Picture this: You’ve received your invite, you’ve RSVP’d, and you’ve picked out the perfect outfit. All that’s left is choosing one of the best hostess gifts to bring—something we think can be a real treat. Gifts for a host are a special subsect, there’s no expectation to spend a lot of money, it’s not even assumed that guests will bring something other than a bottle of wine, meaning you can really dig into specific personality traits—and we sure did. In our search for the most thoughtful and creative gifts to buy when you’ve been invited anywhere, we found fail-safe favorites, home decor they’ll cherish, and lots of foodie options.
So whether it’s a Christmas feast, an ice cream social, or just a casual aperitivo hour, stick with our list of the perfect gifts to pick up when you’re on the guest list.
Our Top Picks
The Foolproofs
The name says it all—showing up with one of these gifts is all but a guarantee you’ll be getting invited to every and all functions to come. Don’t think you’ll find benchwarmers anywhere on this list, every item in this category is truly an MVP. Highlights include candles that we’re positive will become staples in their scent rotation, a beautiful vase (that you should definitely pair with a bouquet of fresh flowers) and the hand-soap-moisturizer duo that’s in the bathroom of their favorite restaurant.
Green Thumb-Approved
These hostess gifts will surely thrill any friend who’s been tapping into botany or can be found at the community garden come spring and summer. In that case, it’s more than likely your host’s dinner menu is sprinkled with fresh produce and herbs they grew themselves, so they’ll really appreciate you taking the time to notice they’ve been in need of a new gardening tote bag or brought the upscale fertilizer they’ve been wanting to try.
“Sorry, We’ll Be At Our Cabin Upstate”
If you secured an invite to their upstate hideaway, here’s exactly what to bring. They’ll likely have no shortage of cozy sweaters, and the maple syrup from the local farmer’s market is probably far superior to anything you’ll get from Whole Foods. But a personalized log carrier (with monogram!) or a video-enabled birdhouse? There’s your ticket to a standing invite. And if they don’t have the upstate cabin they’ve been dreaming of just yet, we also included a splurgy Postcard Cabins gift card that’ll help them live out their fantasy right now.
If They Summer in the Hamptons
For every upstate cabin couple, there’s also a Hamptons-summer-house couple—it’s just the rules of nature! And while the two personalities aren’t mutually exclusive, there’s something about the salty summer air and the $100 Lobster Cobb from Duryea’s that really makes these hosts come alive. Surround them with a bit of cross-stitch and a hint of rattan to make them really swoon.
Visiting Your Jet-Setting Bestie
Studying abroad in London during college was life changing for them (guilty). When visiting a friend who moved to [insert European city name here] postgrad, why not bring them a slice of home in the form of their favorite bed linens or a new backpack they can use on their impulsive weekend trips to Santorini?
For The Couple Who Cosplays Parisian
Oui, oui! Maybe your hosts tried their hardest to find a Paris-style apartment in New York City (only to discover the truly authentic ones lacked an AC unit). And while they can’t wander around Le Marais on the daily, some high quality French butter and an upgraded knife set on their cheese board might help scratch the itch.
“Have you seen this season of The Bear yet?”
Did they immediately buy the NN07 jacket or the Japanese T-shirt Carmy wore in season one? Gift ideas for these world-class food lovers include something special from Noma, the actual knives and bowls featured on the show, and some best-selling salt that will make any dish—from Italian beef sandwiches to Michelin-starred meals—taste especially upscale.
“When is New York Getting an Erewhon?”
Rare manuka honey and an elevated supermarket tote would make a thoughtful gift for the friend who has recently made sea moss a main staple in their diet. Since you know that their meal plan consists of only organic and grass-fed ingredients (and the dinner menu likely will too), we think it’s smart to bring something sweet (but still healthy) they can enjoy on their cheat day without feeling too guilty.
Took Bartending Course In College
Help your host make ’em stronger (and more chic) with these bar upgrades. A really nice cocktail shaker, some monogrammed cocktail napkins, and a special ice tray will go a long way if your host loves concocting special drink menus for their gatherings.
For The Pet Parents
We couldn’t not show the pet parents some love. If you know you’ll be greeted not only by your host, but by their furry, four-legged friend(s) as well, consider this category your go-to! In our search for cute accessories both pets and pet lovers would love, we found some surprisingly chic clothing that’ll be nice for cooler weather and a cat scratcher they won’t be embarrassed to leave out.
For The Parents
And if Sunday through Thursday nights consist of making sure homework is done and cutting the crusts off school lunches, this group of gifts that mom and dad can enjoy will be a very thoughtful surprise. Consisting of a much-deserved spa day and sweet treats (that the kids can enjoy too), you’ll be sure to win everyone’s favor by the end of the night.
Gift Baskets-Galore
Gift baskets are a great way to show your host that you really know them. From spa and skin-care bundles to wine and cheese boxes, there are few hosting occasions where a gift basket—especially these very thoughtful ones we found—don’t apply.
What’s on The Drink Menu?
Maybe they don’t drink anymore…or maybe they don’t drink any less. Even if you received a last-minute invite it’s always good form to bring a bottle of wine, an aperitif, or something to the dinner party. Lucky for you, we found both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options that’ll show your hosts you were thinking of them.
