‘Tis the season for holiday parties – and hostess gift ideas. I was always taught to NEVER go to a party empty-handed. (I actually really enjoy shopping for others – it’s like a challenge to find the most fitting gift.)
Some items are traditional in nature but have a twist (literally in one case). Enjoy!
Who Doesn’t Love Candles?
I love candles. Scented, unscented, votives, pillars…you name it. I came across these pillar candles at The Grand Tour – a fun, chic boutique in Palm Beach, Florida. Located in the Royal Poinciana Plaza, The Grand Tour captures the multigenerational culture of Palm Beach.
I immediately was attracted to the simplicity of these Anna by Rablabs Baracco Candles. Made in Italy, their name comes from the Italian “twirl”.
I almost wouldn’t want to burn them as they are so beautiful – they are now at the top of my hostess gift ideas list!
The Gift of Literature
I am a bibliophile. I love to read. I love to adorn my home with books reflective of my favorites – design, street art, and history to name a few. How fabulous would it be to arrive with a book, be it for the cocktail table or nightstand, that perfectly represents your hostess with the mostess?
The Grand Tour is a great spot to find unique books that are as beautiful to gift as to read. Some of my favorites include Our Shoes Our Selves, The Joy of Junk, and New York Splendor.
Essential Oils
I came upon GuruNanda essential oils and have been diffusing them in my office ever since. You can also use them topically, but I love how the scent infuses my office.
I just received the Beauty Serum Oils and cannot wait to check them out. After a party, I feel that these oils, whether diffused in the air or applied to the skin, may be one of the best hostess gift ideas aside from someone to help clean up!
Mani and Pedi
Find out where your host/hostess gets her nails done OR of a reputable place in the area. To gift an hour or so of relaxation and beautification would be greatly appreciated!
If you think the hostess would rather a DIY mani, pick out a few nail polish colors, nail files, polish remover, and some other necessities for an at-home mani/pedi. Wrap them all in a gift basket or bag with a note offering this gift as a step toward some “self-care” time.
Hostess Gift Ideas for the Win!
I would love to hear of some hostess gift ideas that you like to give – during the holiday season or a random invitation for dinner!
Be sure to check out some of my other gift guides:
Despite Pain says
Those candles are gorgeous. I’d not want to burn them either. Your gift ideas for a hostess are great. Mine are boring – chocolates or wine. Maybe both.
Dana says
Now you have some new, fun ideas for hostess gifts!
Bill Sweeney says
I think a candle is perfect for the hostess. Then again. I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t mind a mani/pedi!
Kelly Martin says
These are great ideas for hostess gifts. I really like the candles and the essential oils.
emmandamian says
Candles and books are both a good combo. It’s very relaxing!
Dana says
I agree – I’d love to read a great book while enjoying the scent of a beautiful candle.
Ntensibe Edgar Michael says
Hhhmmmm…a good book definitely will make the big impact then and so many years on from then! I pick that over the rest.
Renee says
I know I would love if I got these things! Thanks for sharing
Dana says
My pleasure, Renee!
Laura Gaston says
I absolutely love those candles! What a great gift idea! Iβm not a shopper, so I really appreciate these ideas. Thank you! π
Dana says
I am so glad you like these recommendations, Laura!
Julie Cao says
I am on the look for the books to read to end my year, and thanks for the recommendation for the books. I will order some of them on Amazon.
Dana says
Julie, if you are ever in need of book recommendations please feel free to email me! I am a huge bibliophile and love to recommend books.
Ivana Mearns says
wow, so many great ideas, thank you. I like the idea of giving candles as a gift, to brighten up the home.
Dana says
Agreed, Ivana! Candles are great for brightening up the home AND adding a nice scent too!
Toni says
Love these gift ideas!! Saving this! Thank you!
Ashley R says
I thankfully donβt have to host this year. I will need to get my Aunt a gift tho. Iβm thinking she will love some oils.
Lindsay Brown says
These are great ideas! I always default to a good ole bottle of wine but I really like the suggestions you have here – very unique and I know I’d be happy to receive any of these gifts!
Dana says
A bottle of wine is a-OK on my list too π
Monica says
I love the idea of bringing a wellness gift over to all the hosts at the many parties we attend. The oils are a great suggestion!
Dana says
Something for the hostess’s wellbeing, right? Thanks for reading, Monica!
Subhashish Roy says
Books, essential oils and candles are the perfect gifts that I too can think of. Must say our thoughts are quite similar.
GiGi Eats says
I’d totally gift a mani/pedi gift card!
joy says
i think i will gag if anyone gives me any more essential oils lol so i doubt i’d give that as a hostess gift. lol. the idea of a coffee table book sounds lovely as does a candle.
Joy at http://www.thejoyousliving.com
Tiffany La Forge-Grau says
I wish I could host more things like this. It seems like it would be so much fun!
Dominique Brooks says
I like the mani/ped idea! These are great hostess gift ideas!
Maria Yakimchuk says
Great hostess gifts.
Dana says
Thank you, Maria!
Raina says
Great gift ideas! I like the mani pedi best!
Dana says
Raina, I agree. A little pampering goes a long way and is so appreciated!
Catherine Irwin says
Love these ideas but I have to say it must be flowers all the way. I love getting fresh flowers and also love to find that perfect bunch for the hostess
Dana says
Flowers are a beautiful gift idea, Catherine! Are there any flowers in particular that you like to gift?
Lene says
Like you, I was taught to never show up at someoneβs home without a gift. Love your ideas, they certainly add a bit of flair to what can otherwise be some pretty standard options. I really like the candles and that book about the best rooms in New York? Wow! Might have to give that to myself. π
Dana says
Lene, I end up finding a few gifts for myself when shopping for others π . That New York book is definitely one of them!
Amanda Martin says
I love pairing a candle with a blanket or coffee mug – perfect for a cozy Christmas!
Dana says
Amanda, both are great hostess gift ideas π
Angelica Sereda says
I love a good wine-related gift like bottle holders or a wine and cheese platter. They’re fun to give and people don’t often think to buy it for themselves.
Dana says
Both great gift ideas π . Thanks for sharing, Angelica!
Jody says
Essential oils is one I hadnβt thought of!
Dana says
I’ve just gotten into essential oils and I love all of the benefits π
katrina Kroeplin says
i love essential oils. i have a huge collection and make my own blends. they make for a great gift.
Melanie williams says
There are some really great ideas here for sure. I would without a doubt opt for the candles xx
Amber S Battishill says
So many great ideas! Those candles are so pretty that I wouldn’t want to use them. LOL.
Dana says
Amber, I’m with you…I don’t think I can bring myself to burn them. They are so pretty!
Amber Killmon says
What a great list. I always seem to give candles as hostess gifts, they’re perfect.
Norma says
Lovely list of gift ideas for the hostess. I really liked the idea of finding out if she likes to do the mani/pedi herself or if she likes having it done. So that the gift is really appreciated.
Sonia Seivwright says
Turned out that my Landlord loves candles. I have lots of candles in the house. I’m not complaining because it does give the place a nice scent.
Dana says
I love a great scented candle!
Annette says
I love the candles! I normally give a bottle of wine/champagne. But these are great non-alcohol ideas!
Dana says
Wine and champagne are great gift options!
HilLesha says
I love all of these hostess gift ideas, especially the essential oils. I love essential oils!
Laura says
This is so cute gift idea post. I love the candles, so cute x
Laura
https://www.beautywithlala.com/
melissa chapman says
These all are so nice and I would love to get any. I love candles and an essential oil would be so perfect for the hostess.
Chef Dennis says
I’m really loving these gift ideas. They are all soooo wonderful. Especially those candles.
Lynndee says
Scented candles are always great gifts to give the host. My SIL is the one who hosts our family gatherings and I have given her candles in the past because she loves them.
Jhentea says
Such a huge help! Thanks for letting us know! Love this so much!
Dana says
My pleasure – I’m so glad you like the gift ideas!
Nyxie says
Great suggestions. I would love a lot of these myself, especially the essential oils and candles. I can never get enough!