Showing up to a holiday party with a little something for the host is one of my favorite traditions. These hostess gift ideas go way beyond another bottle of wine. Think cozy candles, pretty serving pieces, pantry treats they wouldn't buy for themselves, and games that keep the party going after dinner.
I pulled together the gifts I'd be happy to receive after hosting a crowd at our farm table. There are easy picks for Christmas parties, Thanksgiving dinner, Friendsgiving, and housewarmings, plus plenty of small gifts that tuck right into a gift bag. If your host is gluten free, I marked a few gifts that are a safe bet for them too.
Cozy Candles for the Holiday Host
A good candle is the classic hostess gift for a reason. Pick a seasonal scent and it will be burning by the next party.
- ILLUME Noble Holiday Woodfire Radiant Glass Candle: smoky and festive, in a gift ready glass
- ILLUME Demi Vanity Tin Candle, Balsam and Cedar: a smaller tin that smells like a fresh tree
- LA JOLIE MUSE Eucalyptus and Alpine Sage Candle: fresh and clean for after the party
- LA JOLIE MUSE Amber and Sandalwood Candle: warm and cozy for winter evenings
- MEIRUBY Electric Candle Lighter: rechargeable, so no more hunting for matches
Wine and Cocktail Gifts
If you're bringing a bottle anyway, pair it with something they'll use long after it's gone.
- Corkcicle Air Wine Bottle Chiller: keeps whites cold on the table
- Stainless Steel Wine Stoppers, Set of 2: a small add on for a bottle of wine
- PEIPU Electric Wine Bottle Opener: one button, no wrestling with a corkscrew
- Mixology Bartender Kit, 10 Piece with Bamboo Stand: for the host who loves making cocktails or mocktails
Make it a gift set: tuck the bar kit in a basket with a bottle of sparkling apple cider and a printed copy of my Non Alcoholic Spiced Apple Fizz Drinks recipe, and your host has a festive mocktail ready for their next party.
Charcuterie and Entertaining Gifts
Serving pieces that make the next party easier.
- ChefSofi Charcuterie Board Set and Cheese Serving Platter
- Bamboo Charcuterie Board Gift Set with Cheese Knives
- Kusini Tabletop S'mores Maker: flameless, so it works right on the table
- Pop n' Dulge Popcorn Movie Night Gift Set: a cozy night in after all the hosting
Gourmet Pantry Gifts
The little luxuries most people won't buy for themselves.
- Graza Drizzle Extra Virgin Olive Oil: a pretty finishing oil in a squeeze bottle
- Atlas Organic Cold Press Extra Virgin Olive Oil: a gorgeous glass bottle for the counter
- Maldon Smoked Sea Salt Flakes and Maldon Garlic Sea Salt Flakes
- Le Saunier de Camargue Fleur de Sel: a French finishing salt
- Totally Bamboo Salt Cellar with Swivel Lid: pair it with one of the salts
- Bees Knees Spicy Hot Honey: amazing on pizza, cheese boards and fried chicken
- S&B Chili Oil with Crunchy Garlic
- Fishwife Tinned Fish Gift Set: perfect for a tinned fish date night or a cheese board
- Rodelle Single Origin Vanilla Extract Gift Pack: for the host who bakes
- Hawaiian Host Aloha Gems Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts
- Numi Organic Tea Gift Set: 40 tea bags for slow mornings after the party
Bringing a food gift to a gluten free host? Check the label for a certified gluten free mark before you buy, since flavored salts, chocolates, and spice blends can contain hidden gluten or be made on shared equipment. When in doubt, a candle or a game is always a safe choice.
Cookbooks for the Host Who Loves to Cook
After Dinner Games
Keep everyone at the table a little longer.
Gluten Free Hostess Gifts
Shopping for a gluten free host? These gluten free hostess gift ideas are ones they can enjoy without double checking a single label.
- Cook Once, Eat All Week and How Can It Be Gluten Free (both gluten free cookbooks)
- An olive oil, finishing salt, and salt cellar trio
- Any candle, wine accessory, or game from above, since nothing to eat means no label worries
- A batch of homemade treats from the next section
Homemade Hostess Gifts
Nothing beats a jar of something homemade. Wrap it with a ribbon and a recipe card and you have a gift that's personal and gluten free.
A thoughtful hostess gift doesn't have to be big. A candle, a pretty bottle of olive oil, or a game for after dinner shows your host you appreciate all the work that goes into a holiday gathering. Looking for more ideas? Browse all of my holiday gift guides, and I hope your holiday season is full of good food and great company.
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