With the holiday season ahead, many of us are gearing up for gatherings again. From a young age, my parents taught me you should never show up to someone’s house empty handed so, with gifting season also in full swing, that means being prepared with host gifts, too. Growing up, we had a small closet in my house called the “Gift Closet” where candles, diffusers, and hand lotions spent their days. Every time we were headed to a birthday dinner or a sleepover, we would stop by said closet to pick something out for the host. While it wasn’t extravagant or overly expensive, this little thank you gift always went a long way with the host. Nowadays, I typically opt for the easy bottle of wine, or a good smelling candle, but this year I decided to sit down and think about unique host gift ideas that hosts might actually want. Besides, with 2020 cancelling all of our plans, some of these gatherings have been a year in the making and deserve a little something special.

When thinking about host gift ideas, I like to pick something that relates to the event, and will be useful for hosting in the future. This can be as simple as bringing a bottle of wine to a happy hour or a cookbook to a dinner party. But most importantly, it should be something that the host wouldn’t think to buy for themselves. Bring a pretty set of kitchen towels, perfumed hand soap for a powder bath, or join forces with fellow attendees and gift a massage. Hosting can be stressful, and showing the host that you recognize all of their effort will be reward enough.

20 Host Gift Ideas

ZWILLING Fresh & Save Glass Vacuum Starter Set, 7-PC

This stylish set is a meal prepper’s dream. Set your host up with freezable and microwavable vacuum containers that are reusable, and heat resistant. It keeps your food fresh up to five times longer than non-vacuum storage. Camille swears by this set for meal prepping.

In partnership with Zwilling.

ZWILLING Fresh & Save Glass Medium/Large Vacuum Starter Set, 7-PC, $99

Lush Life by Valerie Rice

This cookbook might just inspire your host’s next gathering. At the very least, it will inspire a Californian daydream for an hour or so.

Lush Life by Valerie Rice, $35

The Cheese Board Deck

This is my kind of fun. I would flip through this deck for hours debating which cheese board to put out for my guests. A creative host’s dream.

The Cheese Board Deck, $20

Threshold™ 4pk Marble Cheese Knives

You can never have too many cheese knives as an avid host. This set is affordable, gorgeous, and would look amazing gifted alongside the above cheeseboard deck.

Threshold™4pk Marble Cheese Knives, $18

Tables & Spreads by Shelly Westerhausen Worcel with Wyatt Worcel

Another gift that can inspire upcoming events, this book is full of recipes, tablescapes, and so much more.

Tables & Spreads by Shelly Westerhausen Worcel with Wyatt Worcel, $27.95

NEST Linen Room Spray, 3.4 oz./ 100 mL

Because what’s better than the smell of fresh linen? This room spray is ideal for the everyday or to freshen a room before and after a gathering.

NEST Linen Room Spray, 3.4 oz./ 100 mL, $28

Le Cadeaux Spoon Rest With Matching Tea Towel Set in Moroccan Blue

This spoon rest is perfect for beside the stove or coffee maker. It also comes in eight different color ways, so if you know the color scheme of the host’s kitchen, it can be fun to try to match it.

Le Cadeaux Spoon Rest with Matching Tea Towel Set in Moroccan Blue

Brass Monkey It’s in the Cards and That’s How We Roll Game Set

These two games are great to have around for families and friends alike. “It’s in the Cards” includes two decks of cards and instructions for 30 different card games. “That’s How We Roll” is a unique 26-piece dice set and rules for 30 different dice games.

Brass Monkey It’s in the Cards and That’s How We Roll Game Set, $50

Pottery Barn Eclectic Mercury Votive Holders, Set of 6 in Silver

There’s nothing quite like a dinner by candlelight to set the mood at a party. These unique candles look gorgeous on every table.

Pottery Barn Eclectic Mercury Votive Holders, Set of 6 – Silver, $39.50

Dining In by Alison Roman

This cookbook has so many incredible, yet simple, recipes. Plus, it’s pretty enough to be on a coffee table instead of the kitchen.

Dining In by Alison Roman, $23.49

Pottery Barn Handmade Alphabet Marble & Wood Coasters – Set of 4

Customized gifts are a great opportunity to show the host that you care enough to pick something out just for them. Coasters with the family’s last name initial are always nice to have around.

Pottery Barn Handmade Alphabet Marble & Wood Coasters – Set of 4, $24.50

Lulu and Georgia Match Cloche

I will always choose matches over a lighter. The smell, the noise, everything about lighting a candle with a match is just more fun. This cloche looks beautiful on display right next to the candle, as well.

Lulu and Georgia Match Cloche, $34

Williams Sonoma Home Monogrammed Soap & Towel Gift Set

This set is essentially a powder bath starter kit. Not only are the towels and soaps gorgeous, but hosts will also be so appreciative to have these on hand. It’s a great price for a customized gift, too.

Williams Sonoma Home Monogrammed Soap & Towel Gift Set, Aqua Mineral, Gold Leaf, $59

Jo Malone London Lime Basil & Mandarin Body & Hand Wash

If I ever have to get my mouth washed out with soap, please let it be this one. The smell is heavenly and seriously makes me want to wash my hands every five minutes.

Jo Malone London Lime Basil & Mandarin Body & Hand Wash, $46

Hudson + Grace Rectangular Marble Monogram Hand Towel Tray Set

A home can never have too many hand towels, in my opinion. This set is pretty enough to sit next to the prettiest of sinks and still hold its own.

Hudson + Grace Rectangular Marble Monogram Hand Towel Tray Set, $80

Hudson + Grace Essential Pantry Set

If you don’t think you’re capable of homemade salad dressings, you’re wrong. This set of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and whisk will make you look like a pro. And, what’s worse than being in the middle of cooking and reaching over to realize that you’re out of EVOO?

Hudson + Grace Essential Pantry Set, $56

Jo Malone London Sweet & Spirited Travel Cologne and Candle Set

While on the pricier side, this gift set is perfect for either a bigger event, or as a group gift from multiple guests. It contains Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt perfume and a Nectarine Blossom & Honey Miniature Candle.

Jo Malone London Sweet & Spirited Travel Cologne and Candle Set, $75

QUAI North Bondi Candle

This neutral-colored candle will work well in any space, but the scent will totally transform a room. It is a 55-hour, clean-burning candle with hints of citrus and florals that any host will appreciate.

QUAI North Bondi Candle, $44

BYREDO 8.5 oz. Room Spray Cotton Poplin

BYREDO makes my favorite perfume, so imagining walking into a room full of the scent is my idea of heaven. This particular spray has hints of chamomile, linen, cedarwood, and sweet musk.

BYREDO 8.5 oz. Room Spray Cotton Poplin, $120

Williams Sonoma Meyer Lemon Towels, Set of 2

Kitchen towels don’t have to be basic. My mom has this set in her kitchen (she actually received them as a hostess gift), and they are gorgeous. Whether they are hanging on an oven, drying dishes, or sitting in a drawer, these towels look good.

Williams Sonoma Meyer Lemon Towels, Set of 2, $19.95

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