So before I share 10 super easy and creative hostess gift ideas, let’s just see what Answers.com says that a “hostess gift” actually is…
A gift given to your host or hostess as a sort of pre-thank you.
I like to think of it as…
A gift given to your host or hostess to say, “thanks for not making me cook or do dishes tonight.”
But what in the world DOES a hostess gift look like?! What what if you can’t think of anything to take or what if they HATE IT?!
On television or in commercials, you’ll see people standing at the door with a bottle of wine in hand to give over when the door is opened.
I imagine me, standing in the wine aisle, looking at all the different types of stuff and thinking, “Uhhhhhhhhhh?” #notawineperson
So, here’s the thing. If you’ve wondered in the past IF you should give a hostess gift or if you’ve wondered about WHAT you should give, let me set your mind at ease on the second one now.
Yes, you should give one. It’s polite – and it lets the hostess know that you appreciate her hospitality and kindness.
Does it have to be a bottle of wine? No. Because it’s not the price or item that REALLY matters. While it may sound cliche, it really is the thought that counts.
A couple things to consider when brainstorming hostess gift ideas:
- What does this person like? Would they like wine? Or maybe, like me, they would prefer butter. Or cheese.
- Does this family have allergies that you need to consider?
- What is in your budget to give?
- Can you give something that is specific to you?
When my husband and I give a hostess gift, first of all we like to give something from the heart. So mostly we give things we’ve made. Also, sometimes I give something my mom has made, because she’s an expert crocheter.
It doesn’t have to be a large or even expensive gift. In fact, most of the things that I give are rather small, but like I said before…it is the thought that counts.
So, now to solve your problem of what to give.
10 Hostess Gift Ideas
- Homemade spice mixes. This is a great one, because even someone with allergies can benefit from this type of gift. I like to gift mixes from the book Easy Homemade.
- Something you made. This will vary person to person. Maybe you crochet? Maybe you sew? My husband is a woodworker, so sometimes we take something he has made, like a cutting board.
- A complement to dinner. Always ask if you can bring something. If you’re asked to bring a salad, why not also bring a complement to that salad? Examples – a bowl they can keep, or a new pair of salad tongs. If you’re asked to bring bread, maybe you bring a flavored butter to go with it.
- Wine/Tea/Coffee. Not everyone likes wine. I actually hate it, but I would be tickled pink and over the moon for some coffee!
Just a note here: If you RECEIVE a gift you don’t like, you should still show appreciation and love over it. Because, it’s the thought that counts.
- Baked goods. I love to make bread – and it’s a novelty these days. So, a lot of times I’ll just take a loaf or two of bread to leave behind when I leave. Kinda like Hansel and Gretel. #thathanselissohotrightnow
- Candy. You can’t go wrong with this. A lovely bar of chocolate? They’ll invite you over again ASAP.
- Book. Consider what they like. Maybe it’s a cookbook you take – or maybe they like philosophy. Snore. Cater to their interests. Sometimes I gift my own cookbooks.
- A thank you note. If your funds are low – don’t distress. Simply write a note of gratitude and give it as you walk in the door. Why do that? Because, you should always anticipate having a good time.
- Meat. Canned Goods. Preserved items. Most people forget this one, but, if you can your own food or shoot your own food, give it as a gift! I love when people gift me things like this. Because those types of gifts are’t clutter.
- Flowers. Don’t stop by and pick them from the neighbors yard (unless you have permission), but a lovely flower bouquet would make anyone smile! At the right time of year, this would cost you nothing. But lots of grocery stores clearance out flowers on a daily basis – so you can give something really nice for a small amount of money.
Don’t let this process of brainstorming hostess gift ideas stress you out. It’s not a huge deal. You’re just trying to say “thanks.”
Remember. It really is the thought that counts.
Thanks for these great ideas! I’ve got new neighbors and have been wondering what I should take them. Reading through this I realized I’ve got a giant jar of homemade vanilla that just recently became ready and extra jars (from when I gifted it a few years ago..duh), that I can take over to them.
Also, I recommend cooking meat into something. I’m in Iowa and technically you’re not supposed to give raw meat you’ve hunted away. But if it’s cooked, it’s fine. Weird laws. Since my new neighbor is a sherriff…we’d better do things right. Haha!
That is a BIZARRE law. lol
I LOVE to give and receive hostess gifts. When I make jams in the summertime, I use the half-pint jars because there are only two of us. These are always well received.
If I decide to take flowers, I don’t take anything that has to be arranged before dinner. There’s enough going on in the kitchen.
And thank you notes: I take a pre-addressed and stamped note in my bag. During the evening, it never fails that I have to go to the ladies room. While in there, I pen the note and seal it, and we mail it on the way home. Otherwise, I totally forget it!
I love the thank you note idea, Mary Alice!
Thanks for this great reminder in manners. This is party season! I’d love some coffee, too. I also have a box I keep of items that are new and nice that I received as party gifts. If it seems appropriate to that hostess, I give it as a gift. Thanks again.
It’s a great idea to keep a box of items handy!
you might want to put in code on the bottom who you received the gift from – so you don’t give it back to them!
The most appreciative gift to me as a host is a simple ‘thank you’ note. Maybe it is my personality, but I really don’t want people to think they have to bring a gift when I invite them to share our home.
It’s not about HAVING to do it – it’s about showing gratitude. And yes! I love thank you notes. 🙂
The last time we visited our local farmer’s market I purchased a small jar of cinnamon spun honey. It was packaged in a cute little mason jar and it was only $5. It was amazing!!! Next time we go I am hoping to pick up several jars to give as hostess gifts during the holidays. I also like to give specialty hand soap along with a a dish towel. Candles seem to be well received also. In any case, if any of these don’t suit the hostess they are easily re-gifted. 😉
That honey idea is GREAT! And it sounds so cute!!!
Thank you,Stacy. I like your ideas. I usually give fresh eggs from my chickens, which are a novelty and treat to my non-farming friends.
Oh man! I love it when someone brings me those!!!
Great list, Stacy, thank you! P.S. I literally LOL’d at the Zoolander reference 😛
One of my favorite movies ever. Not sure what that says about me. lol
I have given a basket with dry soup mixes and soup bowls. Or a few small packets of gourmet coffees or hot chocolate with dollar tree mugs. I love the idea of soups or mixes in a jar. Homemade gifts are also great. Thanks for the lovely ideas! Will surely be using these in the upcoming holiday season.
I loooooooooooooooooooooooove hot chocolate! I usually make it for gifts at Christmas, but it would do for any event in colder months. Great idea!
Thanks for the great list – perfect timing for the holidays too! My favorite to give (and to get) are small, potted herbs.
What’s funny is, I didn’t time it that way. Ha ha!
You’re the gratetse! JMHO
I like to give a hand towel and dish cloth. Now who doesn’t need a new one of those every now and then. Something fun looking and uplifting in color, or warm colors if I don’t know the person real well.
That’s such a great gift, LouAnn – and you’re right. It’s something we can all use!
buy them after (on clearance) a holiday and keep for next year – December 26th ‘s junk is December 1st’s star!