Don’t Show Up Empty-Handed! Thoughtful Host and Hostess Gift Ideas They’ll Love
Updated: Jul. 21, 2023
Don't show up empty-handed. Here are 12 thoughtful hostess gifts for all occasions – and all of them are less than $50.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
When someone invites us into their home, whether for a meal, a weekend or a special occasion, none of us like to show up empty-handed. But what should we bring? There are so many hostess gift ideas it can be hard to decide. Flowers are a natural choice, but what hostess wants to hunt for a vase just as her party starts? (Bringing flowers that are already in a vase? Now, that’s a thoughtful guest.)
Food gifts are tricky if you don’t know the host’s taste. One great tip: If you bring wine, ensure your hostess knows you don’t expect her to serve it that night. She’s probably already planned a wine that goes with what she’s serving.
To be a good guest, be thoughtful about being thoughtful. Here are our picks for unique hostess gift ideas suitable for various occasions.
For the New Homeowners
Muse Garden Hummingbird Feeder
Set up a new homeowner with a chance to get to know their tiniest feathered neighbors with a hand-blown glass feeder that doubles as a work of art. This hummingbird feeder comes with practical touches, including an ant moat, an S-hook and rope for hanging and a brush for cleaning. The red flower openings even have adjustable perches. For an extra thoughtful touch, throw in a recipe for hummingbird feed: 1 cup water and 1/4 cup sugar, heated until the sugar dissolves. Skip the oft-suggested red food coloring—even though it’s pretty, it’s not good for hummingbirds.
For the Free Spirit
BugView Quick-Release Bug Catching Tool
This bug-catching tool is a hit with both kids and adults alike! The simple thumb-operated scoop makes it easy to catch a critter, and the built-in magnifier gives a close-up view. Once they’ve gotten a good look, they can set the bug free. Even better: It doubles as a scoop for humanely trapping and releasing bugs inside the house. Send the kids outside with this hostess gift; it will keep them busy for hours.
For the Spice Aficionado
Spicewalla 10-Piece Grill and Roast Collection
Asheville, N.C., restaurant owner Meherwan Irani has turned the spice world on its head with his collections of freshly roasted spices. This 10-piece spice collection comes packaged in a box with a wide selection of mixes like Herbs de Provence, Tandoori Masala, Lemon Pepper and Moderna Balsamic Rub. The packs come in smaller and larger selections to match your budget. Even better? The small tins are both stylish and reusable.
For the Always-Traveling Friend
Luggage Travel Cup Holder
Oh, the places they’ll go—and think of you with thanks while they’re doing it. This travel cup holder fits on the retractable handle on roller bags with an adjustable velcro strap. It holds two cups safely and securely, with an extra pocket for cell phones, passports, earbuds and other small items. It comes in various colors and patterns, so you can pick one that best matches their style. Also, make sure you check out these unique gift ideas for people who have (almost) everything, too.
For the Flower Lover
Freshcut Paper Pop Up Cards
These flowers last forever instead of a few short days! Freshcut Paper bouquets come in several styles, including tropical flowers and cactus gardens. They’re eye-catching and especially lovely if you visit someone with allergies or pets. You can even mail them if you want to send your host an after-party or thank-you gift. A note card is included.
For Cocktail Lovers
Strongwater Original Cocktail Bitters Sampler
Sure, you could bring a great bottle of liquor, but a set of craft-made bitters will expand their cocktail repertoire. These award-winning small-batch bitters are made in Colorado and come in cherry, orange, aromatic, lavender and walnut. You don’t even have to use them in cocktails—a few drops will dress up sparkling water or tea. Each one is made with real ingredients that are non-GMO and gluten-free, with no added sugar. The bottles are all topped with droppers to make measuring simple.
For the Gardener
Handlandy Thorn-Proof Gardening Gloves
How about some hostess gift ideas for green thumbs? If your hostess grows roses or handles holly bushes or dense thickets, Handlandy’s extra-long gloves are a must. They’ll even stand up to cacti! Additionally, they’re made with heavy-duty cow hide, so they’ll last forever and are long enough to protect the forearms. The split cowhide palms give a good grip while still being flexible. We love that they come in rose or green and both medium and large sizes. Something else we love? These garden gift baskets ideas.
For the Avid Reader
Etwoa Bookshelf Infinity Scarf
This scarf features a dramatic image of bookshelves with actual book titles. It’s made of 100% chiffon, so it’s lightweight, soft and machine-washable. And since it’s an infinity scarf, it’s great for those who struggle to find the right way to drape and tie a scarf or have mobility issues that make accessorizing difficult. As far as hostess gift ideas go, it’s simply perfect for the friend who has hosted the book club more times than you can count.
For the Constantly Dehydrated
Yeti Rambler Tumbler
From sports parents who spend their mornings cheering in the stands to boaters and campers, you can’t miss the name Yeti. This high-quality insulated tumbler is something they might not buy for themselves but will consider indispensable after the first time they use it. It comes in more than 30 colors with a stainless steel interior and is double-insulated, so it keeps hot and cold drinks at the right temperature for hours. The mag-slider lid uses a magnet to stay closed, reducing the risk of spills. It’s also sized to fit in a standard cup holder.
For the Wedding Hostess
Happy Tears Handkerchief
Yes, you’ve already gotten the wedding gift. But when you’re invited to the wedding, taking small gifts for the mothers of the bride and groom is a nice touch. This simple white cotton handkerchief has scalloped lace edges for a vintage touch and blue embroidery in keeping with the day’s traditions. It’s a thoughtful gift on a wedding day and will come in handy for many other happy occasions.
For the Dinner Host
Otherland Mini Candle Set
This candle set from Otherland is the perfect hostess gift for setting the mood at a dinner party. These cruelty-free vegan candles are free of toxic dyes, parabens and sulfates. The five-piece bundle includes various scents carefully crafted with essential oils and high-quality ingredients like soy and coconut wax. Each candle has a 10-hour burn time and is hand-poured in the USA.
For the Fresh Flower Fan
Modgy Collapsible Flower Vase
If you want to take flowers and make your hostess gift a little extra, take this unusual folding vase. Just add water, and it expands to hold an entire bouquet! It comes in five eye-catching Tiffany-inspired designs and won’t chip or break. This collapsible vase packs flat, so it can be stored until the next time it’s needed. This unique hostess gift will still be used long after your flowers have faded.
Originally Published: March 28, 2023
