Home & Decor

For a self-care gift, we love the deluxe body duo from Salt & Stone—trust us, it's worth the hype. If you want to skip the guesswork of choosing their favorite fragrance, a classic diffuser is a safe bet, as they can add their own essential oils. We’re also obsessed with this West Elm Luxe Chenille Throw: it’s cozy yet lightweight (perfect for all seasons) and stylish enough to display on a bed or sofa.

MoMA Design Store Crinkle Bag Porcelain Vase

Salt & Stone Deluxe Body Duo

West Elm Chenille Throw

Vitruvi Stone Essential Oil Diffuser

Weezie Cocktail Napkins Set

Capri Blue Jar Candle

Aesop Aromatique Room Spray

L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream Trio

Garden

Whether they’re a seasoned gardener or are just getting used to their outdoor space, these gifts will make them excited to show off their yard. DIY chefs will love these garden jars, which help them grow their own herbs from scratch—because let’s be real:  fresh herbs always taste better. And if you’re not sure of their gardening habits, you can’t go wrong with an olive tree, which adds a touch of greenery to any space.

The Sill Olive Tree

Modern Sprout Hydroponic Mason Jar Indoor Grow Kit

Williams Sonoma Gardening Apron

West Elm Modern Sprout Plant Mister

Terrain Ombre Lantern Citronella Candle

We The Wild Wild Plant Parent Kit

Honey Tso Sunflower Butterfly Feeder

My Gardening Journal

Bar & Kitchen

This stylish pitcher is perfect for serving guests lemonade or sangria. We really love these martini glasses—the colorful stems not only add a chic touch to any table setting but also help guests keep track of their own glass. And if they love to bake, this gorgeous cookie cookbook is packed with delectable (and beautiful) treats.

Rosti Margrethe Nested Mixing Bowls with Lids

Coyuchi Conserve Organic Snack Bags

Cookies

Crate & Barrel Octavia Large Wood Board with Cheese Knives

Archer Stainless Steel Cocktail Picks Set

East Fork The Mug

Anthropologie Eden Pitcher

Tommy Bahama Multicolor Martini Glasses

Games

Game night calls for a well-curated selection. Nothing brings a group together like a good old-fashioned card game, and Esther Perel's Where Should We Begin will help everyone connect on a deeper level. We also found a display-worthy backgammon set and personalized Scrabble board—both as fun as they are decorative. And if you’re looking for something more lowkey, this Paint by Numbers Kit will make even the artistically challenged feel like the next Picasso.

Personalization Mall Scrabble Personalized Vintage Bookshelf Edition Board Game

Mark & Graham Montauk Leather Backgammon Game Set

Rifle Paper Co. Garden Party Themed Playing Cards

Esther Perel Where Should We Begin

Galison Ana Hard Tuscan Afternoon 500-Piece Puzzle

Paint Like Frida Berry Jam Mini Paint by Numbers Kit

Food

Who doesn’t love a late-night treat? For anyone with a sweet tooth, the Levain Cookie Tin is the ultimate token of gratitude. We’re also big fans of mini gift sets that are just as cute as they are delicious, like the Brightland Luminous Capsule Gift Set. Coffee snobs will love this global bean gift set, and if pasta is their carb of choice, the Sauz Starter Pack is worth considering.

Uncommon Goods Coffee from Around the World Gift Set

Brightland The Luminous Capsule

Levain Bakery Cookie Tin Bundle

Jacobsen Salt Infused Slide Tin Collection

Boarderie Ciccetti Cheese & Charcuterie Board

Sauz Starter Pack

What to Know About When Shopping for Hostess Gifts

Budget

We found thoughtful hostess gifts at every price point, so you can choose according to your budget. Gifts under $50 include a mason jar hydroponic plant grow kit or gardening journal for the green-thumb host, Esther Perel conversation cards for the dinner party enthusiast, or a mini set of infused sea salts for the foodie.

If you have more room in your budget, you can splurge on pricier gifts, such as a set of mixing bowls with covers, a luxe chenille throw, or even a small olive tree.

Size

Gift size is a consideration, especially if your host has limited space or seemingly has everything already. Fortunately, most of our picks are fairly compact and unique, such as the Weezie cocktail napkin set, Aesop room spray, or mini paint-by-numbers kit. Consumables are also a smart choice in these situations.

Shipping and Returns

For any online purchase, pay close attention to each retailer's shipping rates and delivery timelines to ensure your gift arrives on time. Personalized gifts can take longer to fulfill, so make sure you allow for both production and delivery time. Always get a gift receipt or return code and check the return policy in case there's an issue with the gift (wrong size or color, defect, etc.).

Your Questions, Answered

When should you bring a hostess gift?

In general, bring hostess gifts anytime your host is providing food or drinks—brunches, lunches, dinners, cocktail parties, and so on. Even if a gift feels excessive, you may feel awkward walking in empty-handed, so it’s always better to come prepared. We also suggest bringing a small gift, such as a luxurious hand cream or organic fabric snack bags, the first time you visit someone’s home as a sort of housewarming present.

Are there gifts you should avoid? 

Yes—it’s best to keep things practical and steer clear of super personal items, like clothing or skincare. Everyone has different preferences, so unless you know the hostess really well, it can be hard to guess their favorites. The same goes for decor—stick with something more practical, since you may not know what matches their style or existing color scheme. 

When it comes to perishable items, Ina Garten says to avoid things that the hostess might feel obligated to share immediately or that cause extra work—like flowers without a vase or wine that they feel pressured to serve guests. The perishable items on our list can be enjoyed at the host's leisure, like a small cheese and charcuterie platter that can be refrigerated for up to 10 days, or the Levain Cookie Tin, which has an even more extended shelf-life in the freezer.

Who We Are 

This article was written by Jamie Fischer, a writer for Better Homes & Gardens with nearly two years of experience creating gift guides and home shopping content. When going to someone’s home, her go-to gift is a candle—it’s a subtle luxury that many people appreciate but wouldn’t think to buy themselves.