Skip to content

Top Navigation

Real Simple Logo Real Simple Logo
  • Food
  • Home
  • Life
  • Health
  • Money
  • Style and Beauty
  • Holidays & Entertaining
  • News
  • Shopping
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • My Account
  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Free Organizing App this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Real Simple

Real Simple Logo Real Simple Logo
  • Explore

    Explore

    • How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home

      How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home

      Try one of these three easy methods to make sure your ring fits perfectly, every time. Read More
    • Here's the Right Temperature for Your Refrigerator and Freezer (Because a Few Degrees Makes a Difference)

      Here's the Right Temperature for Your Refrigerator and Freezer (Because a Few Degrees Makes a Difference)

      Keeping foods chilled properly helps them last longer and stay fresher. Sticking to the ideal refrigerator temps can help you avoid potential foodborne illnesses, too. Read More
    • 34 Great Books to Suit Any Mood or Interest

      34 Great Books to Suit Any Mood or Interest

      This list has you covered, no matter how you're feeling. Read More
  • Food

    Food

    See All Food
    9 Cheeses You Can Eat Even If You're Lactose Intolerant

    9 Cheeses You Can Eat Even If You're Lactose Intolerant

    Not all dairy is created equal. 
    • Recipes
    • Real Simple Cooking School
    • Cooking Tips & Techniques
    • Shopping and Storing
    • Kitchen Tools and Products
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    • Cleaning
    • Organizing
    • Decorating
    • Gardening
    • Home Improvement
    • Green Living
    • New Uses for Old Things at Home
    • Quick Fix
    • Real Simple Home
  • Life

    Life

    See All Life
    • Family
    • Entertainment
    • Technology
    • Wedding Planning
    • Travel Ideas
    • Career
    • Get It Done
  • Health

    Health

    See All Health
    Feel Like You Don't Enjoy Anything Anymore? There's a Name for That—Here Are 8 Ways You Can Break Through It

    Feel Like You Don't Enjoy Anything Anymore? There's a Name for That—Here Are 8 Ways You Can Break Through It

    Mental health experts explain anhedonia and how you can bounce back from this joyless state of mind.
    • Preventive Health
    • Mental Health
    • Health Coach
    • Crisis Coping
    • Fitness & Exercise
    • Sleep
    • Healthy Eating
    • Well Fed
  • Money

    Money

    See All Money
    Are You Keeping Too Much Money in the Bank? Here's How to Tell

    Are You Keeping Too Much Money in the Bank? Here's How to Tell

    Putting money in the bank is smart, but too much cash savings can actually be a poor use of that money.
    • Money Confidential Podcast
    • Saving Money
    • Money Planning
    • Money Confidential
    • Spending
    • Money Etiquette
    • Invest Better
  • Style and Beauty

    Style and Beauty

    See All Style and Beauty
    How to Measure Your Bra Size at Home

    How to Measure Your Bra Size at Home

    All you need is a tape measure and a little free time.
    • Clothing
    • Skincare
    • Shoes
    • Hair
    • Clothing Care
    • Makeup
    • Hair Body Face
  • Holidays & Entertaining

    Holidays & Entertaining

    See All Holidays & Entertaining
    PowerPoint Parties Are the Party Trend You Have to Try: Here's How to Host One

    PowerPoint Parties Are the Party Trend You Have to Try: Here's How to Host One

    PowerPoint nights are the new fun way to party together—even when you're far apart.
    • All Holidays
    • Gifts
    • Father's Day
    • Passover
    • Entertaining
    • Home for the Holidays
    • Come Together
    • Hanukkah
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • News
  • Shopping
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • My Account
  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Free Organizing App this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Real Simple
  2. Holidays & Entertaining
  3. Gifts
  4. 24 Gifts for Hosts That Actually Feel Special

24 Gifts for Hosts That Actually Feel Special

Headshot: Lisa Milbrand
By Lisa Milbrand Updated May 11, 2022
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Skip gallery slides
FB Tweet
Composite Agate Cheese Board
Credit: anthropologie.com

Whether you're thanking your favorite party host—or the kind friend who let you play houseguest for a vacation—finding the right host or hostess gift can be challenging. But these unique gifts for hosts are handpicked to cover pretty much any host personality. From party games to cake stands, show up to your next soirée or visit with one of these gifts to guarantee a future invite.

RELATED: 7 Magic Phrases Every Host Should Know to Make Guests More Comfortable

Start Slideshow

1 of 24

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Minimal Concrete Bud Vases

Two concrete bud vases in neutral colors
Credit: Elemental Design Store/Etsy
$37, etsy.com

These sleek vases are perfect for dried floral arrangements—and their simple, sculptural lines are gorgeous on their own. 

1 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 24

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Vosges Dark Chocolate Truffle Collection

Purple box of 16 dark chocolate truffles, beautifully decorated
Credit: Vosges Chocolates
$49, vosgeschocolate.com

Few hosts or hostesses would turn down a box of chocolates—and they're a perfect treat to enjoy during the post-party cleanup. Vosges dark chocolate collection features unique (and super-delicious) flavor combinations like ginger, wasabi, and matcha in the Black Pearl truffle, or cask-aged balsamic vinegar with hazelnuts in the Balsamico.

2 of 24

3 of 24

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Easyplant White Sansevieria

White Sansivieria plant in a soft pink vase
Credit: Easyplant
$49, easyplant.com

Rather than flowers that will wilt, consider a host gift that's made to last. Even black thumbs can't kill this sansevieria, which comes potted in a planter that only needs to be refilled every few months to provide the perfect amount of water for their plant. 

3 of 24

Advertisement

4 of 24

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Garden Tile Pitcher

Anthropologie garden pitcher with a tiled look
Credit: Anthropologie
$48, anthropologie.com

This pretty pitcher will brighten your host's party bar—and can serve double duty as a vessel for flowers, too. 

4 of 24

5 of 24

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

La Chatelaine Sulfate-Free Orange Blossom Hand Wash

Orange blossom hand wash
Credit: La Chatelaine
$20, lachatelaine.com

If you're looking for a gift that's both utilitarian and luxe, you can't go wrong with gorgeous hand wash for their guest bathroom. This beloved French soap is infused with organic argan oil and vitamin E that helps keep hands soft—even with frequent washing. (You can pair it with a matching hand lotion if you're feeling extra luxe.)

5 of 24

6 of 24

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Tea Forte Soleil Presentation Box

Tea Forte Soleil tea presentation box
Credit: Tea Forte
$37, teaforte.com

This special tea collection features teas with a floral, fruit, and botanical bent—in flavors like Darjeeling Quince, Cherry Blossom, Wildflower Honey Citrus, and Wild Berry Hibiscus. It's a special collaboration with the New York Botanical garden, dressed in artwork from its botanical illustration collection—so it'll be worthy of a special place on the counter. 

6 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 24

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Basil Pop Candle

Bright green basil-scented candle with a green box
Credit: Jonathan Adler
$48, jonathanadler.com

This chic host gift will help clear the air (literally) post party with the fresh, green notes of lime zest, basil fig, and tarragon. 

7 of 24

8 of 24

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Frank Lloyd Wright Playing Cards

Frank Lloyd Wright playing cards in bright colors
Credit: Room and Board
$15, roomandboard.com

Make their next round of poker or solitaire a little more stylish with these hostess gift-worthy playing cards decked in Frank Lloyd Wright's inimitable designs. 

8 of 24

9 of 24

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

French Home 3-Piece Laguiole Cheese Knife Set

Laguiole cheese knives in red, cream, and blue
Credit: Sur La Table
$42, surlatable.com

Brighten up your host's charcuterie tray with this charming knife set, which comes in several different color options and is built to last by one of France's most beloved flatware makers. 

9 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 24

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Scatter Lawn Game

Wooden lawn game with a canvas tote
Credit: Uncommon Goods
$76, uncommongoods.com

Bring this fun Danish game, played with wooden pegs, to the next cookout or picnic, and it'll likely get put to use before the day is done. 

10 of 24

11 of 24

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Bash Copper Beverage Tub

Bash copper beverage tub
Credit: Crate and Barrel
$100, crateandbarrel.com

Class up their outdoor bar with a sleek hammered copper beverage tub that'll help chill plenty of beverages. (It comes in other metal finishes, too, for a host who prefers another look.)

11 of 24

12 of 24

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Subu Indoor/Outdoor Slippers

Black puffy slippers
Credit: store.moma.org
$60, store.moma.org

Make the next-day cleanup extra comfy with these puffy, cloudlike slippers that feature durable soles so they can slip them on for trips outside with the trash, too. 

12 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 24

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Dessert and Baking Salts

Set of Baking and Cooking Salts
Credit: Uncommon Goods
$22, uncommongoods.com

Any cook worth their salt knows that salt is essential to elevating every dish—even the sweet ones. This set of intriguing flavored dessert salts—from vanilla cardamom to hibiscus—will add an extra oomph of flavor to their dessert.

13 of 24

14 of 24

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Moroccan Patterned Coasters

Tiled Blue Tin Coasters
Credit: Etsy.com
$14, thecgcshop.etsy.com

This set of six brightly colored coasters will help keep party cocktails from messing up their coffee table—and are pretty enough to keep out on display.  

14 of 24

15 of 24

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

The Hygge Conversation Game

The Hygge Game conversation game
Credit: Uncommon Goods
$20, uncommongoods.com

For an antidote to party games that create rivalries, the Hygge Game is all about conviviality and connection. With conversation starters that help guests feel closer and more connected, this is the ideal game to break out as guests linger over a candlelit dinner or drink hot cocoa beside the fire. 

RELATED: 9 Easy Ways to Cozy Up Your Home

15 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 24

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

The Golden Book of Fortune-Telling

The Golden Book of Fortune-Telling
Credit: Jayson Home
$15, jaysonhome.com

This little golden book not only adds some metallic sparkle to a coffee table, but it doubles as entertainment. Based on their star signs, favorite colors, or a recount of their most recent dreams, guests will get personalized predictions about their futures. 

16 of 24

17 of 24

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Crafthouse Stainless Steel Cocktail Set

Stainless Steel Bar Set
$120, food52.com

For the host who's upped their cocktail game over the past couple years, this sleek set of tools will look stylish set up on their home bar. 

17 of 24

18 of 24

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Accordion Paper Vase Light

Glowing vase light
Credit: Uncommon Goods
$85, uncommongoods.com

Add a warm glow to your host's home with this gorgeous foldable vase with an LED light tucked inside.

18 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 24

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

La Marais Parisian Croissants and Jam Box

La Marais Croissants With Butter and Jam
Credit: Williams-Sonoma
$70, williams-sonoma.com

Give your host a decadent breakfast to enjoy post-party with this set, featuring croissants they can bake themselves from the famed Parisian bakery, French butter, and fresh jam.  

19 of 24

20 of 24

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Marguerite Rectangle Bent Ply Tray

Floral Tray
Credit: Rifle Paper Co.
$38, riflepaperco.com

Pair this festive floral tray with a few muffins or fresh-baked cookies for a special gift that your hostess or host can enjoy after the party.

20 of 24

21 of 24

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Composite Agate Cheese Board

Composite Agate Cheese Board
Credit: anthropologie.com
$78, anthropologie.com

There are cheese boards, then there are natural agate cheese boards. Gift the party thrower in your life with a gorgeous handcrafted serving board made out of multi-colored agate. The bright colors will help show off all the delicious hors d'oeuvres you'll soon be devouring.

21 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 24

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Which Would You Choose?: 50 Amusing Dilemmas

Best Hostess Gifts: Which Would You Choose?: 50 Amusing Dilemmas
Credit: Chronicle Books
$9, chroniclebooks.com

Make sure every party you attend this holiday season is the best time ever by giving the gift of laughter. The game "Which Would You Choose" offers up 50 hilarious and family-friendly questions that ask players to choose between two absurd scenarios that will surely keep you laughing.

22 of 24

23 of 24

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Pink House Alchemy Dark Cherry Grenadine Syrup

Best Hostess Gifts: Pink House Alchemy Dark Cherry Grenadine Syrup
Credit: pinkhousealchemy.com
$14, pinkhousealchemy.com

Everybody wins with this small batch simple syrup: Use it to flavor Shirley Temples for the kiddos and Pink Ladies for the grown-ups. Unlike most grenadine syrups, this one is made with real pomegranates.

23 of 24

24 of 24

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Food52 Five Two Ultimate Apron

Best hostess gifts, ideas – Food52 Five Two Ultimate Apron
Credit: food52.com
$45, food52.com

At any dinner party or cocktail get-together, there's bound to be some running back and forth between the kitchen and the party. Carrying trays of food may be involved and spills may happen—but your host's fantastic party outfit will be saved, thanks to this sturdy (and stylish!) apron. 

24 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Lisa Milbrand

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 24 Minimal Concrete Bud Vases
    2 of 24 Vosges Dark Chocolate Truffle Collection
    3 of 24 Easyplant White Sansevieria
    4 of 24 Garden Tile Pitcher
    5 of 24 La Chatelaine Sulfate-Free Orange Blossom Hand Wash
    6 of 24 Tea Forte Soleil Presentation Box
    7 of 24 Basil Pop Candle
    8 of 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Playing Cards
    9 of 24 French Home 3-Piece Laguiole Cheese Knife Set
    10 of 24 Scatter Lawn Game
    11 of 24 Bash Copper Beverage Tub
    12 of 24 Subu Indoor/Outdoor Slippers
    13 of 24 Dessert and Baking Salts
    14 of 24 Moroccan Patterned Coasters
    15 of 24 The Hygge Conversation Game
    16 of 24 The Golden Book of Fortune-Telling
    17 of 24 Crafthouse Stainless Steel Cocktail Set
    18 of 24 Accordion Paper Vase Light
    19 of 24 La Marais Parisian Croissants and Jam Box
    20 of 24 Marguerite Rectangle Bent Ply Tray
    21 of 24 Composite Agate Cheese Board
    22 of 24 Which Would You Choose?: 50 Amusing Dilemmas
    23 of 24 Pink House Alchemy Dark Cherry Grenadine Syrup
    24 of 24 Food52 Five Two Ultimate Apron

    Share & More

    Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print
    Real Simple Logo

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Help
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithAll products and services featured are selected by our editors. Real Simple may receive compensation for some links to products and services in this email on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Real Simple is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporationthis link opens in a new tab. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Real Simple. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.realsimple.com

    Sign in

    View image

    24 Gifts for Hosts That Actually Feel Special
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.