20 Host Gifts That Will Guarantee a Return Invitation

Ready or not, the holidays are coming. For many folks, that means a schedule filled with parties, potlucks, gift exchanges, and joyful gatherings of friends and family. Or, at the very least, you’ll stay at home so that you can revel in your JOMO—that’s the joy of missing out. But if you do opt to attend a holiday get-together, it’s always a good idea to thank your gracious host with a token of your appreciation for their hospitality.

To create this helpful gift guide, we looked at hundreds of products across a range of price points, categories, and interests. We scoured corners of the internet in an expedition for gifts sure to impress hosts and almost certainly help you score that all-important return invitation. To put together this compendium of presents, we assessed each item based on a few factors, including price, utility, intrigue, and plain old wow factor. So this holiday season, if you’re looking for something more memorable than a bottle of wine or a bouquet of grocery store flowers to thank a host for opening up their home to you, this list should help.

Here are 20 gifts—ranging from $34 to $480 (as of the time of publication)—to gift the hosts in your life this year.

Marble checkers set

Price: $149

Elevate game night with this marble checkers set. This twist on the classic game swaps the traditional red and black checkerboard for emerald and black marble, giving a polished presentation that will stand up to even the most ardent players enthusiastically demolishing their opponents.

Buy now: $149 at CB2

Scalloped Napkins

Price: Set of 4, $135

These charming napkins from Matouk add a tasteful touch to any cocktail party. Made of 100% linen, the scalloped edge keeps them feeling fresh and fun. Add some extra flair by springing for a monogram.

Buy now: Set of 4, $135 at Bloomingdale’s

The Joy of Cooking

Price: $140

The 75th anniversary edition of Irma Rombauer’s famed Joy of Cooking gets a stunning update, this time bound in black leather with gilded edges. This leatherbound version is both incredibly useful, with recipes for every occasion, and will stand out in any cookbook collection.

Buy now: $140 at Food52

Breakfast Set

Price: $34

They make you dinner, you bring them breakfast. Naturally gluten free, superfood-packed, and plant-based, the set includes Pancake + Waffle Mix, Granola, and Muffin Mix to make the morning after just a little bit tastier.

Buy now: $34 at West-Bourne Snacks

Salt Trio

Price: $35.95

Give a gift with a little spice with this seasoned salt made with ingredients made by food producers from Chicago’s West Side. This set includes Thai Ginger Lemongrass, Shiitake Cremini, and Rosemary Sage that make add a little extra oomph to any dish.

Buy now: $35.95 at Keep It Savory

Plant Mister

Price: $42

Help your host keep their plants hydrated in style with this elegant brass and glass mister. The delicate spray is ideal for all plants, from cacti to monstera whether starting as seeds or in full bloom.

Buy now: $42 at Food52

Stationary Set

Price: $45

Don’t send just one thank you card when you can give them their very own set of stationery. These hand-engraved note cards from beloved paper company Mrs. John L Strong are colorful, classy, and sure-to-please even the most well-heeled host.

Buy now: $45 at Mrs. John L Strong

Date Syrup

Price: $58.99

Give the gift of a little sweetness with this healthy-ish holiday bundle. It includes Just Date’s date syrup, date sugar, a slightly tart pomegranate syrup, as well as winter treats: chocolate date tahini and chai caramel.

Buy now: $58.99 at Just Date

Macarons

Price: 18 for $65

While chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin cookies have their place, but when you’re really aiming to impress, opt for macarons. Ladurée has been making these elegant treats since 1862 from a little shop in Paris. Now they are available in the U.S. with nationwide shipping and even have new vegan options.

Buy now: $65 at Ladurée

Artisan Olive Oil Dio

Price: $74

Even the most lackadaisical chef will appreciate these flavorful olive oils from Brightland. This duo includes the robust Awake and the smooth Alive. A drizzle of either of these cold-pressed olive oils will make everything from farmers’ market salad to take-out pizza taste just a bit better.

Buy now: $74 at Brightland

Tea subscription

Price: $90

This tea subscription from Smith Tea will keep reminding your host of how much you enjoyed your time together. Opt for the teamaker’s choice and an assortment of loose-leaf black, herbal, green, and wellness teas will show your appreciation for six months, after that you’re on your own.

Buy now: $90 at Smith Tea

Chocolate holiday assortment

Price: $93

This stylish collection elevates chocolate to an artform. Flavors like hazelnut praline, orange and cinnamon, chestnut coulis, and blackberry-raspberry ganache are coated in chocolate and decorated in a dazzling Scandinavian-inspired patterns.

Buy now: $93 at Richart

Wave pitcher

Price: $225

Add a distinctive touch to a dinner party with this stylish two-tone pitcher. Designed by Sophie Lou Jacobsen, this serving vessel comes in three colors, as well as clear, and makes pouring even plain old water feel glamourous.

Buy now: $225 at Design Within Reach

Organic cotton knit throw

Price: $149

This thick-knit organic cotton throw is light enough for year-round use, but will keep folks cozy during movie night or while curled up in their best approximation of the Sleepytime Tea bear. And at 50” x 70”, you’ll have plenty

Buy now: $149 at Parachute

Press glass vase

Price: $160

Bringing flowers to a host is always nice, but presenting a vase to display them in even better. This sleek Tom Dixon design is made of thick industrial glass specifically engineered to refract light, making a bouquet even more eye-catching.

Buy now: $160 at MoMA Design Store

Après-Ski Tablescape

Price: $219

No need to brave the elements to enjoy a little après-ski entertainment. This Après-Ski Tablescape from Casamia has everything you need for a fondue party—except the cheese. You’ll find a fondue set with matching forks, thematic plates and napkins, and a tray to carry it all up the mountain—or just to the virtual fire burning on the TV.

Buy now: $219 at Casamia

2023 Agenda

Price: $375

Help your host plan your next adventure with this 2023 agenda by Bond Street legends, Smythson. Plotting, scheming, and conniving never looked so elegant than with this agenda bound in crocodile-embossed calf leather.

Buy now: $375 at Smythson

Book about Japanese Interiors

Price: $79.95

Show off your chic, minimalist taste with this book filled with the graceful interiors of Japanese homes and historical buildings. If you’re feeling more maximalist than minimalist, try Phaidon’s Beautiful Home Decor collection ($185), filled with enough design inspiration to make even the landed gentry envious.

Buy now:

Japanese Interiors; $79.95 at Rizzoli

Beautiful Home Decor Collection: $185 at Phaidon

Hermès Scarf

Price: $480

If you’re looking for a truly jaw-dropping host gift, a classic Hermès scarf never fails to impress. Made in France of pure silk and emblazoned with a variety of eye-catching designs, these iconic scarves can become heirlooms.

Buy now: $480 at Hermès

Miniature modern classics

Price: Varies

These beautiful, pocket-sized books repackage classic works of fiction and transform them into portable art. Pick up a single set—perhaps series 3 with its gorgeous versions of Michael Cunningham’s The Hours and Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery?—or mix and match your favorites.

Buy now: Prices vary, at Bookshop

 

 

 

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