You’ve likely been advised never to arrive empty-handed. Sure, it’s a social courtesy when visiting someone’s home, but let’s face it: hosting is hard work! From cooking, to cleaning, to staying awake until ungodly hours waiting for guests to leave, the host truly does deserve the most.
With the holidays and their gatherings already in full-swing, we’ve curated an array of hostess gifts that are guaranteed to impress. Featuring unique items in a range of price points from the best home decor stores, each of these picks are so much better than that cliché bottle of wine.
Discover expensive-looking gifts under $30.
Chic hostess gifts
Cinzia Wine Glasses, Set of 4
Price: $64
These ornate wine glasses from Anthropologie rest atop beautifully scalloped feet. Their unique turquoise hue makes for a novel take on a classical style.
MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check Cocktail Shaker
Price: $58
It’s safe to say that any seasoned host is a fan of Mackenzie-Child’s. This gorgeous cocktail shaker features the brand’s iconic Courtly Check print, making this their new entertaining staple.
Price: $125
Was: $179
You can never go wrong with a plush throw, and this one from Pottery Barn is one of our favorites. Its cascading ripple effect looks ultra-realistic, while its velvet binding lends a luxe touch.
Sprezz Whimsical Oil Bottle
Price: $45
This artist-designed oil bottle is perfect for any aesthete. It’s equal parts elegant and sleek, doubling as a tabletop art piece.
Frederic Malle Linen Spray
Price: $140
Frederic Malle creates some of the world's most coveted fragrances. The brand’s ingenious linen spray makes for a relaxing pre-sleep ritual, enchanting the bed and pillows with aromas of Turkish Rose and deep Musk.
Personalized Bolt Linen Napkin
Price: $19.95
If you have a little time to plan, consider these monogram linen napkins from CB2. You can choose among four shades of linen - ginger, white, gray, and moss green - as well as an array of thread shades for the ultimate personalized gift.
Elia Organic Olive Oil Chocolate Espresso Cake Mix
Price: $19.50
Was: $30
Olive oil cake has been a stand-out culinary trend over the last few years. This mix upends the classic recipe with chocolate espresso - a unique gift for the chef in your life.
Le Creuset 1.25-Quart Stainless Steel Demi Tea Kettle
Price: $84
Renowned for its fast-heating stainless steel, everyone loves Le Creuset. This Demi kettle comes in a rainbow of colors, allowing you to choose the ideal statement for your host.
Jali Water Carafe in Amber
Price: $72
We love the spotted design of this water carafe from Burke Decor. It's striking enough to stand alone, though its neutral color lends itself to a variety of design aesthetics.
Super-Plush Robe in Striped Midnight Navy
Price: $99
Robes make for a lovely hostess gift. There's a sea of options available, but this one from Brooklinen is a cut above the rest for its ultra-plush feel and chic striped pattern.
Soho Home Balfern Set of Two Petrified Wood Bookends
Price: $180
Many of us could use an extra set of bookends, but these generally aren’t at the top of our shopping lists - which is precisely why they make a wonderful hostess gift! Crafted from real petrified wood, they’re naturally chic.
Vietri Florentine Wooden Accessories Coasters, Set of 4
Price: $64
Inspired by the Renaissance, this hand-carved coaster set is covered in real gold leaf. It's a truly special gift that your recipient will cherish forever.
Adelina Velvet Pillow 22" x 22"
Price: $58
What host doesn’t love a good throw pillow? This velvet one from Anthropologie features striking contrast piping, lending an opulent feel.
Jonathan Adler Arcade Lacquer Small Stacking Box
Price: $125
This box from Jonathan Adler’s Arcade collection gleans inspiration from the stately arches of the Colosseum. At 8” wide, it's the perfect size to store treasured objects like sunglasses, watches, or jewelry.
Price: $89.95
This impressive cordless contraption chills bottles of wine or champagne at their ideal temperatures for hours, making it equally suited for at-home use or for taking on-the-go.
Price: $100
This stunning vase draws inspiration from the artwork of the Netherland's De Stijl movement. Its unique three-chamber design offers a plethora of flower arrangement possibilities.
'Mastering the Art of French Cooking' by Julia Child
Price: $145
Julia Child changed American cooking forever when she published Mastering The Art of French Cooking in 1961. This elegant edition features black leather and gold lettering.
Giftology Lismore Candles & Votive
Price: $225
This luxurious gift set includes orange candle sticks and glittering crystal candle votives. This timeless style is sure to be appreciated by hosts of all kinds.
Aesop Majestic Melodies Elaborate Body Kit
Price: $119
Aesop makes some of the best skin and body care products around. Consider this the brand’s ‘best of’ set, featuring cult-favorites like the Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash and Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser. Plus, it comes in a gorgeous presentation box.
Marquis by Waterford Markham Double Old Fashioned Glasses, Set of 4
Price: $56
Was: $80
Whether or not you drink whiskey, old fashioned glasses are a rite of passage. Equally elegant to hold mixed drinks or water, these are an essential addition to any household.
Pack of 2 Stringa Potholder in Caramel / Rose
Price: $24.70
Was: $38
Most of our potholders are due for an update. Give your host the practical gift we know they need with this stylish set by OYOY.
Kalman Polished Stainless Steel Bar Tool Set with Snack Bowl
Price: $104
Was: $130
This mid-century modern stainless steel set features a double jigger, cocktail shaker, ice bucket, and serving bowl trio, all accented with rich walnut wood. We’re astounded that it’s only $104.
Ralph Lauren Wyatt Set of 4 Leather Napkin Rings
Price: $125
If your host enjoys a rustic aesthetic, look no further than these leather napkin rings by Ralph Lauren. They feature industrial hardware and saddle-inspired leather, which feel elegantly equestrian.
Mizu Coupe Glass, Set of 2
Price: $60
It’s difficult not to be drawn to the light, modern appeal of these striped champagne coupes. We’re convinced that even the host who owns everything will be pleased by this unique set.
Wonder Valley Two Deserts Soap
Price: $15.30
Was: $18
This eye-catching bar soap includes Wonder Valley Olive Oil for the ultimate moisturization experience. Featuring luxe aromas of juniper, sage, vetiver, galbanum, eucalyptus, cardamom, and smoke, it's an everyday indulgence.
Louise Roe Balloon 02 Glass Vase
Price: $140
This statuesque glass vase is perfect for a minimalist host. Hand-blown, each one will differ slightly, providing a real artisanal look.
Orion Handcrafted Terracotta Bowl (Small)
Price: $69
Terracotta bowls are the ideal catchall gift. Perfect for holding succulents, decorative objects, or even keys, its uses are endless.
Venus ET Fleur Mini Square Classic Eternity Roses
Price: $82
Venus ET Fleur roses are famous for maintaining year-long freshness. This adorable mini arrangement is a sweet accent to a bathroom vanity or side table.
Diptyque Ambre Scented Candle
Price: $42
Diptyque offers an impressive variety of nuanced home scents. This warm, woodsy blend candle is particularly intoxicating, enhanced with aromas of spice, incense, and tonka bean.
Tom Dixon Bump Set of Two Glass Cups
Price: $110
We cannot get enough of Tom Dixon’s ‘Bump’ glasses. They’re modern, they’re minimal, and they’re unlike anything you’ve seen before.
Craig Frames Vintage Gold Bamboo Composite Picture Frame 16" x 20"
Price: $49.99
Bamboo accents reminisce something in between vintage Gucci and country club elegance. Pair with a favorite photo of you and your host for a personal gift with nostalgic flair.
Georg Jensen Sky 5 Dice Set
Price: $49
Impress the host of your next game night with this stunning Georg Jensen dice set. Fastened with a leather strap, this convenient polished stainless steel case is made for portability.
Personal Fireplace with Snuffing Lid
Price: $99
We’re absolutely smitten by this personal fireplace. Yes, you heard that right - it’s a mini fireplace designed to be used anywhere in or around your home.
Ring Petrified Wood Serving Board
Price: $55.96
Was: $69.95
Mined from Indonesian forests, each of these wood slabs are one-of-a-kind, just like your host! Show them how much they mean to you with this special serving piece.
Helmut Newton Legacy Hardcover Book
Price: $100
You can never own enough coffee table books. This one features over five decades of Helmut Newton’s ground-breaking photographs, celebrating his enduring influence on the arts. Its striking black-and-white cover would bode nicely on any coffee table.
Smeg Retro Style Electric Kettle
Price: $189.95
If your host doesn’t already own Smeg’s famous electric kettle, now’s your chance to show them what they’re missing. Not only is it perfect for tea, but it exudes ample retro charm.
Loewe Home Scents Home Fragrance in Coriander
Price: $125
This scent is a collaboration between Loewe’s Creative Director Jonathan Anderson and the brand’s in-house perfumer Nuria Cruelles. Somewhere in between warm and fresh, this scent is ideal for use all year long.
Bistro Tile Margot Monogram Mug
Price: $14
Monogrammed pieces make for lovely hostess gifts. These letter mugs from Anthropologie are equal parts personal and Parisian with their charming bistro tile motifs.
Gobi Chef Apron in Anthracite
Price: $24.70
Was: $38
Gift this chef-style apron to the host who loves cooking. Its minimal graphic pattern would pair nicely with a range of kitchen aesthetics.
Soon, it will be your turn to host - explore our favorite cocktail party essentials here.