I love love to host parties! Getting people together to mix it up over cocktails and dinner is my idea of the perfect way to spend an evening. And I’m not gonna lie, I love receiving hostess gifts! Mostly because my friends are both stylish and nuts, so I never know what I’m gonna get! Case in point: I’ve been given everything from a bright green ceramic squirrel to an antique silver picture frame to a great pair of chandelier earrings…and all suit me to a T!
Whether we’re invited to a cocktail party in someone’s home or staying a week at a friend’s beach house, we all know we should embrace our host upon arrival with a fabulous gift in hand to say thank you. What we don’t always know is what that gift should be! It can be downright stressful trying to come up with something clever or thoughtful!
If you’ve grown tired of the whole bottles of wine and re-gifting closet routine (it’s okay, we all have one), have I got a list for you! Fresh ideas including plenty of items you can buy ahead and keep on hand as well as personalized gifts for occasions when you have the time. This was SUCH a fun post for me to create because I get crazy kicks out of searching for special gifts that are perfect for the person to whom they are being given!!
You want your hostess gift to incorporate your personal style into something your host will enjoy. Be creative! If you’re giving to someone out of town, select something local to where you live to add a little flavor and remind the host of you. I’m from Savannah and often give hostess gifts that reflect my Lowcountry roots. Oyster shell ornaments, Byrd Cookie Company cookie tins and Savannah Bee Company products are always well received!
We all know men can be elusive and hard to shop for even when we know them well, so choosing host gifts can be extra tricky. Never fear! I gotcha covered! Just look at all the cool SUTHINGUY PICKS below!
Copper Pot and Wooden Spoon Red Pepper and Peach Jam $9.25 SUTHINGUY PICK
Based in Asheville, North Carolina, their Red Pepper and Peach Jam was the winner of Food & Wine Magazine Editor’s Pick! Amazing paired with goat cheese. In fact, you should definitely pick some up and gift alongside this jam!
Savannah Bee Company Savannah Honey $12 to $20
Another delish southern product made from honey harvested from hives around the beautiful city of Savannah, Georgia. There are many other honey-based products from which to choose…have fun buzzing about their website! Like the Red Pepper and Peach Jam above, it’s almost criminal to give this without including some cheese along with it. I recommend cheddar. Mmmmm! Enjoy!
Byrd Cookie Company Taste of the Lowcountry $19.95
Classic Savannah bakery started in 1924. Filled with 2 ounces each of Key Lime Coolers, Triple Chocolate, Georgia Peach, Red Velvet, Benne Wafers and Scotch Oatmeal. (Side note: SuthinGirl grew up on those Scotch Oatmeal cookies. They are so incredible that I can’t keep them in the house. Dangerous!)
Le Jacquard Kitchen Towel $24 each
Caldrea Countertop Spray $7.19 each
I love Caldrea counter sprays! I rotate scents in my own kitchen and everyone enjoys the way they fragrance the room.
eBay Monogrammed Vintage Handkerchief from $5
SuthinGirl’s mama taught her that a lady should always carry a beautiful handkerchief in her handbag to weddings and funerals. eBay features a wide assortment monograms so you’re sure to find at least one of your hostess’s initials!
eBay Sterling Silver Engraved Antique Napkin Rings from $10
These are such fun dinner party hostess gifts to give! They always steal the show! If you hunt a little on eBay you’re sure to find at least one of her initials. But if not, I think it’s fun to give a napkin ring that has an old-fashioned name engraved on it like “Prim” or “Dorothea.” It makes for a special memento of your friendship and reminder of the evening shared together.
So much of the fun in receiving a gift is the presentation! Even the most amazing gift can feel like an afterthought if it’s given in a well-worn gift bag. Please, don’t do it! Go right now and buy several different sized packages of clear cellophane gift bags and some gorgeous ribbon (Michael’s, Target, Party City), and order personalized gift tags (See SuthinGirl’s post Love Letters for ideas). Keep it all handy so you can wrap your gifts in a pinch. I never use tissue paper because I think it’s pretty to see the gift through the bag.
Essie Fall 2015 Mini Four-Pack $17
Deborah Lippmann The Stripper To Go Nail Lacquer Remover Finger Mitts $12 for 6 mitts FAVE!
Lavender scented nail polish remover pads that really do the job. Great for travel but I also use them at home because it feels like a treat!
Kate Spade Perfect Pair Shoe Bag for Travel $18
Kai Body Glow $24
A hydrating dry oil spray that leaves a touch of sparkle on the skin…you know I love it!
Pressed Flower Sachets Lavender Tangerine $20 for a set of two
Cotton Stem $12 each
Personalized Notepads $13.95 for a set of 2 pads SUTHINGUY PICK ♥ Add Colored Pens!
Pads are 4.24 inches x 5.5 inches and 8.5 inches x 5.5 inches. Each pad has 50 sheets. Select white paper or a heavier kraft paper from the drop down menu as you check out. (NOTE: Shop owner is on vacay until 8/30)
LePen 4-Piece Set $6.99
Kai Body Buffer $40 for a set of 2 sponges
I think I’m kind of obsessed with exfoliation! These are heavenly.
What woman wouldn’t love this? Makes the bathroom smell divine and a luxury she probably wouldn’t buy herself.
Provence Lavandes Pistacio Lavender Wand $32 each
Stems of fresh lavender woven with ribbon will scent the linen closet or a guest room beautifully. Made in France.
I’m pretty sure you’re gonna be the only guest bringing THIS baby to the party.
Zoku Triple Quick Pop® Maker $49.99
Great idea for a family with kids!
Salisbury 50-Cent Jigger $30 SUTHINGUY PICK ♥ Add a Bottle of the Host’s Favorite Spirits!
Leather Valet Tray with Monogram $39.95 SUTHINGUY PICK (many monogram styles & colors to choose from)
Laguiole Cheese Set $48 ♥ Add a Block of Local Artisan Cheese!
Gianna Rose Treasures of the Sea Soaps in Shell $36 Perfect at the Beach! ♥ Add a Hand Towel!
Geo Hammam Hand Towel $10 ON SALE $8 each
Leather Wine Bottle Carriers From $58 SUTHINGUY PICK ♥ Add a Personalized Wine Tag & Bottle of Wine!
Tiffany & Co. 5×7 Pewter Frame $75 SUTHINGUY PICK
Tiffany & Co. Chrome Ballpoint Pen $75 SUTHINGUY PICK
Sferra Brushed Cotton Herringbone-Weave Throw $79 SUTHINGUY PICK
Anupam Poddar Date Palm Leaf Bowl $155 ON SALE $99
Williams-Sonoma Sunflower Patch Wreath $89.95
Tiffany & Co. Magnolia Vase $140
For reals, who doesn’t get a thrill from receiving THE blue box?!
Herend Limoges Handpainted 24k Chinese Bouquet Blue Fish Box $120
There are so many beautiful styles and colors from which to choose. You’re sure to find one that suits your hostess or the occasion!
Tumi Mobile Power Pack $145 SUTHINGUY PICK
Woodcut World Traveler Puzzle $148 SUTHINGUY PICK
A 502-piece maple-veneered plywood puzzle which includes dozens of fun “whimsy” shaped pieces. This would make a great family gift, too!
Nothing better than your host receiving a surprise gift from you every month for a few months after the occasion! The goodies will remind them of all the fun you had together and what a fab friend you are! Here are a couple of SuthinGirl’s fave go-to’s for gift subscriptions. If you choose one of these for your host you may want to wrap up a token item that represents the subscription and include a note letting them know their gift is on the way.
Mouth: Indie Food • Tasty Gifts Gifts from $36; 3, 6 &12 Month Subcriptions from $45 SUTHINGUY PICK
Love all the delish indie products! Love the six word reviews! Love the names like Picnic with Kanye, Going Up on a Tuesday, Bacon Me Crazy. Organic, Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Kosher options. Yum!
Birchbox 3, 6 & 12 Month Subscriptions: $30, $60, $110
The addiction is real. Luxe products arrive like a goodie bag from beauty heaven right on their doorstep every month!
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