Hey, y'all! My name is Isabella, and I’m a college student learning how to navigate adulthood right alongside you!! Today I will help you find 20 of the best hostess gifts that are actually thoughtful, aren’t alcohol related, and won’t break the bank!
A bottle of wine is the go-to hostess gift, but not plausible if you are not of age. Finding a hostess gift that is not too expensive and is not insincere can prove a challenge. So here are my top 20 hostess gift ideas that aren’t a bottle of wine and are truly functional!
What is a hostess gift?
A hostess gift is the perfect way to show your appreciation to your host for inviting you into their home. It is not necessary to spend more than $50 on a hostess gift.
The ideal range is probably $10-$50. There is no need to break the bank if you cannot afford it. The intention is to provide a simple token of your appreciation.
In some scenarios your host might ask you to bring a certain item such as food or a drink and in which case it is not necessary to bring a hostess gift in addition but is still very thoughtful if you choose to do so.
When should you bring a hostess gift?
The appropriate scenarios to bring a hostess gift to someone is a dinner party, or any occasion that someone has you over for any meal that is not street casual. Additionally, any overnight stay in someone else's home or having you over for any kind of celebration. Other examples, are meeting your significant other's family, giving someone a housewarming gift, or a holiday party.
A flower or plant
If you get flowers make sure to take it out of the cheap grocery store plastic, and consider preparing it by taking the excess leaves off towards the bottoms and potentially snipping the stems shorter. Then to create an elevated look wrap it in a brown craft paper like this (https://amzn.to/4eRUN7k) and tie a ribbon around it. This will make the flowers look more expensive, and it will be ideal for your host because the flowers will already be prepped for them.
An orchid is a wonderful plant to give someone, they are usually affordable, gorgeous, and can last forever if well taken care of.
An expandable flower pot
This is slightly corresponding to the idea above. This is the most unique gift I have seen in a while, and not only that but it is also practical!
It is a flower pot that is sturdy, holds water, is reusable, and very compact to store.
Check it out through this link! (https://amzn.to/3BBnEOM)
Baked goods
Very straightforward but this is so thoughtful and shows that you really took the time to make something your host would like and it is very thoughtful.
Locally made or small business made items.
Items such as fruit preserves, jams, honey, or any baked goods. Honestly anything from a farmers market or small business is something that most people will appreciate. Especially since high quality locally made items are sometimes hard to come by.
A notebook or stationary.
This is adorable and will be genuinely useful! You can gear this toward your host, for example, maybe a recipe book, or a monogrammed notepad, or a scripture journal.
A decorative board game.
These are absolutely adorable fake books which have vintage inspired board games in them. They are perfect to use as decor and there are numerous games which come in different colors. Here is an example of the candy land game. (https://amzn.to/4dIgXYO) Additionally you can buy a trio like this one, however it is a more expensive option. (https://amzn.to/48bMH7u)
A tea towel.
This is a classic. A tea towel is functional and there are so many different options. You can get one specific to your host that they will love and can even consider getting a monogrammed one.
A unique match box.
A small matchbox like this (https://amzn.to/4eSgqVe) can be paired with a candle for a little extra flair. To gift wrap it you could place the matches on top and tie around it with a bow and it would be absolutely adorable.
This is another option for a unique matchbox which is also aesthetically pleasing so that your host could leave it out on the counter with their candle. (https://amzn.to/3BQtZG5)
Spices, seasonings or a sauce.
This is an excellent gift for the host that loves to cook. Only do this if you know the host would like this! You could also add a recipe book if you want to give a little bit of a bigger gift.
Spoon rest dish or any ceramic dish.
This is a functional gift that will help keep your hosts counter clean and organized. Make sure you somewhat know what your host will like and if not, keep to a classic dish.
Olive oil set.
Olive oil is always a great gift and there are so many unique options for flavor infused olive oil. Most people use this in their home so it will be a useful gift. This is an excellent example of an olive oil set. (https://amzn.to/3YknjZG)
Martinelli's apple cider.
This is an affordable and age appropriate option! You could wrap it in a plastic gift wrap, gather it at the top, and tie a bow around it. You could also pair this with something else if you want to give your host more items.
Barefoot dreams socks.
These barefoot dreams socks are so soft and comfy. This item is specific to your host, this would be great for women of any age. This is a great mid price range option but they also offer a 3-pack for around $50 if you want a larger gift. Here is the link for the individual pair! (https://amzn.to/3zXFb3q)
Candle
This is a staple gift which is functional, decorative, and adorable! This is excellent for all prices ranges because you can find candles anywhere in the $10-$50 price range.
A wax melt or diffuser.
This is a great alternative to a candle and is slightly more unique. There are numerous different kinds in different price ranges.
Coffee mug
This is simple and functional! You can get an artsy handmade one to be more unique or opt for something pertaining to the hosts favor, such as puppies or flowers.
Artisan soap
There are numerous different kinds of soap sets which are functional and something you know that everyone will use. There is a broad price range of these items. This is an excellent example of a soap set. (https://amzn.to/4eXFXMw)
Room spray
Room spray of any kind is useful and fun! I highly recommend the Capri Blue volcano room spray. It is $28 and is an excellent practical gift. (https://amzn.to/3Y6XH1h)
Diva wash laundry detergent
This is so popular in the South and is a practical and girly gift. You could tie a few short stands of tulle to the handle in a bow and it would be so cute! Here is the link for the $19, 16 ounce detergent. (https://amzn.to/3Nn3A5n)
Gift card
A gift card is a staple, this is simple and great if you don’t know your host very personally. Make sure to write a little thank you note to your host for welcoming them into your home to put the gift card into.
I highly recommend keeping a few small hostess gifts on hand like a candle or gift card because you never know when you will be welcomed into someones how at the last minute. Make sure to never show up empty handed!
I hope this helped prepare y’all for all of your adventures!
With Love,
Isabella XO
