20 Host and Hostess Gifts (That Aren’t a Bottle of Wine)
Updated: Dec. 12, 2022Forgot to grab something for your host? Don't sweat it—we've got you covered. Check out these creative ideas for host gifts.
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Let’s be honest. Hosting takes some serious skill. It’s hard to pull off a crowd-pleasing gathering from start to finish, which is why nothing says “thank you” more than a fun gift for the host or hostess.
We found the best host gifts for every budget and style. And no, they’re not a bottle of vino. Whether they’re hosting a wine-tasting party, Thanksgiving dinner or just having a casual night with friends, they’ll appreciate these host gifts.
Drink Charms
A drink marker and adorable (faux) garnish all in one, these fun drink charms make it easy for guests to claim their glass. The mini slices of fruit sit pretty on any type of glassware. Heck, these charms are so cute the host in your life will put ’em to use even when there’s not a party. It’s one of the best host gifts guests will get a kick out of, too.
Recipe Cards
This one’s for all the times someone has asked for a host or hostess’ recipe. These recipe cards make it easy to swap kitchen creations, whether they’re sharing their iconic casserole or chocolate chip cookie recipe. Plus, they’re perfect to have on stock for recipe swap parties.
A Good Candle
Sure, the host or hostess in your life probably has a lot of candles already. But what about a Trapp candle? Not only does their packaging double as gift wrap (how cute is the house box shape?), their candle scents are unmatched. The crisp aroma of orange and vanilla quite literally is “trapped” throughout their home with these high quality candles. It’s ideal for entertaining in large rooms so everyone can enjoy these sweet scents. Pair it with these genius candle accessories.
Personalized Serving Board
The best host gifts are ones that are personalized, like this gorgeous wood and marble serving board. The paddle is made from Acacia wood and complete with three marble serving bowls. Personalize it with a name or phrase for an extra thoughtful cheese board gift idea. It’ll become an heirloom piece in no time! It doubles as an excellent Kwanzaa gift, too.
Taste of Home Farmhouse Entertaining Cookbook
Gift some fun yet incredibly helpful inspiration with the Taste of Home Farmhouse Entertaining Cookbook. With chapters on Christmas Eve appetizers, kids’ Thanksgiving tables, summer parties and so. much. more, all of their hosting woes are covered in this essential guide. They’ll be sharing the gift of farmhouse meals in no time.
Electric Wine Opener
Forget about picking up a bottle of wine for the hostess. It’s an easy last-minute gift, but every other guest at the gathering will have the same idea! Instead, get the host or hostess something that will help manage the large number of wine bottles they’ll have to open, like an electric wine opener. It pops the bubbly open in seconds. P.S. Take a look at this scary-cute bat wine opener, too!
Adorable Aprons
Hosting is messy. Gift your favorite cook a pretty patterned apron to keep her clean in the kitchen. We’ve got a thing for Hedley & Bennett aprons. The brand is founded by Ellen Bennett, a professional cook, and their aprons boast several impressive features like an adjustable neck loop, long ties for comfortable wear and an array of pretty colors and patterns.
Taste of Home Editor, Lisa Kaminski, tried a Hedley & Bennett apron and loves that its held up seamlessly after one year of wear—even after baking several batches of cookies baked and serving many meals. You can’t go wrong with these best aprons for every home cook, either.
Fresh Cookies
Who wouldn’t want to be greeted with a fresh baked treat? Wow them with these New York-famous chocolate chip cookies from Jacques Torres. They’ll arrive on their doorstep ready to gobble up. Speaking of, here are the best chocolate chip cookies to order online.
Dried Flower Bouquet Diffuser
A seasonal flower arrangement and diffuser all in one? Check! This is one of the best host gifts because they get two surprises in one. This dried flower bouquet diffuser sits pretty on any tabletop or makes a beautiful guest bathroom addition. Whatever they choose, it blooms with scents of lavender and eucalyptus all year long. Have you seen the pampas grass trend?
Conversation Card Game
For when new guests are around or conversation gets dull, this card game is here to help. We’re Not Really Strangers is a conversational card game that builds connection. Prompts like “What does my phone wallpaper tell you about me,” or “What’s been your favorite memory this past year,” lighten the mood and deepen guests’ understanding of each other.
Though it’s recommended to play with four to six people, it’s ideal for large gatherings, too. I always bring this game to family holiday parties (they can get awkward real quick), and everyone walks away feeling refreshed and entertained after playing together. We’ll raise a glass to that!
Trendy Wine Glasses
They’re going to need some pretty wine glasses for all the bottles of wine other guests are going to bring. These trendy wine glasses are an elegant yet wallet-friendly pick. The square shape is unlike any other wine glass they already have on their bar cart. They pair well with these wine gifts, too.
Pretty Kitchen Towels
In the kitchen, you can always do with more towels. These Anthropologie kitchen towels are perfect for the host or hostess who loves to experiment with color. They brighten up the kitchen no matter the season.
Personalized Rimming Board
Though an all expenses paid trip to Margaritaville is ideal, hosts and margarita-lovers alike will appreciate this personalized rimming board. It’s compact yet thoughtful, and it makes rimming those margarita glasses with salt oh-so-easy. These alcohol gifts are always fun, too.
Flower Snack Bowls
The best host gifts are finds that take their hosting game to a whole new level, like these fun snack bowls. Dishwasher- and microwave-safe, they’re just the right size for serving with a cheese board…or a chocolate board…or a taco board.
Ceramic Diffuser
If the hostess in your life loves diffusing essential oils, this pretty stone diffuser is their new best friend. We love that it doubles as home decor and has a timer setting. Bonus points if you pair it with their favorite oils.
Artisanal Soaps
We love gifting soap—it smells great, everyone uses it and if you get handmade bars with cute labels, they double as home decor. If you’ve got a local craft store or farmers market nearby, see if you can find a bar or two. Otherwise, this soap set from Amazon comes with six adorable bars ideal for just about any host or hostess.
Recipe Box
Pretty recipe books are always a good idea. Give the hostess with the mostest a place to store all of their secret recipes with this blooming recipe tin. It comes with 12 dividers for organizing recipe cards (it fits up to 300).
Pizza Peel
This one’s for the host and hostesses who can’t stop throwing pizza parties. The makers of one of our favorite pizza ovens, Ooni, makes this beautiful bamboo pizza peel. It’s a serving board and pizza accessory all in one, and it’s guaranteed to last through years of pizza gatherings. Pass the pepperoni, please!
Wine Chiller
File this under genius host gifts for when they’re short on time (or someone brings an un-chilled bottle of white). This marble wine chiller cools down any bottle of vino in minutes—and makes a gorgeous decoration in the process. Just add ice!
Box of Chocolates
When all else fails, reach for your favorite candies. Any hostess would be happy to share a box of sweets (though we can’t blame her if she saves them for herself). If you’re looking to really impress, try one of our favorite candy brands, See’s—they did great in our chocolate taste test!
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