Ask any hostess: The opportunity to get together with family and friends is always welcomed. Of course, hosting is not an easy task, whether it's a Christmas party, a bridal shower, or just a good old-fashioned gathering. That's why it's considered good manners to arrive at their doorstep with a gift in hand. It not only shows how much you appreciate receiving the invitation, but it can also add a little fun to the gathering!
Of course, finding the right present can be a challenge. The good news is, we've got you covered with this list of the most thoughtful hostess gifts. Now you'll be able to let your friends, neighbors, and family members know just how much you appreciate their hospitality with practical kitchen gifts, cool gifts for gardeners, awesome gifts for bakers, and gifts for best friends. We even have gifts for mother-in-laws, and other hard-to-shop-for hosts and hostesses.
Opt for something truly inspired and personal, like an engraved cheese board, a coffee sampler with roasted beans from around the world, or a scented candle that looks as good as it smells. Most of these thoughtful picks also double as thank you gifts for any reason, as well as "get well soon" gifts if someone is in need of a pick-me-up. But certainly, with one of these hostess gifts under your arm, you just might be able to score yourself an early invite to their next gathering! Then you just need to pick something else off this list. 😉
A snuggly warm throw for their home is a lovely, long lasting idea. Choose a neutral color if you want to be on the safe side, or go bolder if you know what they like best. It's machine washable!
There's something so special about the rustic look of this chocolate box, which spells out the word "thank you." It's a delicious way to show your appreciation.
We're pretty sure this is the most original gift on our list. Her future guests will be seriously impressed with the professional looking drinks they make with their coffee stencil.
If they like to personally serve their guests, a serving tray is an excellent idea! Choose from two sizes, five colors, and add a monogram for that extra personal touch.
If they love plants, they'll love this special planter. It's self-watering, so they don't have to worry about wilting or dying plants ever again. We love the unique look, too!
If you want to bring a bottle of wine, gussy it up a bit with a cute bag. It also gives the host an excuse to open the gift later and keep the bottle for themselves rather than have to serve it immediately.
A great way to say "thanks" is to simply spell it out. Oh, and make it smell good, too. This soy wax candle has a burn time up to 80 hours and has notes of cucumber, lemon, and patchouli.
Having a sense of humor and a of love wine is a great combo! This set of three dish towels is for that type of hostess, with funny sayings like "everything happens for a riesling" and "you're making me blush."
If your hostess with the mostess really outdid herself, this lovely necklace is a perfect gift to say "thank you." Choose between yellow gold, rose gold, or silver, and select from three length options.
This small business prides itself on working with family-run farms in California to source quality ingredients. Now, their bestsellers come in cute, easy-to-share sizes: two bottles of extra-virgin olive oil, a balsamic vinegar, and a champagne vinegar.
It doesn't matter if they're not a green thumb by nature—they'll still appreciate this kit. It comes with seeds, instructions, and everything else they'll need to plant their very own herb garden.
Sample some of the natural sweetness found across the country! A "honey flight" package of these jars—American clover, wildflower, orange blossom, and berry—is such a sweet idea.
This genuine marble piece will add a touch of elegance to her table. When she's not using it as a wine chiller, it can also serve as a vase for beautiful bouquets.
One thing most hosts can't prevent is people mixing up their wine glasses once the party gets started. But, these solve that problem! Simply slip them on the wine glass stems, and everyone will know which glass is theirs by the color. Genius!
Let's be honest, everyone loves chips and dip at a party. Encourage your host to keep putting out the snacks with this fun find. Surely, it will have everyone saying "chip, chip, hooray!"
Hosting is hard. Make the next morning easy on them with a delicious pancake gift set. It comes with a mix, syrup, jam, a mixing bowl, and a whisk. It's all there for them!
Flowers are a classic gift to bring, but why not try a dried bouquet instead? They last for months versus days, and your host won't have to worry about cutting the stems or immediately putting them in water when you arrive.
Alexandra Churchill is the Deputy Editor at The Pioneer Woman, overseeing the site's strategy in topics of food and cooking, home and life, beauty and style, crafts, and holidays.