The links in this Best Gifts for Hosts & Hostesses guide are affiliate links which means I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on a link. Some items below were provided for review purposes.

Growing up, my mom taught me it was rude to show up empty-handed. Even if your host or insists you don’t need to bring anything, being thoughtful is always appreciated.

Best Gifts for Hosts and Hostesses

My Best Gifts for Hosts and Hostesses guide features a curated list of products you can bring so you don’t arrive empty handed or can order to arrive after your departure. There’s a wide range of gifts from practical and affordable to extravagant, depending on the event and the length of your stay.

The best gifts for hosts and hostesses are easy to give and receive. Ones on this list don’t require any extra care and feeding by your hostess on the day of their event. Combine any of these best gifts for hosts and hostesses with a hand-written thank you card and you’ll be invited back!

La Boîte Spice Sets (starting at $56)

One of the best gifts for hosts and hostesses who like to cook are gourmet high-end custom-crafted spice sets and after recently being introduced to La Boîte, I can say I’m a fan! Developed by renowned “Spicemaster” and Chef Lior Lev Sercarz for his global spice brand La Boîte, any of these sets would be an upgraded replenishment of the spices they are using to prepare dinner/ dishes for their guests:

• The Thanksgiving Spice Set ($80)- This limited-edition spice set brings together five blends designed to make the Thanksgiving meal shine- from the centerpiece turkey to cocktails and desserts. The set includes: Isphahan (smoky-sour)  Vadouvan (sweet-savory), B Mary (a Bloody Mary–inspired savory blend), Funghi (deeply umami) and Baharat (warm, aromatic).
• Truffle & Champagne Set ($56)- This new trio pairs two custom-curated blends designed with the Ruinart Champagne brand. It includes: 1764, inspired by Ruinart Rosé- the first rose champagne ever crafted- and Sillery, inspired by Ruinart Blanc de Blancs and designed to bring out the flavor of a crisp red, with  honey, anchor and sangho pepper. Also included is Truffle Magic, which sold out within days of initially launching and with just a pinch, brings the deep, savory delicacy of truffle into the kitchen.
• The La Boîte Set ($120)- This 12-jar set of premium single-origin spices and creative blends is a special collection of Lior’s favorite spices. It includes: Pierre Poivre, Smoked Salt, Izak, Shabazi, Za’atar, Ararat, Urfa Chili, Aleppo Chili, Fleur de Sel, Vietnamese Cinnamon, Garlic Slices and Sumac.

Winter Woods Candle Gift Set ($29)

This season eliminate the need to run one more errand during a busy season or when you get invited to a get together at the last minute by buying a couple affordably priced candle gift sets from Cue. The Winter Woods set contains three 3.5 oz tins in Pinecones and Bourbon, Balsam Mahogany, and Smoked Cashmere scents that evoke the holiday season. I’m buying a couple of these sets to keep on hand as last-minute gifts for hosts and hostesses!

Classic Bitters Trio from All the Bitter ($74.50)

When you give the gift of All the Bitter, it will be enjoyed by hosts, hostesses, and guests alike. Designed by Michelin-star sommeliers, All the Bitter’s Classic Bitters Trio is an award-winning zero proof set that makes a great gift for hosts and hostesses because it can be used in drinks with or without alcohol. This intensely flavorful set is handmade in small batches with organic botanicals and just a few dashes is perfect for making cocktails or simply mixing with sparkling water. The set comes with

• AROMATIC bitters with earthy roots, warm spices, and ginger. Great in classics like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
• ORANGE bitters with cardamom, coriander, and lemon balm. Adds zest and spice to drinks like a Negroni or Margarita.
• NEW ORLEANS bitters with tart cherry, anise, and hibiscus. Livens up any drink! Try it in a Sazerac or non-alcoholic red wine.

Use TECHSAVVY for 10% off your purchase at All the Bitter

Formulary 55’s Balsam & Fir Holiday Gold Gift Set ($49)

Ever since I was gifted Formulary 55’s soothing bath salts, I’ve been a fan of the company’s products. This year I’m loving their Balsam & Fir Holiday Gold Gift Set because this beautifully packaged bundle features a fresh, woody fragrance that blends green fir, real balsam, deep amber, and a hint of cozy vanilla to evoke the spirit of the season. The set contains a shea butter soap, a shea butter hand & body crème, and a sparkling bath tablet. The set is vegan, cruelty-free, and free from phthalates, parabens, SLS, and dyes, making it a thoughtful gift for hosts and hostesses who care about both fragrance and clean ingredients. 

The PM from Outsider ($23.99)

*Veteran owned company, percentage of profits from each purchase support Navy SEAL Foundation and Gold Star Wives

Every host and hostess appreciates the ability to keep drink colds which is why The PM from Outsider makes a great gift. This cooler isn’t just for cans- it’s for any canned or bottled beverage that is better enjoyed cold. The PM holds 12 or 16 ounce cans or bottles, 12 ounce slim cans, short cans, or seltzers. It’s not only versatile but easy to use thanks to the quick reload top gasket which allows the user to pull out the empty and pop in a new ice cold drink. Plus there’s a bottle opener built in the bottom so you’re never without. 

Even Keel’s Expedition Bath Fizzy Set ($34)

A great way to say thank you is with the gift of relaxation after an event with Even Keel’s Expedition Bath Fizzy Set. Handcrafted in Brooklyn, this globally inspired, six-piece collection turns an ordinary bath into a sensory escape. Each cube is naturally tinted with clays, enriched with shea or cocoa butter for silky skin, and infused with essential oil blends like clove, peppermint, cedarwood, and lemongrass. The minimalist, eco-friendly packaging makes it as giftable as it is indulgent, and with the versatility to use as bath fizzies, shower steamers, or even room refreshers, it’s a thoughtful, elevated self-care gift that your host or hostess can use well after their event is over.

Double Loop Huggie Hoop Earrings from Mint & Lily ($39)

These darling loop huggie hoops are perfect for gifting to a best friend who hosted you for an amazing weekend together. Available in either 18K gold over sterling silver or sterling silver, these effortlessly elegant earrings will become the ones she never takes out. Use code TECHSAVVY for 25% off at Mint & Lily

Brooklyn Beans Coffee Variety 6 Pack from Two Rivers Coffee ($49.95)

Founded by a father-son duo from Brooklyn with a deep commitment to quality, Two Rivers Coffee features sustainable and unique flavors that make a great gift. The Brooklyn Beans Roastery variety pack uses the highest quality 100 percent Arabica beans and includes Light, Medium, Dark Roast and Flavored Ground Coffee, perfect for anyone who has a unique and diverse style but loves a really good cup of coffee.

The Limited Edition Ember Craft Master Collection ($69.50)

Hosts and hostesses who love cooking with fire will love the gift of Ember Craft Master Collection. Created by award-winning, nationally recognized live-fire chef and American Culinary Federation Chef Professional of the Year, Chef David W. Olson, Ember Craft, transforms that same spirit of adventure and craftsmanship into a small-batch line of barrel-aged sauces and syrups designed to bring Michelin-level flavor into the home kitchen. Each bottle of The Limited Edition Master is a nod to the precision of fine dining and the soul of open-fire cooking, beautifully packaged and perfect for discerning home chefs, foodies, and culinary gift givers.

The Collection includes:

• Hand-Harvested Michigan Maple Syrup – aged in 7-Year Ember CraftBourbon Barrels
• Oakwood-Smoked Non-GMO Japanese Yamato Soy Sauce – layered with cocoa, spice, and oak
• Beer Barrel-Aged Hot Sauce – infused with maple, hops, garlic, and subtle smoke
• Black Truffled Steak Sauce – rich, savory, and luxuriously umami-forward

TableTopics Conversation Card Sets ($20–25)

This year bring the conversation to any gathering with TableTopics conversation card sets. Affordable and beautifully packaged sets are designed to make it easy to spark meaningful conversations whether at a family gathering or fun night with friends. Choose from any of the following sets and more:

• TableTopics Family($25): A fun and engaging game designed for families with children aged 6–12 and great for teachers too. Featuring 135 conversation cards with questions like “If you could speak another language, which would you choose?”
• TableTopics Original(ages 12+, $25): A timeless favorite with 135 thought-provoking questions for ages 12+ that turn any gathering into a memorable experience. From “Where is your happy place?” to “Would you rather age forward or backward?”, these prompts inspire laughter and discovery.
• TableTopics Holiday Conversation Pack($20)
• Add instant joy to the season with 120 festive questions across three themed decks for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. Designed to bring everyone together–from kids to grandparents–it’s a must-have for hosts and holiday enthusiasts alike.

Aquasana Clean Water Machine ($399)

Hosts and hostesses who are particular about their water will appreciate. Aquasana’s Clean Water Machine. This compact countertop water filter was engineered to filter out 78 contaminants, including lead and PFAS, and doesn’t require installation. It just takes a push of a button and 8 seconds to get an 8 ounce glass of clean, filtered water. Each filter lasts up to 7.5X longer than leading pitcher filters, replacing more than 2,200 single-use plastic bottles while retaining beneficial minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

Marimekko Kukka Notecards ($15.75)

I’ve loved Marimekko patterns since I was a child and their boxed notecards make a great gift for fans, vintage enthusiasts, or anyone who loves color and patterns. The box of Kukka Notecards feature 16 cheerful floral prints in bold colors printed on heavy paper.

Cream Tea Box from Mrs. Bakewell’s (from $88)

After hosting a event, there’s nothing better than a delicious breakfast and that’s exactly what you’ll find inside a Cream Tea Box from Mrs. Bakewells. Each Cream Tea Box contains artisanal scones, luscious strawberry preserves, luxurious clotted cream, fragrant tea, and more handcrafted by Rose Bakewell. Rose’s love of England, British history, and baking, ultimately led her to be the founder of the first and only Cream Tea Company in the United States. Enthralled with British culture and wanting authentic British foods, she turned her kitchen into her own British restaurant and tea room and I can attest to the fact that her products are truly scrumptious!

KolibriJoy Candles ($49)

Bring a sense of calm back to your host or hostess with a candle from KolibriJoy.  KolibriJoy’s collection of premium hand-poured candles are crafted from the purest essential oils. Each 10 oz candle is infused with a unique “joy molecule” designed to uplift the mood, making it a thoughtful and meaningful gift. A gift of any one of the five signature scents offer a luxurious reminder to pause, reflect, and celebrate for the 50 hours of burn time.

Gundry MD’s Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil ($49.95)

Olive oil makes a wonderful gift for hosts and hostesses, especially when it’s Gundry MD’s Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil. This olive oil is made from uniquely potent, Moroccan olive trees to deliver maximum health benefits and flavor. The antioxidant-rich oil boasts 1,300+ rave reviews and benefits that include soft, hydrated skin, a healthy physique, improve heart and immune health, and more. The bottle is beautiful for gift-giving and it’s a great addition to anyone’s cooking and/or wellness routine. 

Cumulus Cold Coffee Machine ($695)

Hosts and hostesses who love barista-level cold coffee will love Cumulus! Developed by a former Starbucks executive, Cumulus is a cutting-edge machine that brings the café experience into the kitchen. It incorporates patent-pending technology to pull nitrogen from the air, fueling the effervescent nitro cold brew. Whether your host or hostess wants nitro cold brew, cold brew, or cold espresso, just press a button to have your drink emerge from the machine pre-chilled and ready to drink. This swoon-worthy gift will ensure you get invited back as house guests!

Monogrammed Cocktail Napkins ($13.99)

Your host or hostess are classy but take it to the next level with the gift of monogrammed cocktail napkins. These premium beverage napkins are a steal for $13.99 for 100 because they look and feel more like luxurious cloth napkins. Bring a set, set a stack out by the bar, and level up your gift another notch with a cocktail napkin spiral!

Best Cookbook Gifts for Hosts and Hostesses 

One of the best gifts for hosts and hostesses who like to cook is a new cookbook. Here are a few of my new favorites and ones on my wish list. All feature delectable recipes and stunning photography to inspire the recipient to start planning their next get together:

108 Asian Cookies by Kat Lieu ($24.31 on Amazon, regularly $40)

One day Kat Lieu appeared in my Instagram feed (@KatLieu) and I’ve been following her ever since. I’ve eagerly awaited the release of her 108 Asian Cookies cookbook and for good reason- recipes like Cheat Code Chinese Peanut Cookies and Old Fashioned Cantonese Shortbread remind me of sweets I enjoyed as a child, either at my grandmother’s house or visiting bakeries in San Francisco’s Chinatown. There are new spins on favorite flavors such as Snickerdoodles with Five Spice and Lychee Frosted Sugar Cookies. Milk and Cashew Burfi brings me back to the home of the Chopras, who introduced me to burfi as a child. There are also recipes I can’t wait to make and share with my two college kids when they’re home for winter break. I think they’ll love the Spicy Chai Cookies Sweet Sriracha Cookies! I also highly recommend her other cookbook, Modern Asian Baking at Home.

Tartine Bread by Chad Robertson ($28 on Amazon, regularly $40)

This book is a must for anyone on a sourdough bread baking journey. I’ve been eyeing this book for months and finally bought it. It just arrived on my doorstep this morning and it’s been love at first read. I am so excited to up my sourdough bread baking game and make loaves more similar to the San Francisco style sourdough I grew up eating in the Bay Area.

Feasts on the Farm: 60 Sustainable Recipes by Tamara Jo Hicks ($29.95)

Hosts and hostesses who love shopping at their local farmer’s market for seasonal produce will love the gift of Feasts on the Farm. This gorgeous cookbook by the owners of Toluma Farms and its award-winning Tomales Farmstead Creamery in Marin County, California features 60 recipes organized by the seasons that bring Northern California living into your home.

Holiday Baking Deck ($19.95)

30 recipes come packaged in a beautifully designed portable box. Each recipe card features a full-color photo and easy-to-follow instructions for seasonal delights and creative riffs on classic bakes for Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s Day, and beyond.

My Harvest Kitchen: 100+ Recipes to Savor the Season by Gesine Bullock-Prado ($35)

For anyone who lives in the suburbs who has thought of becoming a homesteader, loves growing their own produce, or eats seasonally, My Harvest Kitchen, navigates the ups and downs of transitioning from city life in Los Angeles to becoming a “half-assed homesteader” in Vermont. Renowned baker and author Gesine Bullock-Prado shares seasonal recipes and tales about gardening, raising chickens, and sourcing local ingredients while inviting readers to embrace imperfection. This book is perfect for seasoned gardeners or casual home cooks and a reminder to slow down and appreciate the flavors of each time of year.

Rooted in Fire: A Celebration of Native American and Mexican Cooking by Pyet DeSpain ($35)

Pyet De Spain’s debut cookbook shares the joy of cooking fueled by her burning passion for Native American and Mexican American cuisine.  a tribute to her dual heritage that contains more than sixty fusion dishes. Recipes like Bison and Sweet Corn Soup, Mexican Chocolate & Mezcal Cake, Wojapi BBQ Sauce, and more celebrate the diversity of food and the stories, traditions, culture, and profound philosophies of Indigenous people that season each meal.

2025 Holiday Gift Guides

Below is the entire list of what you can look forward to this year. These links will go live as guides are published so bookmark or pin this post now so you can come back to it as you do your holiday shopping since I’ll be updating it often!

• Favorite Advent Calendars for All Ages
• Best Gifts College Students (inspired by my own college students!)
• Best STEM Gifts for All Ages (preK-teen)
• Best Subscriptions Boxes for All Ages
• Best Host and Hostess Gifts
• Gifts for the Best Dogs and the People Who Love Them (inspired by Goldie and Murphy, of course)
• Best Gifts for Outdoor Lovers (inspired by our family’s love of skiing, hiking, backpacking, water sports, and National Parks)
• Best Gifts for Teachers
• Favorite Ways to Teach Kids to Give Back

FAVORITE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES FROM PAST YEARS

In case you wanted to start making your shopping lists now, here’s a look at past gift guides that are full of great ideas:

• Toddlers & Preschoolers
• Early Elementary Ages (grades K-2)
• Tweens (ages 9-12)
• Teens (ages 13+)
• College Students 
• Best STEM Gifts for Kids
• Best Gifts for Outdoor Lovers
• Gifts for Teachers
• Gifts the Best Dogs and the People Who Love Them (inspired by Goldie and Murphy, of course)
• Favorite Advent Calendars for All Ages
• Best Subscriptions Boxes for All Ages
• Fair Trade Holiday Gifts
• Best Gifts for Unplugged Fun
• Gifts for Outdoor Adventures
• Gifts for Gadget Lovers
• Gifts for Hostesses
• Gifts that Give Back
• 9 Gifts that Make it Easy for Families to Give Back

I hope you enjoy this year’s 2025 Holiday Gift Guide picks and wish you happy and stress-free holiday shopping!

Note to PR: I am happy to accept items for review to consider for specialty guides. Please be specific about the products you’d like me to consider reviewing in your pitch and thanks for understanding I’m on a short deadline to get most gift guides wrapped up before Thanksgiving and do not have the bandwidth to return samples during this extremely busy time of the year. Thank you!