Whether you're a guest at a dinner party, housewarming or friendly get together, nothing says "thank you for having me" more than showing up with a thoughtful and practical hostess gift.
"It's always a nice gesture and arguably better when it's unexpected," says event planner Jessica Sloane. With that advice in mind, we asked top interior designers to share their ideas for the best hostess gifts that are always a hit. Plus, the Shop TODAY team curated their go-to hostess gift ideas that will upgrade your invitation from guest to VIP for any upcoming gatherings.
Spoiler alert: You may want to keep some of these for yourself.
What should I look for in a host or hostess gift?Consider what type of event you're going to before you decide what you get.
"Hostess gifts for a weekend stay are generally more significant than a traditional hostess gift you'd give for a quick party," says Jamie Kutchman Wynne, founder and CEO of Marigold & Grey.
Generally, if you're going to a smaller event, such as a dinner party or girl's night wine night, spend about $20 to $30. For a housewarming plan to spend $20 to $75, depending on how well you know the person and for an overnight stay, anywhere from $50 to $200.
Finally, remember that it can be hard to give gifts that people will use, so you likely want to stay away from personalized gifts unless you know the host or hostess particularly well. Edible gifts like cheese, wine or even olive oil are some of the safest choices for a thoughtful, well-appreciated gift.
Expert-approved hostess gifts | Hostess gifts under $25 | Hostess gifts under $50 | Holiday hostess gifts | Best host gifts for men | Questions about hostess gifts, answered by experts
Best hostess gifts, according to experts“Tequila Mockingbird: co*cktails with a Literary Twist”
“While most people have a collection of traditional cookbooks, few have an assortment of co*cktail recipe books, making this a great hostess gift,” interior designer Philip Mitchell said about this literary-inspired libation guide. “This one includes clever drink recipes like Tequila Mockingbird or Love in The Time of Kahlua.”
Claus Porto Iris Guest Soap Box
“These 15 disc-shaped soaps add a pop of color and a whimsical touch to any powder room, plus they come in refreshing scents such as lemon, eucalyptus and vanilla,” says interior designer Jessica Lagrange about this fanciful personal care pick.
Pura Smart Device Home Fragrance Diffuser
Interior designer Dana Schwartz loves gifting this Pura diffuser. “A host can easily adjust the scent intensity of this diffuser through an app, plus there are many amazing fragrances to choose from.
Best hostess gifts under $25Modern Photo Wedding Custom Wine Label
Shopping for something truly unique? Try a personalized wine label, which is one of Shop TODAY's associate editor Sierra Hoeger's favorite things to gift and receive. "This has been a go-to gift for my friends and I since college-whether we’re celebrating our first college apartments to our first big girl apartments post-grad, it’s been so fun to personalize their favorite bottle of wine with our favorite photo together. I have two myself and they’ve both been such fun gifts to receive."
Compendium Thoughtfulls Pop-Open Mindfulness Cards
A gift that’ll inspire your giftee’s inner hostess queen, calm their party-related nerves and won’t cost you more than $8? This pick, a set of 30 thoughtful and affirming messages, is a win-win all around. Great to gift on its own or paired with a bouquet.
YXChome Cheese Knives Mini Set
One of the more affordable gifts on this list, but equally handy and necessary: These four cheese knives will complement any charcuterie board and make for the best (and stylish) serving tools.
BambooWorx Matcha Whisk Set
Matcha is arguably the new coffee, but let's face it: Preparing it can be a hassle. Enter: This three-piece matcha set, which includes a whisk, scoop and spoon so your hostess can easily whip up a traditional cup of Japanese matcha tea. They may just enjoy this "so matcha!"
Carandini Emilio Balsamic Vinegar Of Modena
Whether you’re shopping for a home cook or a foodie, this affordable balsamic vinegar is prepared to dress to impress (literally!). The vinegar is a Protected Geographical Indication product, which means it can only be made in one place. In this case, that place is Modena. The brand recommends pairing it with vegetables, meat, cheese, fish, ice cream and fruit.
Cleverfy Shower Steamers(Pack of 6)
Shop TODAY editors and readers can’t get enough of these affordable shower steamers that come in a pack of six. After post-party clean up, the hostess can use these shower steamers to wind down from a great night.
The Original Wine Condoms Wine & Beverage Bottle Stopper
As featured in our broadcast segment, this reusable and airtight wine stopper allows you to seal almost any opened bottle of wine and other beverages. Not only functional, the stopper also doubles as a fun and hilarious gift that any wine-loving hostess will likely never forget.
Geode State Ornament
An award-winning gift according to Shop TODAY editors, these state-shaped ornaments are made of stoneware and glass designed to resemble geodes. We love it for hosts who appreciate a one-of-a-kind memento. Plus, it’s perfect for hosts who are planning a housewarming party in a new state.
Mud Pie Tennis Pattern Tote
Whether they're into tennis and pickleball or just love adorable prints, everyone could use a tote bag upgrade. This one's super roomy (20 by 26 inches) and made with 100 percent cotton.
Who doesn't love a flaky pastry? Edible hostess gifts are always enjoyed, and this is one of senior SEO editor Jess Bender's favorites. "This has actually been gifted to me a few times over the last year as I finally got around to hosting belated housewarming parties over the holiday season and I loved every last bite of them over the span of several mronings. Bonus: They perfectly complement whatever your go-to breakfast sip is."
Mark & Graham Greek Key Catchall
This eye-catching glazed certamic catch-all comes in four colors (green, blue, red and white) and is the perfect addition to a bedside table or even bathroom counter. For just $12.50 more you can personalize it.
Best hostess gifts under $50Spring & Mullbery Chocolate Bar Variety Pack
This trio of date-sweetened chocolate bars are almost as beautiful as they are delicious, and they're one of Shop TODAY editor Rebecca Brown's favorite things to give. "People expect to unbox a bar of chocolate. It's fun to see their faces when they discover each bar of chocolate has dried fruits and sometimes even flowers on them."
Decrafts Round Rattan Wooden Serving Tray
Taco Tuesday isn't complete without chips and dip. This serving set will bring casual style to the hostess' table; besides, they can never have too many serving trays. Available in 11-inch, 13.8-inch and 16.9-inch diameters, reviewers say this tray is incredibly versatile and can be used as entry-way collection tray, an ottoman serving platter, an accent piece and more.
Odorsorb Pod Starter Pack
Hosting a soiree can quickly become a chore. Help your host keep their kitchen smelling good as new with these Odorsorb pods. They cling to the inside of the trash can lid, where they fight unpleasant odors using natural, plant-based oils.
Electric Rechargeable Salt and Pepper Grinder
If all else fails, no hostess can resist a gift that makes their lives easier in the kitchen. This reader-favorite electric grinder set comes with a rechargeable battery, and the coarseness of the grind can be easily adjusted. And it’s so simple to use: Just a press of a button and a tilt of the grinder is all it takes — and it comes with a helpful LED light as well.
Jayzuum Stone Bath Mat
Stumped on what to gift a hostess who has everything? Gift them this stylish stone bathmat, which is said to instantly absorbs moisture and removes water that could lead to mold. And according to several reviewers, it may just save the host from the embarrassment of grimy, soggy bathmats. One shopper raved, “This stone mat absorbs water so quickly (not all of it is gone in the 30 to 45 seconds that some purport, but 85 percent of it is gone within a minute), which means the floor stays dry!”
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The best hosts pay close attention to the soap they have in their home. “This liquid hand soap — with its pretty packaging and lemon, bergamot, mandarin and orange oil scents — is a nice addition to any guest bathroom,” notes interior designer Kim Armstrong.
Williams Sonoma S'mores Maker
Treat your hostess with this fun, nostalgic gift so they can enjoy the classic roasted treat year-round. This s'mores making set, a Williams Sonoma bestseller, features a roasting chimney, grill top, four stainless steel roasting sticks and ceramic tray.
Brooklinen Candle Set
Candles are on par with wine and flowers in the sense that they make excellent hostess gifts. Help the party host set the mood with a set of hand-poured, clean-burning candles in a range of scents, including floral, fresh, musky and earthy.
Best hostess gifts for partiesTRUFF Starter Pack
Gifts are an excuse to enjoy the finer things in life, and this Truff starter pack is more than fine — it’s delicious. The set includes truffle-infused hot sauce, salt and olive oil, all perfect for flavoring everything from wings to pizza. Production coordinator Bella Druckman recommends topping homemade popcorn with the truffle salt and the truffle olive oil for an addictive snack.
Giada's Perfect Pasta Pomodoro Box
This beautifully curated box of everything you need to re-create Giada's pomodoro pasta is a winner. "I have been gifted (and have gifted) a few of these Giadzy pasta boxes and they are always a hit," says Shop TODAY associate editor Allie Wise. "The presentation is stunning, the pasta is delicious and it’s an affordable price."
Farmhouse Beads Wood Garland
“Wood garland makes any hostess look like a professional stylist when it comes to elevating a coffee table or adding a special moment to a bookshelf,” says interior designer Danielle Chiprut.
Capri Blue Volcano Reed Diffuser
Best known for their iconic Volcano scent (have you smelled an Anthro store?), Capri Blue is so much more than a candle crush. With 1,000-plus five-star ratings, the Mississippi label’s intoxicating fragrances, striking vessels and clean formulas — proudly designed and poured in the USA — create an evocative experience for the senses.
USB Candle Lighter
I’ve been obsessed with this eco-friendly USB lighter ever since my sister gifted it to me several holiday seasons ago. It uses flameless technology for a clean, butane-free ignition and provides up to 130 lights per charge. I’ve used it for candles and my firepit, but you can also use it for any gas ignition appliance. Paired with one of our candle gift ideas, this makes a thoughtful hostess gift.
Beehive Cheese Sampler
You better buy two of these samplers (you'll want to keep one for yourself). Based in the mountains of Northern Utah, this small creamery creates flavorful cheddar cheeses using artisanal ingredients like black truffles, dried porcini mushrooms, whiskey and more. It's cheddar cheese like you've never tasted before. Pro Tip: pair it with some chocolate for a truly divine gift.
Best host gifts for menCorkcicle Whiskey Wedge
Raise a toast to your hostess with this cool-looking wedge ice mold. The silicone ice mold fits perfectly in the Old Fashioned glass, so all they'll need to do is fill it with water to create ice that'll chill their drink perfectly — without diluting it! This gift will level up their bar cart game and impress future guests.
Bedsure Fleece Bed Blanket
You can never have too many blankets, right? This fluffy fleece option is ideal for hosts and hostesses entertaining during the cold winter months. The popular blanket has earned more than 130,000 verified five-star reviews on Amazon with reviewers raving about the blanket’s quality, weight and warmth.
Click & Grow Indoor Herb Garden Kit
Fresh herbs and vegetables are key to any recipe made from scratch. Help your hostess create five-star entrees with this smart garden. It self-waters and includes over 50 pre-seeded plant pods to choose from. Plus, the energy-efficient LED grow lights ensure your plants thrive no matter the weather, according to the brand.
Free Village Countertop IceMaker
This countertop ice maker can produce up to nine ice cubes in just six minutes, meaning your host can refill guests' glasses with ice over and over again. The machine features a silent fan to keep noise to a minimum.
Great Jones x Fellow Kettle
After dinner when your host is ready to offer guests tea, this kettle by Great Jones and Fellow will not only serve a utilitarian purpose but surprise and delight with its crowd-pleasing colors (blueberry, mustard and raspberry).
Questions about hostess gifts, answered by expertsFrequently Asked Questions
"Even if a hostess requests no gifts, it's always polite to not show up empty-handed," says Lindsay Roberts Schey, Founder of TheGiftInsider.com. "In situations like this, something that can be used at the gathering is a great way to go."
"Post-pandemic, social norms have relaxed," says Wynne. "If you show up empty-handed, it's totally acceptable to send something post-event. Personally, I think it adds a level of interest to the gift and shows some additional thoughtfulness since you're taking the time to send it. This way, your gift will undoubtedly stand out more because it won't get lost in the shuffle of all the other hostess gifts she'll be receiving at the same time."
At a minimum, send a thank-you note. "Handwritten notes are not a thing of the past," says Sloane. "Everyone enjoys getting something meaningful in the mail."
"Giving the gift to the hostess upon arrival is a great way to show up and break the initial ice when entering a party," says Wynne. "When hosting, she's likely not going to open it right in front of you anyway, but will feel exciting to her to know she has something to look forward to once the event is over. "
However, if it's a more intimate gift or something you'd like them to open in front of you, Schey suggests waiting until later in the party, when the host has a little free time.
"Traditional gift wrap is certainly not necessary, but some attention to presentation always goes a long way and increases the element of surprise," says Wynne, who suggests using a fun reusable bag or Japanese furoshiki wrap.
For a weekend stay, gifting a little more substantial gift is appropriate.
"You can gift a meal kit, brunch kit or bring all of the goods needed to cook for the guests one night or day," says Schey. "We love sending a Russ and Daughters brunch as a thank you after a weekend stay. The trending and modern take on gift baskets is a great way to go as well; we love BoxFox's Thank You Boxes. We also love the 'forever flowers'; Venus De Fleur is the original, but there are many price ranges of these types of flowers available now, even on Amazon."
Colleen Sullivan
Taniya Pierce
Taniya is an editorial intern for Shop TODAY.
Bridget Shirvell
Bridget is a Connecticut-based journalist focused on parenting, food and the environment.