Hostess Thank You Gift Ideas + a Quick Etiquette Guide

Holiday Hostess Gift Ideas + a Quick Etiquette Guide

Here are some hostess thank you gift ideas that feel special without breaking the bank! We’ve also included a quick hostess gift etiquette guide, in case you’re not sure if you should bring a gift.

With the holidays fast approaching, the party season is in full swing! Of course, there are all the get-togethers for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. But, there will also be office cocktail parties, watching the big game on TV, and intimate gatherings of friends around the firepit. Yep, the party invitations will be flowing for the next few months!

So, what’s the best thing about being invited to someone’s home for dinner and drinks? Well, they do all the cooking and clean up, of course! A lot of work goes into pulling off a killer get-together. As the guest, all you have to do is show up!

And, that’s where host and hostess gifts come in. It’s such a nice way to show your host that you appreciate their efforts! Sure, you could just stop off at the grocery store on the way and grab a bottle of wine or some flowers. But, wouldn’t you rather be the guest who shows up with something a little more special?

Bringing a host or hostess gift may seem a little outdated to some, but being thoughtful never goes out of style! If you’re not sure if you should bring a host or hostess gift, we’ve also included a quick etiquette guide at the end of the post.

The best host and hostess thank you gifts don’t have to break the bank. Go for something useful or cute that reflects the host’s personality. Here’s our gallery of holiday host and hostess gift ideas that actually feel special without breaking the bank!

Hostess Thank You Gift Ideas That Actually Feel Special

More Hostess Gift Ideas:

If you didn't find exactly what you were looking for in our gift gallery, check out these blog posts for even more holiday hostess gift ideas!

Need Your Hostess Gift in a Hurry?

So, you didn't think about bringing a hostess gift, and now your party is less than a week away? Don't sweat it! There are tons of great host/hostess gift ideas on Amazon that you can have delivered within a day or two. If you missed the boat altogether, have the gift sent directly to your host/hostess and include a personalized thank you note. Try to make sure it arrives within a few days of the party.

Check out these hostess thank-you gift ideas from Amazon:

Not Sure if You Should Bring a Hostess Gift? Here's Our Quick Guide to Hostess Thank You Gift Etiquette!

Sometimes it's hard to know if you should bring a host or hostess gift, so we've created a quick guide to hostess gift etiquette to help you out!

Casual Gatherings

It may seem a bit much to bring a hostess gift to a casual gathering, but it's a thoughtful touch that your host or hostess will appreciate and remember in the future. It doesn't need to be wrapped or formal in this case. Browse our gallery of hostess gift ideas to find something simple that your host/hostess will enjoy... such as some special tea or coffee.

Formal Celebrations

If you've been invited to a formal celebration, such as a fancy Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's dinner, do bring a formally wrapped gift for the host or hostess. For someone who loves to cook, one of the spice sets in our hostess gift ideas gallery would be lovely. A set of wine glasses or a cheese board and knife set is nice for the hostess who likes to entertain. Browse through our ideas and choose something you know your host or hostess will enjoy.

Overnight Stays

If you have been invited to stay overnight in someone's home, a hostess gift is a great way to say thank you! The extravagance of your gift should reflect the length of your stay. Consider a lovely and elegant fruit and cheese basket or a pretty glass teapot and some beautiful blooming tea.

A Few Hostess Thank You Gift Etiquette Tips

There's more to hostess thank you gift etiquette than just knowing when you should give a gift. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

  • Be discrete when you present your gift. You don't want to make other guests feel embarrassed if they didn't think to bring a gift.
  • Greet your host or hostess first, and then give the gift.
  • Don't expect them to unwrap it on the spot.
  • You don't have to bring the gift with you to the party. If it feels more comfortable or appropriate, send it in the mail a day or two after the party and include a nice thank you note expressing what a great time you had.

Final Thoughts

Don't be that guest who shows up with a bouquet of wilted flowers or a cheap bottle of wine from the grocery store, or even worse yet empty-handed! There are lots of super cute and easy hostess thank you gift ideas here that any host or hostess would love. And, even if you didn't think of it before the party, send a gift with a thank you note a few days later to show your appreciation!

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