I will admit that I am looking forward to the return of holiday parties this year. I missed the over indulging, the photo-taking, fighting holiday traffic and even the search for the best hostess gift. We host an annual holiday party and while I NEVER expect gifts from our guests, nonetheless they show up with thoughtful and sweet tokens of their appreciation. With that in mind, here are a few of our favorite host and hostess gifts to give and receive.
Hostess Gifts That Aren’t Wine!
Wendy once shared the idea of bringing a breakfast basket for a hostess gift and I’ve loved it ever since! You can either choose something pre-made, or opt for something that doesn’t need to be consume right away like a nice baking mix. Williams Sonoma is my go-to for fancier than the grocery store options.
I know we all probably have more mugs than we need, but that doesn’t stop me from ooohing and aaahing over new beautiful mugs, anyway. And one with a monogram on it? Forget about it – I’m in love.
Perhaps you can pair that mug with a beautiful tea tin. Once again, my goal here is slightly nicer than what I’ll find in the aisles of Target, but you can still find these gift-worthy teas for under $20.
Kitchen linens are also a sweet gift. We like choosing a fun print on a kitchen towel or cocktail napkin. Pair it with just about anything from a bottle of sparkling lemonade, to something like like a loaf of homemade bread. It’s all in the presentation, folks!
Look, we know everyone says not to give candles as gifts, but no one has ever turned their noses up at a Voluspa gift in my experience. Fun story: One year the Voluspa Laguna candle was so fought over in our white elephant gift exchange that the person who brought that gift brought me MY OWN the next day after it was stolen from me. That’s a top three holiday party memory right there.
A pretty cutting board that’s also only $20? A fabulous gift. Pair it with the inexpensive kitchen towels above and tie it with a bow and you’re all set.
Another thing Williams Sonoma is great for is pretty hand soaps and lotions, but you can also go directly to TJ Maxx and pick up a set worth of delivering to your favorite hostess for half the price.
Slip Sleep Mist – You know your host is going to be EXHAUSTED at the end of the night. Help them slip off into dreamland with this chamomile and lavender scented mist.
This is a real know-your-audience sort of gift, but I think a fun cookbook is a great gift, especially if you know your host is into trying new things. For a family gift, the Nailed it cookbook could keep everyone busy throughout the winter break.
Just for fun, pick up a set of these stacking coaters from MOMA to have on hand for the next last minute hostess gift need!
Host Gifts that are a bit of a splurge!
Okay, this is a bit more of a splurge than the typical hostess gift, but we had to include a couple of items for that extra special person, and these cozy pom pom blankets are the perfect holiday surprise.
Look, I didn’t say I would stop at one splurge gift. Can you even handle this gorgeous cookie jar? I can’t, and the person lucky enough to receive it will likely give you the “OMG THANK YOU THIS IS AMAZING” eyes, too.
A Classic Hostess Gift
Because I can’t bear to send you out with those big ticket gifts as your final option, I bring you to my favorite, easy hostess gift – the Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark. It’s available in several options (personally I prefer the dark chocolate, but the sea salt is a close runner up) and is both special, and traditional, and strikes the perfect holiday chord with it’s timeless packaging.
We are pleased to present an assortment of gift guides for everyone on your list! Simply click through the image above to browse gifts for everyone. Plus stocking stuffer and advent calendar fillers, and ideas from some of our favorite stores like Trader Joe’s and World Market.