your host will feel grateful for you the morning after the gathering when brewing up a pot of Starbucks coffee. Your host will stay caffeinated for the weeks to follow since this pack comes with three 12-oz. bags of medium-roast coffee.
This glass match cloche is as pretty as it is functional — it holds up to 120 matches and has a striker on the side. Shop it in five colors.
This keychain is another gift that looks pricey but comes in at less than $40. It has a USB-to-lightning charging cable, which means that they always have a way to charge their compatible devices (like their iPhone or iPad) or power banks. Customize it with their initials for an additional $12.50.
Nordstrom
If you're staying overnight at a friend's home, leave them with a blanket to cuddle up in after you go. This fringed, sustainably made favorite from Nordstrom will bring the cozy to any living room or bedroom, and you can get it in several pretty tones, like olive, oatmeal, and peach.
Uncommon Goods
Take a cue from Meier and give them a fresh loaf of bread. Wrap it up in this blanket, which has removable flax seed-filled packs that you heat up in the microwave to keep the bread warm once it's out of the oven.
Anthropologie
A pretty frame is another foolproof gift. Fill it with a photo beforehand if you want to add an extra personal touch. Anthropologie has this style in two sizes.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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