31 Hostess Gifts to Get the Party Started

Surely you’ve heard the saying before, or the mantra has been long ingrained in you, but the tradition of bringing host or hostess gifts to a gathering is one we take to with pure joy. Yes, you can bring a bottle of wine—it’s rarely a bad idea to do so—or a basic candle, but if you, like us, are looking to treat your host with as much thoughtfulness as they’re putting in to the gathering, then this list of unique host gifts is for you. Go above and beyond (or in addition to) the bottle of wine with this list of creative host and hostess gifts. 

Food  

No tablescape is complete without a solid cheeseboard. This American-made walnut wood option from Snowe Home is also customizable: Choose from natural or oxidized walnut for the board, and three different finishes for the knives.

Here’s a fun party trick for when you can’t be there IRL: Send charcuterie in your place. 

A little touch of tortoise makes ordinary cheese knives something special to behold. 

Heading to a game night? We’ve got your host gift right here. 

A serving platter set is something every party planner needs to have on hand. Choose from several color combos and shapes to match the event decor. 

Fredericks and Mae know how to make everyday a party. This very in-demand cutting board—now available in a smaller size—is just as suitable as a centerpiece as it is a kitchen staple.

Bring with a loaf of fresh bread for an appetizer or on its own. Brightland always makes one of the best hostess gifts.

These shapely decanters for oil and vinegar will make a unique gift for a host who already has it all. 

It’s always a good idea to bring a dessert—especially one that won’t interfere with what your host has prepared. Added bonus: You’ll be sure to have something delicious on hand for yourself. Plus these handmade Ayurvedic truffles come with a great talking point: They’re crafted by meditators who chant while they cook.

We know more than a few professional hosts who cook and serve with their trusted cast iron pans. If your host also fits that bill, here’s a fun gift to keep their hands safe while looking stylish.

Drink

Switch it up with an apéritif sampler kit that’ll allow the guests to taste a variety of California-made flavors with low alcohol content. They’ll thank you the next morning. 

BYOCTB. Yes, bring your own cocktail tool box. 

For the host who loves a colorful tablescape, these delicate, Hay-designed glasses will instantly liven the mood. 

Or show up with an equally delightful set of tumblers for the evening. 

And we all know a host who likes to start the night with a few shots. 

Whether serving mimosas at brunch or a nice iced tea, we highly recommend a statement pitcher as a splurge. 

Coasters—especially of the pastel wiggly variety—make a great gift that’ll save your host’s furniture. 

This is another fun table setting accent. Get creative with a bouquet of rainbow-trimmed cocktail napkins to pair with fun glassware. 

And a fun bottle stopper will make sure the beverages of the evening stay fresh. 

For the host who loves to wrap up the night with sweets and an espresso drink, these chubby cups and saucers will be an excellent complement to dessert. 

Decor

Bringing a bouquet to a holiday party is always a good hostess gift idea. You can DIY an arrangement, or bring one with you. The Crimson from Urban Stems is chock-full of autumnal vibes. 

For the host who’s big on essential oils, this Japanese stone diffuser will be a particularly elegant way to distribute their favorite scents.

Statement-making-yet-unscented candles are another hosting must.

Also one of our favorite housewarming gifts, a nice bathroom gift set will do the trick. 

We may never truly know why the chicken crossed the road—but these charming hen-shaped candles will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression with your host.

Anyone can bring a housewarming plant, but if you’re trying to impress, why not present one in this perfectly abstract ceramic vase?

Or here’s a set of terra-cotta candle holders that’ll add a modern touch to their tablescape or mantle decor.

These mini confetti canons are the perfect complements to any outdoor function. Each one is embedded with wildflower seeds that’ll leave your host with a lush bed of wild flowers to remind them of great memories.

When in doubt, we don’t think you can ever go wrong with an easy-to-care-for succulent.

Something they can use for the after-party, a beautiful set of notecards for thank you notes and more (maybe you’ll even receive one!).

For the exhausted host who needs a self-care moment after a long night, a set of soaking salts is a thoughtful gift.