29 Host or Hostess Gifts that Work Every Time (We Promise!)

Sarah Lyon
Sarah Lyon
Sarah Lyon is a freelance writer based in New York City who covers interior design and lifestyle content. She is constantly on the hunt for eye-catching pieces to add to her space and believes that a home is never truly finished being styled.
Nikol Slatinska
Nikol SlatinskaShopping Writer, Home
In my role at Apartment Therapy, I'm most passionate about making my home look beautiful and organized and helping our readers do the same — often at a discount. Although I cover my fair share of newsy pieces, my work focuses on long-form service articles that help our audience…read more
updated Nov 16, 2023
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Woman in a sparkly top holding wrapped gifts with confetti falling around.
Credit: BONNINSTUDIO/Stocksy

You already know the importance of bringing a small token of appreciation to all of your hosts. After all, if there’s one faux pas to avoid at all costs, it’s showing up to someone’s home empty-handed. Maybe you’re sick of those standard issue gifts though — a bottle of wine, a plate of cookies, flowers (especially if they’re not already in a vase). Well, if you’re shopping for someone who has seen it all or has it all, you’ve come to the right place. We rounded up 29 host or hostess gift ideas that are useful, stylish, and a little more unexpected than the traditional go-tos. Plus, they span a variety of price points, so you can splurge if you want, or stick to budget-friendly faves that still more expensive than they are. Start bookmarking or stocking up on these no-fail host gifts now, and all of your gifting will go so much smoother.

Linen Fringe Napkins
$29

There's something so sophisticated about reusable napkins, especially when they're made from Parachute's 100-percent flax linen fabric. This set of two comes in a light bone color, as well as a striking striped pattern. They’re perfect for dinner parties or even for making Monday night dinners at home feel like a high-end occasion.

$29 at Parachute
Organic Ribbed Robe
$119$89

This splurge-worthy gift is sure to delight your host and serves as a thoughtful present for someone selfless who deseres a little me-time. The robe's absorbent, 100-percent Turkish cotton fabric is lightweight but cozy. In short, your giftee will never want to take it off.

$89 at Brooklinen
Oyster Catch-All Dish
$14

If your host appreciates a unique decor piece, this fabulous oyster-shaped catchall is a no-brainer. It can be used for keys on an entry console or for rings next to a sink.

$14 at Urban Outfitters
Capri Blue Volcano Capiz Medium Jar Candle
$40

The right vessel can take an already amazing candle to the next level. Then again, Anthro’s signature, best-selling candle is always bound to impress. Volcano is a tropical, fruity scent that quite literally never gets old. It helps that the vessel is also stunning, making it a stylish piece of decor, as well.

$40 at Anthropologie
Self-Watering Philodendron Brazil
$79$59

Presenting your host with a plant (seasonally specific or not) is always a thoughtful gesture, and companies like Easyplant make it easy to pick out the perfect green friend without leaving your house. This philodendron has heart-shaped leaves, making it a cute accent for shelves and tables alike. It's also self-watering and quite hearty, so don't worry if your friend is a first-time plant parent.

$59 at easyplant
Knipschildt Assorted Chocolates, 25 Pieces
$80

If your host has complained of having too much clutter around the house, gift them something edible. These handmade, handpainted small-batch chocolate truffles are a treat for the eyes as much as the belly, and they won't last long. The little treasures are made with single-origin dark and milk chocolate and come in a festive red gift box.

$80 at Williams Sonoma
Scalloped Marble Wine Chiller
$69

No barware collection is complete without a wine chiller, and Mark & Graham has you covered with this pretty scalloped marble piece. You can even add an optional monogram to officially wow the host on your gift list.

$69 at Mark & Graham
Pampas In Apothecary Jar
$17

Dried grasses have been having a major moment in decor, and this pampas would look lovely in any home, regardless of the host's style.That being said, if your host loves all things boho, they'll especially enjoy this bouquet and want to keep it forever.

$17 at TJ Maxx
Global Hot Sauce Gift Box
$45

Spice up your favorite host’s life with this hot sauce variety pack that is bound to please adventurous foodies. If you’re looking to give friends a smaller token of thanks, you could divvy up the five-pack as you please.

$45 at Uncommon Goods
Suede Potholder
$30

How stunning is this potholder from Smithey? Hand-stitched and branded with the brand logo over high-grade suede, the potholder can also be used as a trivet, making it a durable, multi-use addition to any kitchen.

$30 at Smithey Ironware Co.
Handmade Alphabet Marble & Wood Coaster Set
$30$21

This affordable wood and marble coaster set is classic and chic. Select a design featuring your friend’s first or last initial. This is also a sweet way to honor a newly married couple if both partners share the same name.

$21 at Pottery Barn
3-Piece Stainless Steel Cheese Knife Set
$90$40

Who knew a cheese plate could look so fancy? This trio comes with a knife for every type of cheese — soft, medium-hard, and hard — so your favorite host will never crush a wheel of Brie or hack at a block of Parmesan again.

$40 at Zwilling
Vinturi Red Wine Aerator
$28

Any vino-lover will appreciate this handy aerator, which ensures that their favorite red tastes as flavorful as possible. Plus, the gadget is a much more unique gift idea than just getting them a bottle. How fancy!

$28 at Amazon
Handicraft Artisan Decorative Marble Bowl
$48$36

This Instagram-famous scalloped dish works with just about any decor style, be it modern, traditional, or something in between. Your host will love displaying it on the coffee table or using it to corral odds and ends on a dresser.

$36 at Etsy
Heidi Serving Set
$32

Pretty serving utensils like these are bound to get endless use over the next several years. With their hand-carved acacia construction and eye-catching twisted handles, the spoons are the perfect, practical solution for the host who has everything.

$32 at Anthropologie
Luant Marble Stone Decorative Tray
$22

Your host can serve drinks on this versatile tray or place it on the coffee table to corral candles, matches, and remotes. The faux marbleized finish is easy to wipe clean, too, so it’ll definitely stand up to a lot of use.

$22 at Amazon
4" x 6" Picture Frame
$48

So many of our favorite photos are just sitting in our camera rolls. Take that burden off your host by framing a fun snap of theirs in this floral decor piece from Rifle Paper Co. The frame's gold accents and delicate motif make it a pleasant departure from simple monochromatic frames.

$48 at Rifle Paper Co.
Smarlin Marbling Ceramic Coffee Mug
$11

Make someone's mornings feel a little brighter with a fun swirled mug that will elevate even the most ordinary at-home cup of coffee. Gift a set of two or pair one with a fancy bag of beans or grinds.

$11 at Amazon
Williams Sonoma Prep Tools Waiter Corkscrew
$18

A corkscrew is a handy solution that anyone can start using right away. This one from Williams Sonoma is perfect, plus it's one of their more budget-friendly options. Once folded, it takes up barely any space. Pair it with a seasonal bottle of wine to take this simple gift to the next level.

$18 at Williams Sonoma
L'AVANT Collective High Performing Hand Soap
$42

Who doesn't love a luxe hand soap? This splurgy buy is especially great if you know your giftee wouldn't buy it for themselves. The clean linen scent and weighty, aesthetically pleasing bottle will elevate any sink, be it in the kitchen or bathroom.

$42 at Amazon
Burt's Bees Tips and Toes Kit Holiday Gift Set
$13$12

Burt’s Bees products have remained a trusted fave over the years, and their offerings are especially useful during the dry winter season. Your hostess will appreciate this at-home pampering kit that includes all of the essentials for caring for hands and feet.

$12 at Walmart
Adley Glass Dessert Plates, Set of 4
$56

Your host likely owns pretty china already. Still, snazzy dessert plates will never go unappreciated. These come in a set of four and are available in four different colors, as well as an assorted mix. We love the plates' scalloped rims and slightly floral aesthetic.

$56 at Anthropologie
NEST Fragrances Bamboo Reed Diffuser
$60

Diffusers are a popular choice for the living room, bathroom, home office — you name it! If your host loves candles, this is bound to be a hit and can be placed anywhere. Nest is known for its top-of-the-line scents that don’t totally break the bank.

$60 at Nordstrom
Sateen Eye Mask
$50

Gift your host a top-of-the-line eyemask that will help them unwind and relax. Made from organic bamboo, this sateen pick is silky smooth and ultra-comfy, not to mention super cute and machine-washable! Rest assured — this little nighttime luxury is bound to please even the fussiest sleeper.

$50 at Ettitude
Original Extra Virgin Olive Oil
$30

If you really want to stand apart from other guests, gift a nice bottle of olive oil. Kosterina makes one of our favorites. This oil is cold pressed in small batches from olives grown in southern Greece. And, if you’re shopping for a true olive oil connoisseur, it’s worth noting that this measures 470 mg/kg of polyphenol content — far higher than the 55mg/kg needed to officially be labeled extra virgin.

$30 at Kosterina
Half-Dipped Small Bulb Stoneware Vase
$26$21

Instead of flowers, bring a gorgeous vase. These half-dipped stoneware vases are perfect for someone who appreciates a minimalist vibe. Even empty, one would look great on a bookshelf.

$21 at West Elm
Riedel Glassware Rocks Glasses
$45$39

If you know your host makes a mean Old Fashioned, a set of special rocks glasses certainly won’t go unused. This crystal pair was developed by a mixologist for Riedel, so they have smart design details, like an etched pour line and fluting for easy holding.

$39 at Amazon
Williams Sonoma Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Quick Bread Mix
$15

Baking is always a calming way to spend an afternoon. Your sweet-toothed host will certainly appreciate having a fun bread mix at the ready to whip up whenever the time is right.

$15 at Williams Sonoma
Mako Chilling Stone
$7

Chilling stones aren’t a new concept — they’ve been popping up in artisanal cocktails for the past few years, keeping drinks cold without diluting them. But this gadget takes the idea a step further by adding a suction base to the stone so it stays put while you drink. It’s a small design tweak that makes all the difference.

$7 at Amazon

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