Entertaining season is upon us, and if you’re so fortunate, this means countless holiday parties and gatherings. Arriving with a hostess gift in hand is a must. Not sure what to gift? Don’t fret, I’ve got you covered with this list of 6 simple and affordable hostess gifts, all under $30, that will make you the standout guest at any party.
TLDR? Skip straight to shopping all my recommendations right here.
If you’ve hosted a cocktail or dinner party you know what the incredible amount of effort and love it takes to throw a fantastic event.
This is why, a guest, one of the most thoughtful ways to show your appreciation for your host’s hard work and hospitality is by arriving with a hostess gift in hand.
These small tokens of gratitude speak volumes, letting your host know that you value their time and effort. But with so much to consider during the holiday season, from travel plans to finding the perfect outfit, it’s essential that your hostess gift doesn’t break the bank.
From kitchen staples to stylish home accessories, these gifts are sure to express your gratitude and leave your host feeling appreciated!
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1. Flaked Salt & Marble Salt Cellar
Let me tell you from experience that this is a phenomenal hostess gift. I was gifted this combo from a friend TEN YEARS ago and it is still something we use to this day! And it puts a smile on my face every time I think of her.
Maldon Sea Salt is a classic choice, or support a small business by gifting Vancouver Island Flaked Salt. It’s hand harvested here from the shores of the very island I live on! And it’s the go-to salt in our kitchen.
Team it up with a beautiful marble salt cellar and you’ve got a gorgeous, functional gift.
2. Stylish Kitchen Staples
Use a cute tea towel to wrap aesthetic dish soap & kitchen spray and you’ve got an easy, pretty and functional gift.
These are my favourite tea towels (so absorbent!), the French stripe is a timeless classic. The chambray blue is my favourite, and they are available in 7 additional colours.
3. Candle and Aesthetic Accessories
This combo takes a simple candle gift up a notch by adding in the adorable match holder, wick cutter, or snuffer alongside a beautiful candle. Bonus, these items will also look lovely styled together on a coffee table in their home.
Packaging is everything in terms of making the gift feel special, so I’ve rounded up a few beautiful candle options for you here.
From modern and sleek candles, to ultra-feminine glass jars, or understated classics, there’s something for everyone!
4. Fancy Olive Oil
I’m a huge fan of consumable gifts. They are useful and don’t take up storage space in the home long term. Not to mention, they’re delicious! A bottle of artisanal olive oil and/or vinegar is always one of my go-to hostess gifts.
This Moroccan Olive Oil and this Turkish Olive Oil each have gorgeous bottles and thousands of 5 star reviews. You can’t go wrong!
5. Gourmet Spices
We’re talking not-from-the-supermarket spices here. Fresh, boutique spices go a long way in the kitchen!
Look for unique blends of small batch spices with beautiful packaging. These artisanal spices from Collected Foods fit the bill! They offer dozens of options for cooking or baking blends, spanning cuisines from around the globe.
My personal picks from spice blends we use at home (and how I love to use them!):
- Za’atar seasoning (on top of hummus or dips, atop eggs on toast)
- Italian Tuscan seasoning (a multi-purpose choice, I enjoy it on vegetables or fish)
- Aleppo Pepper – the best dried pepper, hands down (it’s uses have no bounds!)
Who knows, you might introduce your host to their new favourite!
6. Artisanal Soaps
If you want to keep it super simple, you can’t go wrong with a few bars of beautiful handmade soap.
Maybe you don’t know your host all that well, don’t know if they like to cook or what their hobbies are, but surely they use soap (right?!?).
Bonus Tip – Don’t Make This Mistake!
And a word to the wise – fresh flowers, while lovely, are in fact not a great hostess gift.
Why you ask?
Your host has enough going on and the need to find a vase & arrange flowers is not something to be added to her plate while she’s entertaining. If you’re set on gifting florals however, arriving with an arrangement already styled in a vase is perfectly appropriate.
With one of these simple and lovely hostess gifts in hand, you are ready to celebrate the holidays in style.
Cheers!
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