It can be hard to find a meaningful hostess gift. I feel like a lot of times I resort to a bottle of wine at random simply to not show up empty handed. No more. I want a curated list of thoughtful, practical housewarming and/or holiday hostess gift ideas from which I can pull from on these occasions. I’m throwing the housewarming bit in because a lot of these are great gifts for new home owners, too!
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Is a hostess gift necessary?
In my opinion, no. I don’t think it’s ever necessary nor should it be expected. Especially if you’re gathering with immediate family members that you’re with often.
However, there are some instances in which I like to bring something to celebrate an occasion i.e. housewarmings, engagement parties, or the first time I’m seeing someone after a big life announcement. But that’s my own personal rule and think everyone should have their own based on their circumstances.
For particular occasions or holiday parties I decide the necessity on a case-by-case basis. For example, if I’ve never been to this person’s home before, or I’m meeting the host(ess) for the first time, I may bring a small little something for them or the group in addition to anything I committed to bringing.
Otherwise, I don’t think anyone should feel obligated to buy a hostess gift, I know I never expect anything when I have people over. But if you feel so inclined, I’ve compiled a list of thoughtful hostess gift ideas your gift recipient will surely love!
Everyday Housewarming & Hostess Gift Ideas
This is my collection of evergreen housewarming and hostess gift ideas that are in-season all year-round.
Boho Fringe Pot Holders
I love the idea of gifting these cute fringe pot holders. They’re practical, but if you miss the mark on the colors for their space, well, they usually are kept in a drawer anyway! You’re not risking mismatching decor. But chances are if you’re picking up a pretty neutral set you’ll be good, making these a safe choice.
Personalized Cutting Board
An easier to slot piece of decor, a simple personalized wood cutting board goes with virtually every kitchen. We have one that was a wedding gift and it’s been on display ever since. It adds a warm touch to our all white/neutral kitchen that I just love!
Magnetic Cat Wine Charms
Everyone has one, that crazy cat lady friend (Jill, if you’re ready this… sup homie!?) and these magnetic cat wine charms have her name written all over them! Plus, I love the idea of magnetic charms because they’re still usable on your stemless glasses.
New Home Candle
Have you ever seen these candles from Homesick? They’re spot on with a candle for over 30 different occasions. If you’re looking for a specific event to call out, chances are they have it, or something close. The candles are a hand-poured soy wax blend with a burn time of 60-80 hours.
Turkish Hand Towel Sets
Both 100% organic cotton and OEKO-TEX certified, these Turkish fringe hand towels make a beautiful gift idea. Plus, the way they’re already individually packaged enables you to slot them right into a gift basket. No extra work necessary! Grab this neutral beige or pick from one of the other 10 rich colors if you’re familiar with their space.
Salad Bowl Trio
I’m absolutely loving this salad bowl trio. It’s neutral and minimalist and all the things my little kitchen obsessed heart loves! This set would surely be a welcome addition to any modern kitchen.
Pink Glass Candle
Simple, beautiful and timeless. Can’t go wrong with a lovely candle for a housewarming or hostess gift. I love how clean and elegant this particular pink glass candle is, which is why it made my list. They also have a green or red option, which can double as extra appropriate during the holiday season!
Dipping Trio Stand
I’m a sucker for gorgeous serving wares, it’s my toxic trait for sure. If you have a ‘me’ in your life, they’ll love this dipping trio stand, especially if they love the classic guac, queso and salsa trio, too!
Ceramic Jar Matchstick Holder
Perfect for a new home owner, this little ceramic jar for matches is a cute way to kick off any room’s decor. But let’s be honest, it kind of screams ‘put me in the bathroom’ but I don’t think that’s a bad thing! Bathrooms can be hard to decorate, this jar is a great start. Note: it says matches not included, so grab a pack of white tip matches while you’re shopping!
Silicone Flower Wine Charms
These aren’t like other wine charms, they’re cool wine charms. I’ve never seen ones that wrap around the stem but weren’t the usual metal charms. These silicone flower wine charms are more fun, great for the colorful host or hostess!
Holiday Hostess Gift Ideas
These are my top picks for more holiday-specific hostess gift ideas.
Stone Christmas Tree Coasters
How sweet are these? These stone Christmas tree coasters are at the very top of my suggestions list because they’re not only beautiful but they’re made by a small business. They sell out fast though so here’s a very similar set from the same brand.
Year-Round Rustic Floral Centerpiece
I love this particular floral centerpiece because it’s not seasonal. It will go with any table scape all year but could also be dressed up for specific holidays or occasions.
The Modern Bohemian Table: Gathering with Friends and Entertaining in Style
A great Thanksgiving hosting gift (so they have it to read ahead of Christmas), The Modern Bohemian Table is a well-rated book about creating meaningful and special gatherings. They even break them down by event/occasion. This is a great gift idea for a first-time host or a housewarming gift ahead of their first holiday season.
Christmas Wine Bottle Stopper
These are a great low risk, smaller gift if you’re trying to just not show up empty handed. They’re not on-display decor but these Christmas wine bottle stoppers are pretty neutral anyway, so they’d go with everything if they did. Slap a bow on the box and you’re good to go!
Gnome Wine Bottle Covers
How cute are these guys?! They’re a little more niche of a style, so just be sure your host is a fan of the gnome life. If they are, they’ll surely flip for this adorable holiday themed hosting gift!
Christmas Magnetic Wine Charms
You can use these Christmas magnetic wine charms on both stem and stemless wine glasses, which is what makes them such a great gift. No matter red, white or rose, your host(ess) can use these sweet charms on their glass of vino. Have a dog lover on your gift list? Try these adorable Christmas dog wine charms instead!
Copper Candle Accessory Set
Always in season, this copper candle accessory set could be among non-holiday season hostess gift ideas as well. However, winter is definitely the coziest candle lighting season, so I think it’s especially appropriate this time of year. I have a set like this and use it every single time I’m lighting my candles. Pro Tip: use the trimmer on the wick ends to prevent air bubbles in the end of the wick from popping and shooting hot ash when you light it.
Orange Knit Blanket
You can’t go wrong with a chunky knit blanket. This orange is perfect for Thanksgiving or anyone with a rusty orange home palette. There’s also several other wonderfully rich colors to choose from to match your hostess’ decor.
Capri Blue Volcano Candle
Just a gorgeously gold jarred candle, but how nice would this look during the holidays on a table scape or mantle? The gold shimmer says ‘holidays’ to me. This would be a great gift particularly for a dinner party where the host could light it on their table right away if they wanted. Plus, it’s the product of a small business, so your purchase is making a small business owner happy as well. Win-win!
Holiday Essential Oils Set
If your host is an oily guy or gal this holiday essential oils set would be a great gift idea. This set is specific to the holidays so they would get immediate use out of the scents, maybe even while you and their guests are over!
Want more housewarming and hostess gift ideas?
Head to my “2022 Housewarming & Holiday Hostess Gifts” Amazon Idea List here and browse everything in real-time. Follow me in-app on Amazon for the latest idea list additions and gift suggestions from this week and beyond!
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