Beyond the bottle: 20 unique hostess gift ideas for every occasion

It’s always a delight to receive an invitation to a special occasion someone else is planning. You get all the fun of a party with none of the hosting duties. But while you’re getting ready to kick back and enjoy the evening, don’t forget one crucial detail: the host or hostess gift.

If you’ve been wondering the do’s and don’ts of hostess gifts, wonder no more. We’ve gathered answers to all your gifting questions, along with a curated list of thoughtful and unique hostess gift ideas that go beyond the typical bottle of wine. Whether you’re headed to a dinner party, weekend getaway, or housewarming, you’ll find inspiration for every occasion here.

What is a hostess gift?

A host or hostess gift is a small token of appreciation for someone who’s invited you into their home or planned a gathering. It’s a way to say “thank you” for their hospitality—whether you’re attending a casual brunch or an elegant soirée.

What is the etiquette for hostess gifts?

Etiquette and choosing the right host or hostess gift can be a puzzle—especially if you and the party planners aren’t well acquainted. There are a few things to consider when deciding what makes a good hostess gift, such as the occasion, your relationship with the hosts, and their personal preferences.

For hosts you don’t know well, it’s always safe to stick with a gourmet treat—think specialty chocolates, jam, or coffee. Choose goodies that are clearly not meant to be shared at dinner; this keeps the gift separate from the meal and makes it a true gesture of thanks.

And while a hostess gift serves as a thank you for the event, it never hurts to follow up with a personal note. Paperless Post has hundreds of customizable thank you card designs that you can send instantly via text or email—making gratitude easier (and more stylish) than ever.

When to bring a hostess gift

• You’re the guest of honor: If the occasion is in honor of your birthday, a promotion, or another momentous event in your life, be sure to bring a good hostess gift to thank your hosts for arranging a special occasion just for you. Following up with a thank you card is also appropriate. 
• You’re invited to a dinner party: For most dinner invitations, it’s nice to bring a gift. The exceptions are dinners with friends you see often, or formal gatherings with many guests where you’re not well acquainted with the hosts.
• It’s an overnight stay: A gift is always appropriate when you’ve been invited for a longer stay or a weekend visit. You can also opt to send a gift to arrive before you do, such as a spa basket or gourmet food assortment.
• It’s a housewarming party: Presenting a thoughtful home item to your host is a long-standing tradition at housewarming parties. Opt for something useful, like a knife set or a good set of linen napkins. Another customary option is something to help make the new place feel like home, such as candles or a potted plant.

What are the best hostess gift ideas, other than wine?

There’s no better way to show your appreciation than to arrive with a thoughtful, personal gift. From elegant table accents to creative culinary finds, here are some unique hostess gifts to bring to your next gathering.

1. Bar or wine accessories 

If you know your hosts are wine aficionados, the first thing that comes to mind as a host or hostess gift idea might be bringing a bottle of something tasty. However, if you’re not a wine lover yourself (or you simply don’t know their taste), it can be intimidating to choose a bottle for someone else. That’s where wine accessories save the day. A pair of elegant wine glasses, a drinks tray, or a wine bottle coaster show you’re thinking of your host’s interests—while dodging the pitfalls of picking between merlot and pinot. We love this silver customizable coaster that’ll stand out on any table. 

2. Luxurious candle holders

 

A unique candle holder is an easy way to elevate a simple pillar or taper candle into something special. If you don’t know your host’s style well, opt for clean, simple lines and neutral tones. Metallic finishes like copper or bronze can coordinate with décor styles ranging from rustic to modern. Consider gifting this scalloped white ceramic pillar candle holder, which works with any interior design look, whether it’s beachy cottage vibes or modern minimalism.

3. Deluxe candle set

 

Why not include the perfect candle set to go along with those special candle holders? These pillar candles come in a mix of colors and sizes, so you can mix and match to create a custom look that aligns with the hostess’s interior design style. 

4. Classic table décor

 

If your host loves to entertain, a gift that helps dress their table in style is a thoughtful gesture. Linen napkins are always useful, and an extra set never goes amiss. Include a set of unique napkin rings to complete the thought. 

5. Holiday ornaments

For holiday party hostess gifts, ornaments are always an appropriate choice. If you know the style of your host’s Christmas tree decorations, you can choose something in a matching style. Otherwise, opt for ornaments with a traditional feel that go with a variety of color palettes and styles.

6. A coffee table book or cookbook

 

Books make wonderful, inexpensive hostess gift ideas that still feel luxe. Choose a beautiful coffee table title or cookbook that suits their interests—fashion, travel, food, or art. Our pick? Try the “Vogue: The Covers” coffee table book from Amazon for a chic, conversation-starting pick.

7. A match striker

Few things are more elegant—or unexpected—than a decorative match striker. It’s functional, stylish, and ideal for someone who already has everything. We love the Hawkins New York Scalloped Match Striker—it’s beautiful, practical, and a delightfully unique hostess gift.

8. A monogrammed kitchen towel

Personalized gifts always feel special. A set of embroidered kitchen towels, like the ones from Weezie Towels, adds a refined touch to any kitchen. They’re both practical and meaningful, and a classic hostess gift idea they’ll cherish and use regularly. 

9. A serving dish

 

A serving bowl or dish as a hostess gift idea is a safe and versatile choice, ideal for both everyday use and entertaining. We love the idea of a trio of small bowls for serving nuts and other snacks, or an elegant wood serving bowl for serving up salad and sides. 

10. Festive glassware

A beautiful set of glasses is always appreciated as a hostess gift idea. Whether it’s elegant stemware for wine or colorful tumblers for outdoor gatherings, it’s a gift that blends function and beauty. We love these tortoise shell Old-Fashioned glasses, which will suit nearly any dinner party aesthetic.

What are some last-minute hostess gifts?

Sometimes you get a last-minute invite—and need something thoughtful, fast. These convenient and inexpensive hostess gift ideas are easy to find and guaranteed to delight.

11. Flowers or a plant in a vase 

Fresh blooms are always welcome as a hostess gift idea, but bring them arranged in a vase so your host doesn’t have to stop mid-party to trim stems and find one. A potted plant works beautifully too—it lasts longer and adds instant charm to their space.

12. A treat from your favorite bakery

 

Pick up something delicious from your favorite local bakery—whether it’s cupcakes, a half dozen cookies, or a beautiful loaf of bread—then wrap it with a bow or present it in a festive tin. It’s thoughtful, easy, and perfect for sharing. 

13. Gourmet chocolate

Who doesn’t love to receive a special box of chocolates? Go with a classic like Godiva, or get something more unique from a local chocolatier. If you don’t know the host or hostess well, play it safe with a box that offers a multitude of flavors to please any palate—and that doesn’t contain nuts, in case any in the household have allergies. Otherwise, feel free to cater your choice to chocolates you know they’ll love—like bourbon bonbons or chocolate-covered cherries.

14. A locally sourced gift

 

A great hostess gift idea is always more special when it has a story behind it. Look for a shop, boutique, or even a specialty grocery store in your area, and you’re sure to find something hand-crafted or locally made. Even if you don’t know your host or hostess well enough to make the gift personal to them, you can still give something unique to the area where you live.

15. A gift card

If you’re in a bind, you can always fall back on a gift card to show your appreciation. Just make sure to choose one from a place that the hostess is likely to frequent, such as a special local restaurant or boutique.

Another option is to give the host a gift certificate that will pay for an experience—say, a spa session or a visit to the botanical gardens. Just keep in mind that some gift certificate options may only be available for purchase in person, while you may be able to send others online.

16. A homemade item

 

If you’re crafty, consider making something yourself as a last-minute hostess gift. Something as simple as a bundle of herbs from your garden, a homemade bath scrub, or a DIY cookie mix in a pretty jar would be much appreciated (and shows that you put some thought into the gift).

17. A bottle of wine or liquor

It might be a classic or cliché, but a bottle of wine still counts as a thoughtful standby. Dress it up with a bow or a wine gift bag, and let your hosts know it’s meant for them to enjoy later—not necessarily during the event.

18. A tin of coffee or tea from a local roaster

A fresh tin of locally roasted coffee or specialty tea blend makes a cozy and useful gift. Pair it with a stylish mug to make it feel more complete. It’s a daily luxury most people appreciate—and an easy one to pick up on short notice.

19. Nice olive oil

A bottle of high-quality olive oil is both practical and indulgent. Choose one in elegant packaging to make it gift-worthy. Pair it with a baguette or a dish towel for a complete, ready-to-use set.

20. Fancy salt or seasoning blend

A nice salt, like Maldon, or a handcrafted spice blend adds a gourmet touch to any kitchen. These tiny luxuries make inexpensive hostess gift ideas that still feel elevated.

Hostess gift etiquette FAQ

 

What if I forget a hostess gift?

Don’t stress—it happens! You can always send something afterward or drop by with a gift later. A digital thank you card or e-gift card can also express appreciation quickly.

How much should I spend on a host gift?

Typically, $15–$50 is appropriate, depending on the occasion. The goal is to express gratitude, not display extravagance.

What’s a nice but inexpensive hostess gift?

Think small luxuries—a jar of local honey, a tin of gourmet tea, or a bar of artisanal chocolate. These feel special without being pricey.

What are the best hostess gifts for someone who has everything?

A new cookbook or coffee table book is always a safe bet. If they love vintage treasures, pick up something from a thrift store or flea market, like a silver-plated bowl or an antique trinket.

When should I not bring a hostess gift?

If you’re attending a large party where you don’t know the hosts well—or they’ve specifically asked guests not to bring anything—it’s fine to skip it. In those cases, a sincere thank you card afterward is more appropriate.

Show your appreciation with Paperless Post

Next time you’re invited to celebrate, don’t stress over what is a good hostess gift. With these unique hostess gifts, you’ll always arrive with something stylish, thoughtful, and perfectly suited to the occasion.

A thoughtful gift is only half the story, so after your next dinner party or weekend getaway, send a personalized thank you through Paperless Post. With elegant designs and easy customization, you can express appreciation that feels just as thoughtful as the gift itself.