We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping The Best Gift Ideas of 2024 The 32 Best Hostess Gifts of 2024 A token of appreciation for the hostess with the mostest. By Lesley Chen Lesley Chen Lesley Chen is a San Francisco-based freelance writer who covers shopping, home, tech, health, and general lifestyle topics for various websites.Highlights *Her work has appeared on SFGate, Well + Good, BuzzFeed, Byrdie, and PureWow. *She has a BA in economics and psychology from UC Berkeley and an MBA from UCLA Anderson. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 27, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Reviews FAQs Take Our Word for It Photo: Real Simple / David Hattan Hosting is an impressive skill that deserves recognition. If you’ve been welcomed into someone’s home for a dinner party, housewarming, or casual get together, bringing a gift for the person who invited you can be a thoughtful and much-appreciated gesture. With guidance from Misti Morgensten, event planner and founder of Elevate Events, and international etiquette consultant Jamila Musayeva, we set out to find hostess gifts that are sure to show your gratitude long after you’ve gone home. Crate & Barrel Tondo Acacia Round Serving Board PHOTO: Crate & Barrel $50 at Crate & Barrel This round serving board is an attractive addition to any counter or table. It’s made from sustainable acacia wood with a gorgeous natural grain that can be used for preparing food or as a charcuterie board filled with delicious meats and cheeses. The handle has a hole in it, so it can be hung up whenever it’s not being used. P.F. Candle Co. Teakwood & Tobacco Candle PHOTO: Amazon $27 at Amazon View on Pfcandleco.com View on Shoppigment.com With notes of teakwood and tobacco, this candle will create a warm, welcoming, and relaxing atmosphere. The soy wax candle has a burn time of between 40 and 50 hours, and the jar can be reused once the candle is one. There are also other scents available, such as black fig, sandalwood rose, sweet grapefruit, and more. The White Company Parham Ceramic Vase PHOTO: The White Company $55 at Thewhitecompany.com Beautiful flowers deserve a beautiful vase. This one is made with ceramic and has an unglazed bottom that gives it a subtle yet stylish look. The crisp white color will match almost any decor—just add a bouquet. Pottery Barn Hayes Fuax Mohair Throw PHOTO: Pottery Barn $23 at Pottery Barn Nothing says cozy like a good throw blanket to cocoon in while enjoying a movie night together. This faux mohair blanket has a twill weave and tassels, and it’s soft and warm. Available in six different colors, it makes the perfect addition to any space. Estelle Colored Glass Stemless Wine Glass Set PHOTO: Nordstrom $75 at Nordstrom $75 at Estellecoloredglass.com View on Luluandgeorgia.com These vibrant stemless wine glasses are a thoughtful gift for any wine lover and design enthusiast. Available in seven colors, they'll add a bright touch to any tablescape. Crate & Barrel Brushed Brass Picture Frame PHOTO: Crate & Barrel $25 at Crate & Barrel They'll love displaying memories via this brushed photo frame, which comes in four different colors and includes an off-white mat. Sizes range from 4 by 6 to 20 by 30, perfect for showing off a favorite photo or piece of art. The Spice House Best Sellers Collection PHOTO: Crate & Barrel View on Thespicehouse.com $42 at Crate & Barrel Treat your host to an array of world-class flavors with this spice collection. Including garlic pepper butcher’s rub for the barbeque and shallot and herb seasoning to elevate even the most simple of salmon dishes, this set truly has something for everyone. Esther Perel Where Should We Begin PHOTO: Amazon $40 at Amazon $40 at Estherperel.com $40 at Uncommon Goods To encourage an evening of great conversation, look no further than this card game created by relationship expert Esther Perel. There are over 200 cards that prompt people to share stories about relationships, values, and beliefs so everyone can get to know each other a little better. Each round takes about 45 minutes. Five Two Apron With Built-In Pot Holders PHOTO: Food52 $35 at Food52 Cooking can be messy, and a nice cotton apron adds a layer of protection over their party outfit. This one comes in two different sizes, has an adjustable neck strap, and has an extra-long waist tie to fit chefs of all sizes. There are built-in pot holders and, more importantly, pockets. One pocket even includes a handy conversion chart, so they can adjust recipes without having to grab a calculator. Boarderie Ciccetti Cheese & Charcuterie Board PHOTO: Boarderie View on Boarderie.com View on Harry & David Save a host prep time by giving them a freshly made, fully-arranged cheese and charcuterie board. It comes in small, medium, and large sizes to accommodate parties of different sizes, and each one comes with chef-picked artisan cheeses, meats, and various accouterments on a acacia wood serving board. Brightland The Duo PHOTO: Bloomingdale's Orig. $79 $74 at Amazon View on Nordstrom $74 at Brightland.co Olive oil is a staple in the kitchen, and a nice set makes for a useful and delicious gift. The Brightland Duo includes two different extra virgin olive oils made from olives grown on small California family farms. The glass bottles are so attractive that they won’t even mind leaving them out in plain view. Laduree Intemporel Box of 20 Macarons PHOTO: Laduree View on Goldbelly.com View on Laduree.us You may not be able to give someone a trip to Paris, but you can bring a little bit of Paris to them. This box of 20 macarons comes from Laduree, the luxe pastry shop that invented the sweet treat. The selection features a chef’s choice of assorted flavors, which may include chocolate, coffee, pistachio, rose, strawberry candy, and more. The Sill Money Tree Plant PHOTO: The Sill $48 at Thesill.com A live plant is a gift that can keep on giving. This money tree is great for adding greenery to any room, is relatively easy to care for, and is even pet friendly. Best of all, it’s said to symbolize good luck, abundance, and prosperity. Papier Classic Border Notecard Set PHOTO: Papier $58 at Papier.com There’s something personal about a handwritten note, and this set will allow them to scribble to their heart’s content. It comes with anywhere from 10 to 250 cards, and you can choose between three foil border colors and personalize it with their name. Le Creuset Mugs, Set of 4 PHOTO: Le Creuset $76 at Amazon View on Lecreuset.com $76 at Sur La Table Coffee or tea is always better with friends and family, and this set of four stoneware mugs encourages quality time together. They come in all of Le Creuset’s iconic vibrant colors, and each can hold up to 14 ounces of liquid. They’re safe to put in the microwave when you need a nuke, and you can put them in the dishwasher after the last sip. Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera PHOTO: Amazon $76 at Amazon Orig. $79 $75 at Walmart $77 at B&H Photo Video This Fujifilm Instax is a gift that keeps on giving, allowing your favorite hostess to look back fondly on memories captured on film. With just the press of a button, they’ll get a photo printed in seconds. There’s a selfie mode, too, so everyone can be included in the fun. Tequila Mockingbird (10th Anniversary Expanded Edition) PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $17 $11 at Amazon Orig. $17 $15 at Barnesandnoble.com Orig. $17 $16 at Bookshop.org No happy hour is complete without creative cocktails and mocktails, and this book will help any book lover step up their mixologist skills. Tequila Mockingbird is full of literary-inspired drink and bar snack recipes for the next get together, including "Are You There God? It’s Me, Margarita,” “The Joy Luck Club Soda,” and “The Deviled Egg Wears Prada.” Crate & Barrel Marin Crisp Linen Napkins PHOTO: Crate & Barrel $43 at Crate & Barrel Save the paper napkins for takeout and gift them nice linens to complete their tablescape. These generously sized napkins come in singles, sets of four, or sets of eight. You can choose from a variety of neutral or bright colors and even personalize them. Selena Liu Serving Friends PHOTO: Areaware View on Areaware.com View on Comingsoonnewyork.com View on Selenaliudesign.com Everyone needs a good set of serving utensils. These spoons are made of beechwood and come in three different shapes (flowers, hands, and wavy) that are sure to liven up any table. Williams Sonoma Estate Stemware Decanter PHOTO: Williams Sonoma $80 at Williams-Sonoma This sleek decanter is just as decorative as it is functional. Designed with the help of sommeliers, winemakers, and chefs, it's sure to aerate any red or white wine to perfection. Rabbit Vertical Corkscrew PHOTO: Amazon $54 at Wayfair $60 at Crate & Barrel Toast goodbye to wrestling with a wine cork only to have it break into the bottle—this Rabbit corkscrew effortlessly removes a cork in seconds. It works on any bottle size and type of cork and includes a foil cutter and an extra spiral. Compartes Truffle Gift Box PHOTO: Compartes View on Compartes.com Don’t just give any old box of chocolates. These gourmet Compartes truffles are almost too pretty to eat, and they change flavors and patterns depending on the season. They ship with a no-melt guarantee, so you won’t have to worry about the truffles arriving in good shape. The box comes with 10 truffles (there’s also a larger, 20-piece box), which is enough to share if they are so inclined. Mark and Graham Leather Coasters PHOTO: Mark and Graham $49 at Markandgraham.com Water rings are a faux pas whether you’re in your own home or someone else’s. Leave no stains behind with this set of handcrafted leather coasters. They have a water-treated surface, come in three different colors, and can be monogrammed for an extra-special touch. Levain Bakery Signature Cookie Assortment PHOTO: Levain Bakery View on Levainbakery.com View on Goldbelly.com Send a hardworking host some freshly baked cookies to satisfy their sweet tooth. New York’s Levain Bakery is famous for its generously sized cookies (6 ounces each!), which you can get in a pack of four, eight, or 12. The individually-wrapped cookies come in four original flavors: chocolate chip walnut, dark chocolate chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and dark chocolate peanut butter chip. Solo Stove Mesa PHOTO: Solo Stove Orig. $80 $70 at Amazon $90 at Wayfair Orig. $80 $61 at Walmart A fire pit is great for ambiance or s’mores, and if your hostess doesn’t have a big outdoor space, they can enjoy a compact, tabletop version. The lightweight Solo Stove Mesa can be used on a balcony or patio, is easy to light, and can burn pellets or wood for more versatility. It also comes with a carrying bag, so you can bring it on the go or store it away when not needed. DN DECONATION Ceramic Taper Candle Holder PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $25 $19 at Amazon Taper candles make for great mood lighting, but they can’t stand on their own. This ceramic holder has both form and function, with an attached dish to hold small items and trinkets. TmolosCo Personalized Charcuterie Board PHOTO: Etsy $45 at Etsy This personalized cutting board will remind them of you every time they look at it. You can choose different sizes and shapes, with or without a handle, and between oak or walnut woods, and then finish it off with a customized engraving. Anthropologie Estee Floral Tray PHOTO: Anthropologie $26 at Anthropologie A catchall is useful for keeping jewelry, trinkets, keys, and other odds and ends that may otherwise get lost in the shuffle. This gorgeous porcelain tray has a floral design and gold accents—a pretty little tray that will make sure keys are never misplaced again. The Food Lab PHOTO: Amazon View on Amazon $42 at Barnesandnoble.com Whether they’re a beginner or expert chef, this cookbook will level up their culinary skills. The Food Lab explains the science behind how to make the perfect versions of all sorts of breakfast dishes, steaks, roasts, vegetables, and more. Riverry Studio Mini Custom Watercolor Pet Portrait PHOTO: Etsy $31 at Etsy Celebrate the host’s four-legged family members with a custom pet portrait. Upload a photo of their pet(s), approve a proof ahead of time, and present them with a watercolor painting that’s thoughtful and unique. Asakuki Rock Essential Oil Diffuser PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $37 $29 at Amazon View on Asakuki.com Help your host cultivate a fragrant atmosphere with this essential oil diffuser, which was the Best Overall oil diffuser we tested. This pick includes various misting modes, along with calming LED lights to enhance any vibe. Plus, it operates quietly enough that it won't disrupt the party. NPW Drinking Buddies Glass Markers PHOTO: Amazon $12 at Amazon $12 at Target View on World Market Whether hosting a wine night or a cocktail party, these glass markers make the perfect boozy gift. The flexible, male-shaped charms each have their own name—Brad, Chad, Ryan, and so forth—helping guests to keep track of their beverage throughout the night. They can fit on nearly any kind of cup, including wine glasses, beer mugs, and more. Questions You Might Ask How much should you spend on a hostess gift? How much you should spend on a hostess gift depends on your budget and what you’re comfortable spending. “As a guest, remember that the host or hostess has invited you to their place or event because they want to enjoy your company,” Musayeva says. “It’s always a nice gesture to bring a token of appreciation for their invitation, but that the price of the gift isn't as important as the thought and effort you put into choosing it.” When it comes to price, Morgensten recommends spending $25 to $50 for a casual dinner party with close friends, or $50 to $75 or a more formal event like a holiday gathering. What is a good thank you gift for hospitality? The best thank you gift for hospitality is something the host or hostess can enjoy and use practically at home, or something that will remind them of you each time they use it, Musayeva says. Some examples include beautiful collection books, a vase they can use for flowers, or a set of teacups or coffee mugs. “If you know your host or hostess well, you'll have a better idea of what they would appreciate and use,” Musayeva says. “Maybe they love baking, so some baking equipment would be perfect, or perhaps they're into barbecuing, so something related to that would be ideal." She says it's also important to consider their interests and the design of their home. For instance, if they have a loft-style home or a more classical design, you should make sure your gift aligns with the overall vibe and atmosphere. Morgansten says the most memorable hostess gifts are often consumables the recipient can enjoy immediately or items that elevate the home entertaining experience. That could mean a nice basket of wine and cheese, serveware, a cocktail set, or even home decor. What are hostess gift ideas to avoid? While it’s always nice to receive a gift, sometimes there are gifts that aren’t quite fitting for the occasion. Morgensten suggests avoiding overly personal items like clothing or accessories unless you really know the hostess’s tastes. Musayeva also says to steer away from anything that they might be allergic to, such as flowers or strongly scented candles. If your host is from a different country and culture, it's important to do some research to avoid gifts that might be considered superstitious or inappropriate. “While it's nice to add your personal touch, the focus should be on what they would appreciate and use,” Musayeva says. “Remember, the gift is for them, not for you.” Take Our Word for It This article was written by Lesley Chen, a contributing writer for Real Simple with experience writing commerce, home, and lifestyle stories. To compile this list, she researched a variety of product types across different categories and prices. For expert advice, Lesley spoke to Jamila Musayeva, international etiquette consultant, and Misti Morgensten, event planner and founder of Elevate Events.