Whether you’ve been invited to a cozy dinner party or a special celebration, it’s a thoughtful idea to bring a host gift. It’s an opportunity for you to express your gratitude for the effort they’ve put into preparing a memorable event.
But what do you get? Choosing the perfect present doesn’t have to be something that causes you stress. You’ve likely done a lot of brainstorming already this season trying to find thoughtful holiday gifts for the people in your life. If you’re tapped out on trying to come up with just the right host gift, we’ve got you covered. From personalized gestures to elegant tokens of appreciation, let’s dive into some of our favorite hostess gift ideas for all your upcoming holiday gatherings.
What to Gift a Host for the Holidays
1. Potted Plant of Flowers
2. Nice Bottle of Wine
3. Luxurious Robe
4. Cheese Board Set
5. Baked Goods
6. Comfy Pajamas
7. Three Wick Candle
8. House Slippers
9. Coffee Table Book
10. Cozy Wrap
11. Serving Tray
12. Throw Blanket
13. Gift Card
13 Hostess Gift Ideas
Finding the best hostess gift will depend on the person. Your gift selection will likely be influenced by how well you know the person. A host gift for your mom might be way different than one you’d give to your boss. Think about their hobbies and lifestyle. You can also draw inspiration from the type of event as well. Whether you want to keep it simple or do something a bit more extravagant, this list will help you find something they’ll love.
1. Potted Plant
Breathe life into their space with some greenery. A delicate potted plant or succulent is the perfect gift for a hostess. As opposed to the traditional gift of flower bouquets, potted plants will last for a long time and become decor for the home. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
If the host has a green thumb, you might even choose to opt for something they can remove from the pot and plant in their own garden.
2. Nice Bottle of Wine
This classic hostess gift is usually a safe choice. After all, who doesn’t need a nice bottle of wine, especially when entertaining guests? Whether they use it for the party or keep it on hand for future hosting, it’s something they can share or enjoy themselves.
Pick out an elegant bottle of wine or a unique blend for your friends who love to make memories over a bottle of good wine.
P.S. It always feels more personalized if you select a wine that you’ve enjoyed before and would recommend to a friend.
3. Luxurious Robe
Help them prioritize comfort and self-care after everyone leaves. When you give the gift of comfort with a luxurious robe, they’ll appreciate the gesture well after the party winds down. Whether silk or satin, or something more plush like a teddy material, a robe is something everyone can use. A soft, cozy robe also makes for a perfect holiday host gift because it’ll keep them warm through the holidays.
4. Cheese Board Set
Give the gift of flavor and delight with a cheese board set. If you want to add to the gift, you could also select a few unique cheeses and charcuterie offerings they’ll enjoy. This is the perfect gift for hosts who love to throw parties because they can share it with guests if they want.
5. Baked Goods
Another timeless option is baked goods. From classic cookies to whimsical bundt cakes, fruit-filled pastries, and more, baked goods are a wonderful gift for a hostess who loves sweets. Baked goods can also be easily shared at the party, making it a meaningful contribution we’re sure the host will appreciate. Either make them yourself or pick them up at your favorite bakery.
6. Comfy Pajamas
Here’s an idea for someone you’re close to since you’ll need to know their clothing size. Maybe your mom or sister hosts Christmas every year and you want to show her a little extra appreciation.
You can never have enough pajamas. Many people might forget to update their pajama collection throughout the years, making pajama sets one of the best hostess gifts. After all, what’s better than the gift of good sleep?
Choose from matching sets and pajama separates in modern hues and styles. Made with high-quality fabrics, they’ll also keep them comfortable all night long. They’ll love these cooling pajamas from our Cool Nights® collection that are made from lightweight fabric that helps regulate body temperature.
7. Festive Candle
Candles are a great host gift idea that can be used all year round. Choose from festive scents for the holidays or something that reminds you of them. A candle is a fun gift idea that is easy to find and personalize.
You could also take this gift to the next level with a decorative candle plate or candlesticks.
P.S. If you happen to know what perfume they wear, it can help guide you to similar undertones they’ll enjoy in a candle!
8. House Slippers
Soft slippers can be a great gift for a close friend or family member when you’re visiting their home for a casual get-together. We all know how cold our feet are during the holiday months; help them keep theirs warm and cozy throughout the season with a pair of slippers that they can wear around the house.
9. Coffee Table Book
Coffee table books can be a fantastic host gift, especially if you choose one that fits their interests or the style of their home. It’s both decorative and useful, making it a thoughtful and versatile gift for hosts.
Need some ideas? Look for coffee table books about:
Travel
Cooking
Artists
History
Music
10. Cozy Wrap
Give a luxurious gift to show your host appreciation with a cozy wrap or sweater that they can wear all season. Bonus points if it’s chic enough to be put on display. A neutral ombre wrap can easily drape on the side of a couch or fold up and lay on a blanket ladder. This way they can grab it and throw it on whenever they feel a little chilly. Keep in mind that clothes are usually a better gift for those you’re close with since you’ll likely know their personal tastes better.
11. Serving Tray
People who love to host will appreciate an elegant serving tray. This gift can be both practical and decorative, giving your host new ways to serve snacks or drinks at their next party. If you don’t know the person too well, it’s never a bad idea to go with a classic style made from metal or glass.
On the flipside, there are ways to make it more personal. Does the host entertain often during the holidays? Choose one that comes in a festive color or pattern. Or maybe they go all out for football season? Find a tray that's in their team’s colors so they can use it over and over.
If you want to go the extra mile, you can gift it with cookies or a read-to-serve appetizer.
12. Throw Blanket
Who doesn’t love having an extra blanket on hand? The holidays are the perfect time to give something warm and cozy. A soft throw blanket can add a touch of warmth and elegance to their home. Choose colors and patterns that complement their decor for the perfect host gift for any occasion.
This is an especially on-theme gift if you’re attending a holiday pajama party. The host has the option to put it out for anyone to enjoy while you’re all snuggled up watching a movie or exchanging Secret Santa gifts.
13. Gift Card
Among hostess gift ideas, gift cards are the simplest and surest way to show gratitude. Gift cards give the host the freedom to choose something for themselves. This takes out the potential for getting something they might not like.
While gift cards are great for any host–especially those you don’t know well enough to pick something out for–they’re easy to personalize. You can choose a more general gift card or select their favorite store.
Thank Your Holiday Host with the Perfect Gift
Take time to express gratitude to the hosts who open their homes and hearts to you during the holiday season. The perfect hostess gift ideas are based on thoughtfulness and personalization, demonstrating your deep appreciation for the host.
Whether you opt for something practical or lean into luxury, remember that it’s the thought that counts the most. If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our holiday gift guide to discover more presents that are sure to delight hosts and loved ones alike.
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