Skip to content

Top Navigation

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

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

    • 12 Good Books to Read in Winter

      As the days get chillier and snow starts falling, curl up with one of these good books to read in winter. Read More Next
    • 10 Virtual Games to Play When You Can't Be Together

      Close the distance with fun games you can play from the comfort of separate homes. Read More Next
    • A Guide for How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home

      There are three common ways you can measure your ring size right at home so you can finally get your ring measurement right, for good. Read More Next
  • Food

    Food

    See all Food

    13 Air Fryer Recipes That Are *Almost* Too Good to Be True

    • Recipes
    • Real Simple Cooking School
    • Cooking Tips & Techniques
    • Shopping and Storing
    • Kitchen Tools and Products
  • Home

    Home

    See all Home

    Easy Homemade Carpet Cleaners to Tackle Every Stain

    Made with products you probably have on hand
    • Organizing
    • Cleaning
    • Decorating
    • Gardening
    • Home Improvement
    • Quick Fix
    • Real Simple Home
  • Life

    Life

    See all Life

    10 Creative Ways to Have Fun in the Snow

    Bundle up and head outside (or stay toasty inside)—either way, everyone in the family will love these snow day ideas.
    • Family
    • Entertainment
    • Technology
    • Wedding Planning
    • Travel Ideas
    • Adulting
    • Get It Done
    • Waste Less, Live Better
  • Health

    Health

    See all Health

    30 Healthiest Foods to Eat Every Day

    • Preventive Health
    • Mental Health
    • Health Coach
    • Crisis Coping
    • Fitness & Exercise
    • Sleep
    • Healthy Eating
  • Money

    Money

    See all Money

    The Ultimate Guide to Tipping Etiquette in Every Situation, From Restaurants to Hair Salons

    How much should you tip your hairdresser? What about your food-delivery person? Here's when to tip, when to skip, and how much to tip in any situation (even the confusing ones).
    • Saving Money
    • Money Made Simple
    • Spending
    • Money Etiquette
  • Style and Beauty

    Style and Beauty

    See all Style and Beauty

    9 Hair Color Trends Experts Predict for 2021

    • Clothing
    • Skincare
    • Shoes
    • Hair
    • Clothing Care
    • Makeup
  • Holidays & Entertaining

    Holidays & Entertaining

    See all Holidays & Entertaining

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

    Presenting a new way to party together—virtually.
    • All Holidays
    • Entertaining
    • Christmas
    • Home for the Holidays
    • Gifts
    • Hanukkah
    • Come Together
    • Thanksgiving
    • Easter
    • Father’s Day
    • Mother’s Day
    • Halloween
  • News
  • Shop

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. Hostess Gifts
  5. 36 Hostess Gifts That Actually Feel Special

36 Hostess Gifts That Actually Feel Special

By Claudia Fisher and Lauren Phillips
Updated December 01, 2020
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
Save FB Tweet
Credit: anthropologie.com

Any good host or hostess knows how to make the most of the unexpected—and any guest knows not to arrive without a hostess gift in hand, especially when hosting right now comes with its own risks and health concerns. Virtual gatherings may have replaced in-person ones a lot this year, but even as fall and winter arrives, outdoor gatherings are the way to gather in person as everyone judges the risks and benefits of gathering in small numbers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Hopefully, you’re prepared for any invitation with a stack of host and hostess gifts wrapped and ready to give your friends and family along the way. If you’re not, it’s never too late—a belated, mailed hostess gift is better than nothing at all. With a little planning, though, you could easily become the type of person who shows up at the party with a handy hostess gift tucked neatly under your arm.

RELATED: Gifts for Women

This year, why not give your hostess a gift that’s not just nice—one that’s truly special, too? The problem with a lot of hostess gift ideas is that the presents can feel a bit impersonal. Rather than giving a generic this is nice gift this year, we want to help you give a this is nice for her gift, no matter your budget.

Hosting a party is a lot of work even without the added health concerns (and need for individual portions) we’re all facing right now, so show your friends and family members how much you appreciate their graciousness, generosity, and hosting know-how with a thoughtful and unique gift. From the hostess who loves to dazzle with bold decorative touches to the hostess who unwinds after throwing a bash with tea and a sweet treat, this list of hostess gift ideas has the perfect present to thank her for her effort. And if you’re the one hosting some parties this year, don’t forget to grab a little something for yourself—there’s nothing wrong with a little self-appreciation.

So before your next outdoor party (or any type of party) gets here, stock up on some trusty hostess gifts. Here, we’ve rounded up some of the year’s best host and hostess gifts. These finds will wow the party thrower (and their guests) for plenty of spirit-boosting events to come. 

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

Start Slideshow

1 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Food52 Five Two Essential Sheet Pan

Credit: food52.com
From $39, food52.com

If your host has been baking (or stress-baking) up a storm, set them up for sweet success with this great baking sheet. It has professional-grade thickness and an easy-to-clean ceramic coating—and with the optional additions of a silicone mat and cooling rack that nests inside the sheet, she’ll have everything she needs for baking and roasting before the next gathering.

1 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

DavidsTea David’s Top 12 Tea Sampler

Credit: davidstea.com
$25, davidstea.com

If she’s a tea-drinker (or striving to become one), gift this sampler set, which includes 12 popular loose leaf teas and infusions. She might just find her new favorite tea inside, and she’ll love having a cup to unwind with after the last guest has left or logged off. If her tea-drinking set-up is still in progress, pair this kit with a steeper or infuser to make sure she’s got everything she needs for a better cup.

2 of 35

3 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Tineco Pure ONE S12 Stick Vacuum Cleaner

Credit: amazon.com
$570, amazon.com

If part of their hosting routine is a solid stress-clean in the hours and days before the first guest arrives, help lower some of that stress and give them the tools to success with this high-powered, efficient vacuum. The powerful motor works on all surfaces, and a smart assortment of tools—it functions as a hand vac, too—will let them clean every surface and nook in their home with less effort and in less time, so they’ll be able to sit back and relax a little before the party starts.

3 of 35

Advertisement

4 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

8 Oak Lane Flamingo Punch Bowl & Ladle Set

Credit: neimanmarcus.com
$44, neimanmarcus.com

Whether their vibe is coastal kitsch, they’re leaning into maximalism, or they just want to bring the feel of a tropical escape home, this gorgeous punch bowl is sure to become part of their hosting kit. The ceramic bowl is a functional conversation starter that they can use as an ice bucket, and if the occasion calls for punch or a big batch cocktail, the matching ladle is on-hand to help out.

4 of 35

5 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Siblings Scent No 01 and Forever Vessel

Credit: siblings.co
$62, siblings.co

For a cleaner candle that she gets to have some part in making, give your hostess with the mostest a Siblings candle. Her gift includes eco-friendly, scented wax in plant-based packaging and a reusable, handcrafted vessel. She can heat up the wax and pour it into the vessel for an almost-homemade candle that is less single-use and smells as good as any premade luxury candle: It’s an activity, decor, and a great scent-booster all in one.

5 of 35

6 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Shape + Store Smart Cookie Innovative Cookie Cutter and Freezer Container

Credit: amazon.com
$23, amazon.com

Help her help you eat more cookies at her house with this genius cookie tool. She can make cookies more quickly thanks to the molding feature, which perfectly portions and shapes dough, and even bake a double batch and freeze half in ready-to-bake form in this freezer-safe mold so she can always have a fresh tray of cookies awaiting her visitors.

6 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Breville Die-Cast Citrus Press

Credit: williams-sonoma.com
$200, williams-sonoma.com

Whether they’re making lemonade from scratch or juicing limes for their signature cocktail, every host or hostess will love having a powerful, easy-to-use juicer. This one can be used one-handed, so there’s some possibility for multi-tasking (and minimal effort), and it even has a no-drip spout so the counter stays clean.

7 of 35

8 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Mark & Graham Dipped Ceramic Pitcher

Credit: markandgraham.com
From $29 (plus $12 for personalization), markandgraham.com

Upgrade the most classic hostess gift by adding a little personalization, as with this color-block vase. You can pick her preferred color, go large or small (pro tip: small vases make bouquets look bigger and fuller), and add her initials or her monogram to make this present truly hers. For even better guest brownie points, fill the vase with her favorite flowers (or bring a bouquet for her to arrange, if she’s so inclined).

8 of 35

9 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Richer Poorer Robe Coat

Credit: richer-poorer.com
$98, richer-poorer.com

Give them permission to wear a robe all day—yes, even if guests are over—with this cozy, flowy pick. Left open, it dresses up basic leggings and a t-shirt underneath to look gathering-ready, and tied shut over leggings or jeans, it looks like a pretty wrap: a wardrobe win-win for your host.

9 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

KonMari Kuroneko-Sama Candle With Reusable Ceramic Jar

Credit: shop.konmari.com
$34, shop.konmari.com

This black candle has notes of maple sap, incense, and agarwood, perfect for unwinding after an evening of hosting—and even better, it comes in a reusable ceramic jar, so once they’ve burned it down they can reuse the jar to hold rings, jewelry, notes, pencils, or whatever else they need to keep together.

10 of 35

11 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Personalized Peg Game

Credit: uncommongoods.com
$38, uncommongoods.com

Make your hostess gift personal with this custom table game: Get the host family’s last name engraved in the base, and they’ll have a fun tchotchke to leave on the coffee table or bookshelf for guests to enjoy in every subsequent gathering.

11 of 35

12 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

KitchenAid 3-Piece Pasta Roller & Cutter Set

Credit: target.com
$200, target.com

They might have every baking tool under the sun, but do they have the tools to make pasta at home? Help them boost their pasta game—and give them a new way to shine as a host—with this pasta roller and cutter set, which uses their beloved stand mixer to make top-grade homemade noodles.

12 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Pottery Barn Airstream Party Cooler

Credit: potterybarn.com
$169, potterybarn.com

If it’s an outdoor party, bring a gift suited to the setting. This precious Airstream-shaped cooler will give their space wanderlust, road-warrior vibes whether it’s filled with ice or not, and they’ll be able to reuse the hand-cast aluminum cooler for plenty of outdoor summer parties to come.

13 of 35

14 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Jiggy Dog Mom puzzle

Credit: jiggypuzzles.com
$48, jiggypuzzles.com

They might like puzzles; they probably love unique wall art. Give them a hostess gift that serves both purposes with this artful puzzle, which arrives in a display-worthy glass canister and, once completed, can be framed and hung as art. (It even comes with puzzle glue.)

14 of 35

15 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Equal Parts Mixing Bowls

Credit: equalparts.com
$45 for three bowls, equalparts.com

Any host will love having a few extra bowls around, whether for serving up appetizers or mixing up their famous dishes and recipes. These are versatile, dishwasher-safe, and come with lids for storage, sure, but they can also be left out in the kitchen for a little extra decorative power.

15 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

EtúHome Navy Colorblock Flower Vase

Credit: etuhome.com
$120, etuhome.com

With its perfectly balanced mix of old-world charm and simple elegance, this color-block vase (made of recycled glass and mouth-blown) is the perfect vessel for wine corks. (What host doesn’t love having a reminder of all the good, wine-fueled nights they’ve hosted?) Bonus points if you include a bottle of wine when you give them the vessel.

16 of 35

17 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Vellabox

Credit: vellabox.com
From $10 per month, vellabox.com

Give the gift of a smell-tastic home with a subscription to Vellabox, which delivers a fresh artisan candle or two every month. They’ll go crazy over the unique, amazing scents and high-quality candles, and you’ll get a feel-good thank you text each month when their new scent arrives.

17 of 35

18 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Open Spaces Nesting Trays

Credit: getopenspaces.com
$42 for a set of three, getopenspaces.com

Whether they’re all about keeping things corralled—even guests’ keys—or they’re trying to craft the perfect side-table vignette, these streamlined nesting trays will give them a hand. They’ll be able to move them around and use them as they like, so it’s the hostess gift that keeps on giving.

18 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Bloomscape Grow-How Kit

Credit: bloomscape.com
$75, bloomscape.com

If one of their many hosting talents includes having a green thumb, give them a (not too challenging) new challenge: This grow kit delivers a plant sprout and a beautiful stand, so they can nurture a plant from almost the beginning while displaying their horticultural gifts.

19 of 35

20 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Hudson Grace Kitchen Speaker

Credit: hudsongracesf.com
$75, hudsongracesf.com

If she loves playing music—while cooking, cleaning, hosting, reading, whatever—but doesn’t love the look of techie speakers, give her this beautiful ceramic speaker, which can fit in nicely among her other tabletop decor. She just needs to set her phone in the opening to make it loud enough to fill the room, no outlets required.

20 of 35

21 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

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 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Tommy John Lounge Jogger

Credit: tommyjohn.com
$78, tommyjohn.com

After a long day (or week) of prepping, hosting, and cleaning, there’s probably nothing your hostess wants more than to kick back and relax—and there’s nothing more comfy to relax in than Tommy John’s loungewear, which comes in five colors. The fabric is some of the softest out there, and there’s something extremely cozy about curling up in comfy pants on a cold winter day. The winetasting color is fitting for the season, too.

22 of 35

23 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Honey Dipper and Tea Measure

Credit: ikea.com
$3, ikea.com

Truly special host and hostess gifts don’t have to be expensive. Take, for example, this honey dipper and tea measuring set from Ikea that will only set you back $3, but it's a gift that looks like a million bucks. Made from high-quality stainless steel, the pieces will stand the test of time holiday season after holiday season.

23 of 35

24 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Which Would You Choose?: 50 Amusing Dilemmas

Credit: amazon.com
$9, amazon.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.

24 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

The Nacho Grater

Credit: wandpdesign.com
$25, wandpdesign.com

This is a fun and unexpected hostess gift idea. She can use this pretty pyramid to shred, slice, and grate with ease.

25 of 35

26 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Let’s Eat France!

Credit: amazon.com
$24, amazon.com

Foodies will savor this stunning coffee-table book about all things French food—from recipes to guides to oysters and frites. Bon appetit!

26 of 35

27 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Heilala Vanilla Pure Vanilla Extract

Credit: heilalavanilla.com
$16, heilalavanilla.com

Made with beans sustainably grown in the Kingdom of Tonga, this pure vanilla extract makes the perfect gift for the hostess who loves desserts with a little extra wow-factor.

27 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Pink House Alchemy Dark Cherry Grenadine Syrup

Credit: pinkhousealchemy.com
$13, 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.

28 of 35

29 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail