Good hostess gift ideas solve a small problem: you want to say thank you without handing your host something they have to deal with in the middle of a dinner party. A bottle of wine works, but it’s expected. A gift that’s useful, easy to keep and a little more personal is the one they’ll remember after the guests have gone home.
Here are the simple rules for a great hostess gift, a quick-picks table and five ideas for the holiday season.
The Rules for Great Hostess Gift Ideas
- Nothing that needs attention tonight. Skip flowers that need a vase or food meant for the meal. Your host is busy.
- Useful beats decorative. Something for the kitchen or the guest bathroom gets used; a figurine doesn’t.
- Ready to give. Choose things that come as a set or in a gift box so they look good without extra wrapping.
- Keep it modest. A hostess gift is a thank-you, not a birthday present.
Quick Picks: Hostess Gift Ideas
| Gift | Best for | Room |
|---|---|---|
| SMIRLY Bamboo Charcuterie Board Set | Hosts who entertain | Kitchen |
| Mrs. Meyer’s Hand Soap + Lotion Set | Any host | Guest bath |
| Bazaar Anatolia Turkish Hand Towels (4) | A thoughtful touch | Kitchen or bath |
| Brightland Artist Series Olive Oils | Food lovers | Kitchen |
| Rabbit Wine Aerator + Stoppers | Wine drinkers | Bar |
5 Hostess Gift Ideas for the Holidays
1. SMIRLY Large Bamboo Charcuterie Board Set — Best for Hosts Who Entertain
A large bamboo cheese board set for serving, sold as a housewarming and wedding gift. Anyone who hosts once will host again, and a good board gets used at every gathering.
What we like
- Large bamboo serving board
- Made to be given as a gift
- Used at every party
Keep in mind
- Bamboo should be hand washed
Best for: the friend who always hosts.
2. Mrs. Meyer’s Hand Soap + Hand Lotion Gift Set, Peony — Best for Any Host
A two-piece gift set of hand soap and hand lotion in a peony scent. It goes straight to the guest bathroom, gets used every day and never feels like clutter.
What we like
- Soap and lotion as a gift set
- Used daily
- Easy, safe choice for anyone
Keep in mind
- Scented (peony)
Best for: a host you don’t know very well yet.
3. Bazaar Anatolia Turkish Hand Towel Set of 4 — Best Thoughtful Touch
A set of four 100% cotton peshtemal hand towels, 45 by 20 inches, light, thin and quick-drying, for the kitchen or the bathroom. Flat-woven Turkish towels look beautiful folded with a ribbon and get softer with every wash. More in our hand towel guide.
What we like
- 100% cotton peshtemal
- Quick-drying and light
- Set of four, kitchen or bath
Keep in mind
- Thin, not plush like terry
Best for: a gift that looks handpicked.
4. Brightland Artist Series Olive Oil Gift Set — Best for Food Lovers
An olive oil gift set of four infused oils: chili, garlic, lemon and basil. A food lover will actually open it, and the bottles look good on any counter.
What we like
- Four infused flavors
- Giftable bottles
- Something they’ll cook with
Keep in mind
- A splurge compared to the rest of this list
Best for: the host who loves to cook.
5. Rabbit Wine Aerator and Pourer with Bottle Stoppers, Set of 4 — Best for Wine Drinkers
A clear and stainless steel wine aerator and pourer with a set of four multicolor bottle stoppers. Bring it with a bottle and your gift outlasts the evening.
What we like
- Aerator, pourer and stoppers together
- Pairs well with a bottle of wine
- Small and easy to wrap
Keep in mind
- Only for wine drinkers
Best for: upgrading the classic bottle of wine.
FAQ
What is a good hostess gift instead of wine?
A cheese board, a hand soap and lotion set, Turkish hand towels or a set of good olive oils are all useful and feel more personal than a bottle.
How much should I spend on a hostess gift?
A hostess gift is a thank-you, so a modest gift is right. Choose something useful rather than expensive.
Should the host open the gift during the party?
No need. Hand it over with a quick thank-you and let them open it later; that’s why gifts that need nothing tonight work best.
The Bottom Line
The best hostess gift ideas are useful, ready to give and need nothing from your host on the night. Pick one that fits their kitchen, their guest bathroom or their wine rack, and you’ll be invited back.
Want to know why Turkish towels make such good gifts? Read our guide to the best Turkish cotton towels. More ideas in our Holiday Gift Guide.
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