Hostess Gifts Ideas & Tips
Mary’s Tips
Prioritize gifts that are consumable. Edible items, yes, but also anything that you use up: pretty notecards, cocktail napkins, notepads. We all have too much “stuff;” gifts that ultimately disappear are always appreciated.
I only bring wine/alcohol if I know what the host/hostess likes to drink. Same for candles. Scent is so personal and I only gift a candle if I know I’m restocking one she loves.
Flowers are wonderful, but don’t bring a bouquet that needs to be put in water or arranged upon receipt. Schedule a floral delivery ahead of the event or bring an arrangement that’s already in a vase.
If you know who’s attending the gathering, ask if they’d like to split one, larger hostess gift. This way, you can get something a little nicer, and you usually end up spending less than you would on one smaller item.
In her book, So Much To Celebrate, the wonderful Katie Jacobs suggests bringing breakfast for the next morning – think delicious muffins, granola, etc. Genius!
It’s always helpful to have some hostess gifts on hand. You hardly need a full “gift closet,” but a few sets of notecards, finishing salts, or my favorite $7 Amazon floral shears (linked below) are great go-to’s.
Go-To Gift Ideas
Twist on Flowers: Make the vase part of the gift. Source a beautiful vessel and arrange a bouquet in it (check out my flower arranging tips here). Two gifts in one!
Favorite resources: Terrain, Anthropologie
Twist on Wine: Place a favorite libation in a wine coaster and wrap the whole thing with cello and a pretty ribbon. Wine coasters are so useful but no one has them.
Favorite resources: Williams Sonoma, Beatriz Ball, Simon Pearce, Michael Aram, Serena & Lily, Juliska
Paper Goods: Stationery, notepads, and gift tags are pretty and consumable. If you need a bigger gift, order them personalized.
Favorite resources: Dogwood Hill, Fête Papier, Haute Papier, WH Hostess, Papier, Paper Eliza, Preppy Jones personalized notepads via Amazon (fantastic price)
Cocktail Napkins & Shatterproof Cups: Again, pretty and consumable. Personalize them for a special touch (customize with the recipient’s house number for a fun change from a monogram).
Favorite Resources: Caspari, Mark & Graham, The Essential Market, Stationery Studio, Sip Sip Hooray, your local stationery/party store
Edible Treats: Who doesn’t love a good nosh or fancy accoutrement?
Microchip Cookies (Original Chocolate Chip and Cheddar Cheesies are crowd-pleasers)
Olive oil (Brightland, Flamingo Estate, Williams Sonoma)
Olivier 25-Year Balsamic Vinegar from Williams Sonoma
Savannah Grace Cheese Straws (get them at Whole Foods)
Dalkin & Co sea salt and spice blends
Louis Sherry chocolates
Candle Adjacent (but not a candle!): USB lighter (Botanica makes a great one)
For the Country Club Gal: Monogrammed tennis or golf towel from Weezie
For the Sun Worshipper:
Bikini bag from Weezie
Magnetic hat clip (can get from many places, including St. Bernard)
Poolside clear pouch (can get from Mark & Graham or Sprinkled with Pink)
For the Sentimentalist: Printed photo in a frame. Pick your favorite photo together and snag a frame from Addison Ross, Pottery Barn, or Williams Sonoma.
For the Gourmet: Cookbook from a meaningful city or restaurant
For the Travel Enthusiast: Travel journal (Papier is a great resource)
Best $25 and Under:
White orchid from Trader Joe’s
Floral shears from Amazon
Acetaia Dodi Balsamic Glaze from Eataly
Resources and Ideas for “Big” Gifts:
