We’ve all been there—invited to a holiday party and suddenly scrambling over what to bring as a hostess gift. You want it to be thoughtful, a little unique, but also not break the bank (after all, you have about twelve more of these gatherings before the season’s out). Don’t stress! I’m here to help with some simple, stress-free ideas that’ll make you the gifting MVP.
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What Makes a Good Hostess Gift?
Let’s start with the basics: what makes a good hostess gift? Sure, you could bring the classic bottle of wine (which we’ll get to), but wouldn’t it be nice to bring something that feels a bit more special? A gift that really reflects the personality of the host or the occasion can go a long way. You want them to think, “Wow, they really put thought into this,” even if you didn’t (umm… guilty!).
Here’s the secret: a truly good gift is all about the little details that make it feel personal. Here’s how you can make your gift stand out:
- Consider their style and vibe: Are they the type who loves cozy nights by the fire with a candle and hot cocoa? Or are they more of a life-of-the-party, always-ready-for-a-laugh type? Lean into what they love. For the cozy host, maybe a scented candle will speak to their soul. For the entertainer, something playful like cocktail napkins or a fun party game could be a hit.
- Match the occasion’s energy: Is this a laid-back gathering with friends where you can be a little quirky, or a more traditional family holiday where Grandma will judge every choice? Tailor the gift to fit the room’s vibe. For the party with friends, something fun like a set of decorative drink stirrers or a cheeky gift can be great. For a formal dinner party, maybe go with something classic, like a pretty ornament that speaks to the host’s interests or linen napkins that scream elegance.
- It’s the thought, not the price tag: Let’s be real—nobody is expecting you to drop a fortune on a hostess gift. A thoughtful, well-chosen gift that shows you’ve considered your host’s tastes is always going to be a winner. It’s not about how much you spend, but how much heart you put into choosing it (so cheesy, but honest).
Save vs. Splurge
You don’t need to blow your budget to give a great hostess gift. Below are some options to match your price range—whether you’re looking to save or splurge, you’ll find something that hits just the right note.
Save: Gifts Under $25- Wine bottle + accessories: A bottle of wine is a crowd-pleaser, but boring, typical, expected, and honestly shows you didn’t try at all. Butttt pair it with cute accessories, such as these these adorable beanie wine stoppers and it instantly feels elevated.
- Wine glass charms: Speaking of wine glass charms, you can find so many adorable options to match your host’s style or the party theme. If you’re unsure, go with basic holiday-themed ones like these.
- Fun cocktail napkins: A set of napkins can add a bit of fun to any gathering. There are so many options out there that the sky’s the limit if you know our host’s vibe. If they’re more demure, if you will, these gorgeous ornament cocktail napkins, or this elegant Christmas tree option are perfect. If they have more of a sense of humor, these Naughty or Nice, “Elf”-themed, or “Ho, Ho, Ho” napkins are so fun!
- Pretty ornaments: A thoughtfully chosen ornament can be a personal, festive touch. I have received personalized ornaments as gifts before like a pickleball ornament (a hobby of mine) or a festive purse ornament (I love fashion) and it made me feel so seen!
- Conversation card games: These are perfect for bringing some entertainment to the party! Try options like After Dinner Amusements, Holiday TableTopics, or the popular We’re Not Really Strangers.
- Practical for the Party: I’m telling you right now, stop what you’re doing and go buy one of these “Mark Your Cup and Drink Up” cup holders. Trust me, your hostess will LOVE you for this. Not only will it be the perfect gift, but it will guarantee something that your host will actually use. There are other options, too, based on their taste, like this white one, light wooden one, or dark wooden one!
- Luxury candles: A high-quality candle is always appreciated. Some great options: Frasier Fir, Fir & Cedarwood (comes in a beautiful glass container!), or this Chestnut Embers candle (such a unique scent!) bring those cozy holiday vibes to any space. NEST candles are one of my favorites and they offer a Holiday scent that is to die for!
- Personalized kitchen gear: Think monogrammed aprons or cutting boards. They’re not only useful but will remind your host of your thoughtful gift every time they use it. As someone who hosts a lot, I would love to receive a cutting board like this, it’s classy, simple, and would become a staple in my kitchen. Here is a more affordable option if that one is a little out of budget!
How to Wow
Okay, so you’ve picked the perfect gift—now, let’s talk about how to take it to the next level. The secret to making any gift feel extra special is all in the presentation. It doesn’t take much to turn a simple present into a wow moment.
- Wrapping: Go beyond basic wrapping paper. Try something fun like aesthetic wrapping paper or keep it classic with red and white striped paper. If you’re feeling crafty, Christmas brown craft paper with some twine and greenery can add a handmade touch. Bonus points for using gift boxes—they make the presentation feel polished without much extra work.
- Add a homemade element: Even a small touch can make a big difference. If you’re giving a candle or some kitchen towels, tie them up with a sprig of pine or attach a handwritten note. Or, if you’re feeling ambitious, put together a handmade bouquet of flowers—simple, thoughtful, and totally unique—wrap it yourself with some Christmas wrapping paper, tie it with twine or ribbon, add a handwritten note, and you’re all set!
Pro Tip: Giving handmade bouquets as hostess gifts is one of my go-tos, so I like to collect vases throughout the year just for moments like this. Makes the job easier when the time comes to put together a hostess gift!
Typical Types of Gifts & Recommendations
If you're still not sure where to start, here are some classic hostess gift ideas with a little holiday twist:
- Flowers: Always a good idea! Check out your local flower shop for a seasonal bouquet, or make your own arrangement for an extra personal touch.
- Candles: Whether it’s a Balsam & Cedar or a Christmas Cookie scent, whatever your hostess likes, candles are a great way to bring some warmth to your host’s home. I found these Christmas tree shaped taper candles that are adorable! Pair them with simple gold candle sticks like these, wrap a ribbon around them, and you have an elegant, beautiful hostess gift!
- Hand soaps: Seasonal hand soaps are a thoughtful, useful gift—try options like these Christmas Bouquet or White Spruce candles. If you are into organic, clean soaps, this Mrs. Meyer’s Iowa Pine scented hand soap would be great paired with a set of kitchen towels. Need to kill three birds with one stone? This Bath & Body Works option comes in a 3 pack.
- Kitchen towels: There are so many fun options out there, from this funny Grinch option, to simple, elegant Christmas tree designs. Or is everything in their home Christmas tree farm/red truck aesthetic? (don’t worry we didn’t forget about you) If so, this option is the winner.
- Oven mitts & Aprons: Who wouldn’t love a festive oven mitt? Go for a holiday-themed option like this, which comes with a baking set, or go with a simple staple that you can dress up with other things (such as a kitchen towel set or hand soaps)! Another great option, if your host likes to bake, is to spruce up their wardrobe with something fun like this Christmas Elf apron. Here is a prettier option if that’s more their vibe.
- Kitchen tools: A holiday cookie cutter set or a personalized kitchen gadget makes for a sweet, useful gift. Here are the perfect cookie cutters that come with all the regular staples and in multiple shapes in sizes. Looking for a more unique option? This set comes with shapes like an ugly Christmas sweater and a hot cocoa mug with whipped cream!
Cheers to Winning the Hostess Gift Game
Whether you're going big or keeping it budget-friendly, the best hostess gifts are the ones that show you actually thought about it for more than five minutes. It’s not about the price tag—it's about picking something personal, thoughtful, and maybe even a little fun. Add some creativity, sprinkle in a bit of holiday cheer, and boom—you’ve got a gift that says, "I see you, I appreciate you, and yes, I know how to party." So go ahead, show up with something memorable, and make this holiday season one to remember—for both you and your host!
