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.
Expert picks | Gifts under $25 | Gifts under $50 | Holiday hostess gifts | Gifts for men | Expert advice for shopping | How we chose | Meet the experts
Best hostess gifts, according to experts
“Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails with a Literary Twist," by Tim Federle
“While most people have a collection of traditional cookbooks, few have an assortment of cocktail recipe books, making this a great hostess gift,” says interior designer Philip Mitchell 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 4 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 $25
Modern 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.
Mini Cheese Knives 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!”
On The Rocks Spiced Pear Whiskey Sour
You can't go wrong with adding an easy, ready-to-drink cocktail to their bar cart and this one is a favorite of associate editor Kamari Stewart. "I've never been disappointed by these and love keeping at least two on my personal bar cart at all times," she says. "The limited-edition Spiced Pear Whiskey Sour is too good to be missed and their Cosmopolitan is also a hit with everyone I've introduced it to."
The Original Wine Condoms Wine & Beverage Bottle Stopper
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.
Mark & Graham Greek Key Catchall
This eye-catching glazed ceramic catch-all is the perfect addition to a bedside table or even bathroom counter. For just $15 more you can personalize it.
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.
Uncommon Goods 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% cotton.
O&H Danish Bakery Cinnamon Roll Kringle
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 mornings. Bonus: They perfectly complement whatever your go-to breakfast sip is."
Best hostess gifts under $50
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.
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.
Spring & Mullbery Chocolate Bar Mixed Berry
These 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.”
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.
It’s so simple to use: Just a press of a button and a tilt of the grinder is all it takes. Plus, it even comes equipped with a helpful LED light.
Molton Brown Orange & Bergamot Fine Liquid Hand Wash
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.
P.F. Candle Co. Blonde Hinoki– HI-FI Reed Diffuser
One of the best gifts to receive is something that can instantly transport you to a memory or a feeling, and that's why scents are so beloved. This Blonde Hinoki-scented reed diffuser from P.F. Candle Co. features notes of aromatic greenery to help make their space more fresh and calm.
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.
Best hostess gifts for parties
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.
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.
Truff 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.
Beehive Cheese Sampler
You better buy two of these samplers because 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.
Giada's Pantry Staple Box
This beautifully curated box of everything you need for the perfect Italian kitchen staples. "I have been gifted (and have gifted) a few of the 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."
JJ's Flower Shop: Flwr Fwd: Dossier x JJ’s Bundle
Florals are always a crowd-pleaser and function as a centerpiece for the host to put out on display. This bundle includes fresh florals and Dossier's famous floral sandalwood scent perfume. Shop TODAY production associate Audrey Ekman says she "couldn’t stop smiling when I unwrapped the gorgeous JJ’s arrangement!"
Best host gifts for men
Corkcicle 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. It's earned more than 130,000 verified five-star reviews on Amazon with shoppers raving about the blanket’s quality, weight and warmth.
West Bourne The Starter Pack
One of the worst things to run out of as a home cook is cooking oil — you need it for basically everything! This starter pack is perfect for those who love to sear, broil or bake. This avocado oil set features 100% pure avocado oil and extra virgin avocado oil that can be used in cooking or drizzled over basically anything.
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 Ice Maker
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).
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.
How we chose the best gifts for hosts and hostesses
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there that would make great gifts for people who are always hosting. We use our own personal experiences with products and brands to make shopping easier for our readers.
Meet the experts
- Jessica Sloane is a creative director, professional event planner, designer and stylist.
- Philip Mitchell is an interior designer and founder of his namesake firm located on the east coast of Canada.
- Jessica Lagrange is a luxury interior designer and founder of Jessica Lagrange Interiors, a firm that specializes in creating spaces with a wide range of periods and pieces.
- Dana Schwartz is the principal designer at her firm Dana Schwartz Design where she focuses on creating spaces that allow clients to enjoy the little things.
- Jamie Kutchman Wynne is the founder and CEO of Marigold & Grey, an artisan gifting business.
- Lindsay Roberts Schey is a lifestyle and gifting expert, and the founder of TheGiftInsider.com.
Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s other gift guides to find the perfect gift for anyone on your list including babies, toddlers, tweens, teens, seniors and more.
