Hostess gifts
Hostess gifts that aren’t a bottle
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Small wooden serving board
A small wood board is useful from the first day. It holds cheese, bread, a pie or a cheese-and-cracker snack for friends.
What to look for: A size that fits a small counter, a hole or handle to hang it, and a finished surface.
Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| Pick | Best for | Skip if | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small wooden serving board Top pick | A host who entertains. | Skip if you know the host already has a drawer full of boards. | Check price |
| Butter keeper | Bakers, toast lovers. | Skip if the host lives somewhere very warm. Butter should not sit out for long. | Check price |
| Linen or cotton tea towels | Anyone with a kitchen. | Skip loud prints. A host’s kitchen is theirs. | Check price |
| Mini enameled cocotte | Cooks, hosts who like to serve in style. | Skip if the host prefers simple, no-fuss kitchenware. | Check price |
| Olive-oil dipping bowls | Hosts who serve appetizers. | Skip if the host has plenty of small bowls. | Check price |
| Cheese knife set | A host who loves cheese. | Skip if the host is dairy-free. | Check price |
| Cloth cocktail napkins | Hosts who serve appetizers, drinks or cocktails. | Skip if the host prefers paper for cleanup. | Check price |
| Windowsill herb kit | Cooks and plant lovers. | Skip for a host with no sunny window. | Check price |
| Salt cellar with a lid | Cooks. | Skip if the host already uses a salt pig. | Check price |
| Soy candle | Anyone. | Skip strong scents; a candle that competes with dinner is not a gift. | Check price |
| Hand cream set | Anyone. | Skip if you do not know their skin sensitivities. Choose fragrance-free. | Check price |
| Reusable gift bag with tissue | Anyone who is wrapping a hostess gift. | Skip if the bag costs more than the gift. | Check price |
A host gift is a thank-you, not a contribution. The best ones are small, useful and don’t ask the host to do anything: no flowers that need a vase hunted down at the worst moment, no dish that must be served tonight.
The twelve picks below are things a host uses within a week. They are not expensive, and none is a bottle.
The three rules
- Give it as ‘for later.’ The host has a dinner to run. Hand it over at the door and say it’s for later.
- Make it useful the next morning. A kitchen item, a candle, a plant.
- Do not make it a project. No flowers without a vase, no dessert the host has to serve.
All the picks
Each button opens a live results page, so you see current prices, delivery dates and reviews before you decide. Our notes say what to look for in the results.
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Small wooden serving boardOur pick
A small wood board is useful from the first day. It holds cheese, bread, a pie or a cheese-and-cracker snack for friends.
- Look for:
- A size that fits a small counter, a hole or handle to hang it, and a finished surface.
- Best for:
- A host who entertains.
- Skip if:
- Skip if you know the host already has a drawer full of boards.
Check price on AmazonOpens Amazon search results -
Butter keeper
A butter keeper holds a stick of butter at room temperature so it is spreadable. It is the sort of thing a person loves and never buys.
- Look for:
- A lid that seals, a size that fits a standard stick, and a base that fits a counter.
- Best for:
- Bakers, toast lovers.
- Skip if:
- Skip if the host lives somewhere very warm. Butter should not sit out for long.
Check price on AmazonOpens Amazon search results -
Linen or cotton tea towels
Good towels get used every day. A set in a neutral color works in any kitchen.
- Look for:
- A flour-sack or linen weave that dries well, a size larger than a hand towel, and plain colors.
- Best for:
- Anyone with a kitchen.
- Skip if:
- Skip loud prints. A host’s kitchen is theirs.
Check price on AmazonOpens Amazon search results -
Mini enameled cocotte
A mini enameled pot looks beautiful and serves an individual dessert, a dip or a baked egg.
- Look for:
- A lid, a smooth enamel inside and an oven-safe rating.
- Best for:
- Cooks, hosts who like to serve in style.
- Skip if:
- Skip if the host prefers simple, no-fuss kitchenware.
Check price on AmazonOpens Amazon search results -
Olive-oil dipping bowls
Small bowls make olive oil, salt, sauces and nuts easy to serve.
- Look for:
- Glazed ceramic, a stable base and a set of at least four.
- Best for:
- Hosts who serve appetizers.
- Skip if:
- Skip if the host has plenty of small bowls.
Check price on AmazonOpens Amazon search results -
Cheese knife set
A cheese-knife set turns a plate of cheese into a spread. It is useful all year.
- Look for:
- A mix of soft and hard cheese knives, a stainless finish and a comfortable handle.
- Best for:
- A host who loves cheese.
- Skip if:
- Skip if the host is dairy-free.
Check price on AmazonOpens Amazon search results -
Cloth cocktail napkins
Cloth napkins add something special to every drink and snack. They wash well and last years.
- Look for:
- Cotton or linen, a size around 6 to 10 inches and a plain color.
- Best for:
- Hosts who serve appetizers, drinks or cocktails.
- Skip if:
- Skip if the host prefers paper for cleanup.
Check price on AmazonOpens Amazon search results -
Windowsill herb kit
A windowsill herb kit gives a cook fresh basil and parsley through winter.
- Look for:
- A pot with drainage, seeds or starter plants, and clear instructions.
- Best for:
- Cooks and plant lovers.
- Skip if:
- Skip for a host with no sunny window.
Check price on AmazonOpens Amazon search results -
Salt cellar with a lid
A salt cellar with a lid sits next to the stove and makes cooking feel more intentional.
- Look for:
- A lid that swings or lifts, a wide mouth and a small footprint.
- Best for:
- Cooks.
- Skip if:
- Skip if the host already uses a salt pig.
Check price on AmazonOpens Amazon search results -
Soy candle
A candle is a classic host gift: easy, warm and welcome.
- Look for:
- A mild scent, a lid and a clean burn.
- Best for:
- Anyone.
- Skip if:
- Skip strong scents; a candle that competes with dinner is not a gift.
Check price on AmazonOpens Amazon search results -
Hand cream set
A pretty tube of hand cream sits by the kitchen sink. Hosts wash their hands often.
- Look for:
- Mild fragrance and a pump or tube that is easy to use.
- Best for:
- Anyone.
- Skip if:
- Skip if you do not know their skin sensitivities. Choose fragrance-free.
Check price on AmazonOpens Amazon search results -
Reusable gift bag with tissue
A reusable gift bag makes the whole thing feel considered and is something the host can use again.
- Look for:
- Sturdy handles, a size that fits your gift and tissue paper included.
- Best for:
- Anyone who is wrapping a hostess gift.
- Skip if:
- Skip if the bag costs more than the gift.
Check price on AmazonOpens Amazon search results
What to avoid
- Anything that is part of the meal unless the host asked you to bring it.
- Anything strongly scented, which can clash with the food.
- Cut flowers, unless they come in a vase.
- Anything with a surprise ingredient, such as pet-unfriendly plants. If in doubt, ask.
If you are staying overnight, add something else: a thank-you note the next day does more than any gift.
Questions people ask
What should I bring to a dinner party?
Bring something the host can use the next day rather than something they must serve that night. A small useful kitchen item, a candle or a treat in a pretty bag works. Don’t expect it to be opened; give it when you arrive and say ‘for later’.
How much should a hostess gift cost?
$15 to $30 is typical. What matters more is that it is thoughtful and easy for the host to use.
Should I bring food to a dinner party?
Only if the host asked. Otherwise, a food gift can force them to rearrange their menu. Give it as something for later.
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