This summer is going to be one long party. Not only does warmer weather make everyone want to get out more and have fun, but after so many months of social distancing, people are going to be extra eager to finally gather safely.
If you’re lucky enough to be invited to some backyard barbecues, rooftop soirees or even the simplest of dinner parties, you’ll likely be more excited than ever and want to show that gratitude with one of the best hostess gifts. You can always consider the scope of the event in deciding how much you want to invest in a little something for the host or hostess, but regardless of how big or small the party, it’s nice to show your appreciation for their time and effort.
Making sure you choose the right hostess gift is important, and your consideration for what they’d really want or need won’t go unnoticed. There are, of course, a number of traditional options like chocolates or a bottle of bubbly (to be enjoyed after the party, not at it), but taking a little more time to decide on a host-specific gift can show you’ve really put some thought into it.
Below, you’ll find a selection of the best host and hostess gift ideas. Whether you’re looking for traditional hostess gift ideas like a bottle of champagne, something tailored to summer cookout season or a less common option like a well-being gift set, our list has something for every host to enjoy.
1. Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label
BEST OVERALL
Who doesn’t love a bottle of champagne? That’s exactly why a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label is the ideal hostess gift for every get-together. As the label’s signature champagne, it offers a perfect balance of structure and finesse, which means your hosts and other guests are sure to love the taste. It’s also made from grapes sourced from as many as 60 different Crus and includes Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay in varying degrees depending on the year of production. If you’re searching at the last minute or really just want a way to celebrate with your hosts, a bottle of bubbly is never a bad choice.
2. Prodyne Fruit Infusion Flavor Pitcher
BEST FOR THE HEALTHY HYDRATOR
Water is a necessity for the dinner table — but it can be a little boring, if we’re being honest. This fun pitcher certainly takes H20 up a notch. Super easy to use, just add fruit to give water, or any beverage, a flavor infusion. It’s a natural way to step up beverages without any added sugar. The pitcher’s removable hollow rod can also be filled with citrus wedges, herbs or savories. Made from BPA-free clear acrylic, the pitcher looks really pretty on the table. To make it easy on the host, it can be refilled without replacing the fruit.
Buy: Prodyne Fruit Infusion Flavor Pitcher $19.99
3. Exploding Kittens Card Game
EDITOR’S PICK
Here at SPY, we love playing Exploding Kittens, which we lovingly reviewed earlier this year. It’s also a perfect hostess gift. You can play it instantly to liven up the Thanksgiving festivities or simply let your host discover this delightful game on their own time. Either way, it’s one of the top hostess gifts for 2021. (Yes, this is family-friendly!)
Buy: Exploding Kittens Card Game $18.49
4. Piecework Life of the Party 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
BEST FOR PUZZLE LOVERS
Puzzles are all the rage these days, and Piecework is at the top of the heap for their striking, vibrant imagery and quality construction. Your host will be in on the joke with you give the Life of the Party puzzle, making it one of the best hostess gifts for 2020. They can have their cake and it too, all 1,000 pieces of it.
5.Repel Insect Repellent Citronella Candle
BEST FOR PREVENTING BUG BITES
We all love an outdoor gathering in the summer, but we hate waking up the next morning covered in mosquito bites. This hostess gift will actually benefit you and your hosts by helping everyone avoid getting bitten up. If your hosts have a great outdoor setup and love to have people over to hang outside, they’ll definitely appreciate this triple wick citronella candle that creates an insect barrier for up to 40 hours of protection. It’s a thoughtful twist on one of the most classic hostess gifts.
Buy: Repel Insect Repellent Citronella Candle $6.97
6. Luigi Bormioli Magnifico 35-ounce Decanter
BEST FOR THE CLASSY HOST
A decanter is the perfect classy and pratical gift for any wine-loving hosts. Not only do they add an elegant touch to the bar or dinner table, but they also help enhance and preserve the aroma of wine. This one is beautifully designed, affordable and dishwasher safe, so your host can enjoy it without adding to their cleanup.
Buy: Luigi Bormioli Magnifico 35-ounce Decanter $45.14
7. Nostalgia Indoor Electric Stainless Steel S’mores Maker
BEST FOR THE HAPPY CAMPER
You don’t need to build a fire outside to make S’mores! Bring the best part of camping in the great outdoors inside with this tabletop electric flameless heater that roasts marshmallows for the best s’mores. To make the hostess gift complete, bring a supply of graham crackers and chocolate. Designed for safety, the only requirement of the electric flameless heater is an electrical outlet. It even comes with two stainless steel roasting forks to roast marshmallows. Your host will love that it’s easy to clean, thanks to trays that can be disassembled.
Buy: Nostalgia Indoor Electric Stainless Steel S'mores Maker $24.99
8. Black Bamboo Lantern
BEST FOR OUTDOOR ENTERTAINERS
One concern in any outdoor party space is having enough lighting for when it gets dark. Whether your host has tons of cookouts or just eats dinner on the patio every night through the summer, they’ll love these black bamboo lanterns to add some light and a cool vibe to their backyard. They’re made of hand woven bamboo with a black finish and each hold a single tea light, available in tall or short sizes. Get one of each for them to use as they please all through summer party season.
9. TRUFF Hotter Sauce Gourmet Hot Sauce
OPRAH’S FAVORITE THING
The best hostess gift you can get a lover of hot sauce is more hot sauce! The red bottle makes TRUFF Hotter Sauce Gourmet Hot Sauce a festive choice. Bring on the heat with black truffles, chili peppers, red habanero powder, organic cumin, organic coriander and organic agave nectar. These ingredients are typically reserved for tequilas, giving this hot sauce a sophisticated touch. Best of all, it’s a gift that gives back, since TRUFF has promised $50,000 to the Global Fund to support critical health programs for those living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa.
Read More: The Best Gifts For Dad
Buy: TRUFF Hotter Sauce Gourmet Hot Sauce $17.98
10. Nostalgia Taco Tuesday Electric Lime Juicer & Margarita Kit
BEST FOR THE MARGARITA MAKER
Taco Tuesdays just got even more fun! Even if it’s not Tuesday (Thanksgiving is on a Thursday after all) and there are no tacos in sight, this is one fun hostess gift. The versatile margarita kit makes so many more beverages than the south of the border staple. It can also whip up daiquiris, smoothies, slushies and plenty of other tasty beverages. It holds up to 32 ounces of your libation of choice. The multitasker doubles as a fresh fruit juicer and does the job in minutes. Simply remove the lid and it doubles as a serving pitcher, plus the plastic lid works as a salt or sugar rimmer. It comes with four durable, plastic 8-ounce margarita glasses.
Buy: Nostalgia Taco Tuesday Electric Lime Juicer & Margarita Kit $19.99
11. Maison d’ Hermine Birdies On Wire 100% Cotton Set of 2 Tea Towels
BEST PRACTICAL GIFT
The best hostess gifts are pretty and practical, and this charming set of two tea towels fits the bill. Your host will love the delicate vibe they add hanging from her oven or countertop as chic accent pieces. Though their design is dainty, they’re durable and great for drying dishes and keeping surfaces clean. The duo is designed in Europe and made in India from 100% cotton, so they can be tossed in the washing machine.
Buy: Maison d' Hermine Birdies On Wire 100% Cotton Set of 2 Tea Towels $15.99
12. The Spice Lab Sea Gourmet Salt Sampler Collection
BEST FOR THE JETSETTING HOST
Since it’s hard to jet off to an international destination these days, you can send your host on a trip around the world with this salt sampler collection, making it one of the best hostess gifts. There are 11 premium salts from across the globe, including Himalayan Pink Salt, Hawaiian Black Lava Salt, Cyprus Citron Lemon Salt, Smoked Ghost Pepper Salt, Hudson Valley Salt, Japanese Curry Salt, Ginger Chili Salt, Herbes de Provence, Tropical Hibiscus Salt, Peri Peri Spice Blend and Port Wine Salt. Each is made from the finest, all-natural ingredients and they’re gluten-free, kosher and non-GMO. Perfect for displaying in the kitchen, they come in Pyrex glass test tubes on a chic, sustainable bamboo base.
Buy: The Spice Lab Sea Gourmet Salt Sampler Collection $49.95
13. Artesia Natural Napkin Ring
BEST FOR CLOTH NAPKIN TYPES
You probably know if you’re going to a party hosted by a cloth napkin type of person, but cloth napkins don’t always have to mean formal. Especially for outdoor events, your host might be in the market for a more rustic napkin holder like these natural rattan handwoven napkin rings. They’re simple and easy to use but also add a bit of texture and natural beauty to any casual tablescape. Get a set that your host will be excited about using to dress up their napkins for their next dinner party.
14. JIC Gem Home Decorative Polished Geode Agate Bookends
BEST FOR BOOKWORMS
When someone loves to play host that typically means they love to show off their home. Give them another thing to be proud of with these striking Geode Agate Bookends. Weighing in at two to three pounds, they’re heavy enough to hold up their sturdiest tomes, but the rubber bumper they come with to put on the bottoms means they won’t scratch up the furniture. Made from natural agate stone that’s dyed, there are six different colors to choose from and they all rock. (See what we did there?)
Buy: JIC Gem Home Decorative Polished Geode Agate Bookends $29.69
15. Geo Outdoor Double Old Fashioned Glasses
BEST FOR OUTDOOR DRINKERS
Glassware for drinking outdoors has different requirements than glassware for drinking indoors. For the host who loves to enjoy a cocktail al fresco in the warmer months, this set of shatterproof crystal-like glasses will be an amazing gift. The prismatic pattern makes for a nice grip and cool optics that will add even more fun to happy hour, and they don’t have to worry about any broken glass by the pool. They’re also dishwasher safe and won’t fog up through countless runs.
16. W&P Homemade Gin Kit
BEST FOR THE MIXOLOGIST
The host who loves to experiment behind the bar will love this Homemade Gin Kit, which comes courtesy of one of SPY’s favorite brands. It comes with everything needed to make their own gin at home: two 375ml glass bottles, a stainless steel strainer, a stainless steel funnel, one tin of juniper berries and one tin of a botanical spice blend. Good for amateurs and experts alike, it’ll help them easily whip up 750ml of homemade gin.
Buy: W&P Homemade Gin Kit $41.39
17. Creative Fruit Dish Bowl Basket
BEST FOR THE HEALTHY EATER
Is there a more classic hostess gift than a cute little bowl or dish? A fun fruit bowl is a great addition to any kitchen, especially when it has a striking geometric design like this one. Go the extra step and fill it with fresh fruit when presenting it to your host. At 11 x 11 x 3 inches, it can hold a nice variety of fruit. The gold coating means it’ll complement practically any style of kitchen or home décor.
Buy: Creative Fruit Dish Bowl Basket $11.99
18. AmazonBasics 12-Piece Colored Kitchen Knife Set
BEST FOR THE SOUS CHEF
Whether it was the host or someone else in the household, someone did a lot of chopping to prep the meal. That’s why new knives are always a welcome hostess gift, especially ones that are as colorful and fun as these. They’ll brighten up her kitchen and sharpen her next meal. The 12-piece colored knife set includes six knives and six matching knife covers. There’s a paring knife, utility knife, Santoku knife, carving knife, chef’s knife and bread knife. The durable stainless-steel blades keep their sharp cutting edge, making them safe and efficient, plus they have a nonstick coating to prevent food from sticking to the blade, making for speedier and easier cutting. They have ergonomic handles for a tight yet comfortable grip.
Buy: AmazonBasics 12-Piece Colored Kitchen Knife Set $16.46
19. BRINS Small Batch Sweet Jam
BEST FOR THE GOURMET HOST
If your host loves toast, or just enjoys trying gourmet flavors in spreadable form, this is a lovely little gift to sweeten their day. It’s a set of three jams, each incorporating familiar flavors and a classic tangy twist. They’re inspired by BRINS founder’s travels around the globe and use only pure cane sugar with zero preservatives.
20. Grill Smoker Gift Set
BEST FOR THE SMOKER (OF MEATS)
Smoked meat is a barbecue staple for hosts that have graduated beyond grilling. If you know your host loves to experiment with a smoker, they’ll have a ton of fun with this gift set. It includes three different flavored all-natural wood chips in cherry, hickory and apple, as well as some hickory smoked sea salt and a meat thermometer to guarentee perfectly cooked meals.
21. Imperia Pasta Maker Machine
BEST FOR PASTA LOVERS
There’s no better gift for a pasta lover than being able to make your own fresh pasta whenever you want. This traditional pasta roller is made in Italy to make it even more authentic. Crafted from shiny yet sturdy chromed plated steel, it has a wood grip handle to easily crank out the dough. The double cutter head makes both thin and thick noodles, so it can make everything from spaghetti to fettuccine.
Buy: Imperia Pasta Maker Machine $59.99
22. Let’s Get Fizzical by Pippa Guy
BEST FOR FREQUENT HOSTS
Inside Let\u2019s Get Fizzical by Pippa Guy","label":"buy-now","url":true,"product":{"dimension1":"%=href=%","name":"Let's Get Fizzical: More than 50 Bubbly Cocktail Recipes with Prosecco, Champagne, and Other Sparkli","id":"1465473882","price":"12.74","category":"Cocktails & Mixed Drinks"},"id":199774,"location":true}" custom-ga-track="click" rel="nofollow">Let’s Get Fizzical by Pippa Guy, you’ll find over 50 different drink recipes made from a range of sparkling wines, such as champagne, cava, prosecco and more. This book is the ideal gift idea for hosts who love cocktails and provides a fun way to try something new with many of society’s favorite tipples. The recipe book also includes numerous tips, tricks and presentation ideas to raise your hosting game even further.
Buy: Let's Get Fizzical by Pippa Guy $12.74
23. Vino Marker Wine Glass Pens
BEST FOR ADAMANT ORGANIZERS
If your host loves order and hates chaos, introduce them to these Vino Marker Wine Glass Pens. They aren’t just a fun way to give your wine glass its very own temporary makeover (although that would be enough of a reason to buy these markers). These pens are actually a great way to ensure everyone knows whose glass is whose throughout the evening. The set includes seven different colored pens and can even be used to write on plates and other kitchen items when the situation calls for it.
Buy: Vino Marker Wine Glass Pens $8.99
24. Our Family Recipes Journal
BEST FOR PLANNERS
The Our Family Recipes Journal is a beautiful gift idea, which will give your hosts a handy space to write down their most important culinary creations. Whether it’s all of their favorite recipes from around the web, heirloom recipes or even a cooking bucket list, this journal is the ideal place to write out everything kitchen related. It sports a hardcover binding and 144 pages. You’ll also find an internal pocket for keeping small papers and hand-me-down recipes organized.
Buy: Our Family Recipes Journal $7.99
25. Teocera Drink Coasters
BEST LAST MINUTE
These Teocera Drink Coasters are a beautiful and eye-catching gift idea. The set of six coasters includes two red, two light blue and two dark blue coasters to provide a little variation. The coasters themselves are made from a strong, absorbent ceramic, which is great for keeping your table dry when accidental spills occur. On the underside, each coaster features a cork backing to prevent scratching and provide grip on the table surface.
Buy: Teocera Drink Coasters $12.99
26. HB Design Co. Concrete Planter Pots
BEST FOR GREEN THUMBED FRIENDS
This set of three HB Design Co. Concrete Planter Pots is a stylish gift that is ideal for friends with green thumbs. Each pot boasts its own attractive design and is just the right size for housing a cactus or succulent. Both of these plant types require a minimal amount of care so you won’t burden your host with another plant to water. Plus, these pots can easily be displayed alongside each other or split up around the house. Combine this with an order of succulents for a complete gift idea.
Buy: HB Design Co. Concrete Planter Pots $19.99
27. Tea Forte Herbal Retreat Box Tea Sampler
BEST EDIBLE
If your host is a tea drinker, treat them with this Tea Forte Herbal Retreat Box Tea Sampler. Inside, they’ll find a range of five different herbal teas, including mojito marmalade, cherry cosmo and kiwi lime ginger. These teas are made from some of the finest tea leaves in the world and deliver a rejuvenating, caffeine-free experience which also soothes the mind and soul. The set comes in an attractive box that can easily be given as is or wrapped for a greater surprise for your host.
Buy: Tea Forte Herbal Retreat Box Tea Sampler $24.70
28. Cado Pink Flamingo Yard Lawn Ornaments
BEST NOVELTY
If you’re looking for hostess gifts that will bring a little color to your host’s home, take your hosts by surprise, and be hard to forget, then these Cado Original Featherstone Pink Flamingo Lawn Ornaments definitely fit the bill. Each of the flamingoes in this two-piece set features raised eyes, a painted beak, and enough detail that any visitors will have to take a second look to confirm that they’re only ornaments. This gift idea is available in either blue or pink and comes with metal rod legs to make the mounting process simple.
Buy: Cado Pink Flamingo Yard Lawn Ornaments $24.76
29. Burt’s Bees Classics Gift Set
BEST UNISEX
Inside the Burt’s Bees Classics Gift Set, you’ll find a whole range of delightful products to give your hosts the pampering they deserve. From the lemon butter cuticle cream and hand salve to shea butter hand repair cream and coconut foot cream, this set is a hug in a box. In addition, it’s presented in a lovely tin box, which can easily be wrapped up for a pleasant before or after-party surprise.
Buy: Burt's Bees Classics Gift Set $23.92
30. Modern Innovations Marble Wine Chiller
BEST FOR WINOS
If your hosts love white or sparkling wine, one of the most useful gifts they’ll ever receive is a wine chiller. This particular model has several advantages. First and foremost, it’s made of marble, which maintains cold temperatures well. It’s also sturdy and attractive with its shades of grey appearance. And, as an added bonus, this wine chiller can also be used as a flower vase or centerpiece.
Buy: Modern Innovations Marble Wine Chiller $22.99
31. Cards Against Humanity
BEST ADULT-ONLY
Cards Against Humanity remains one of the most popular card games for people with a sick sense of humor. If you and your hosts fall into that category, this fun-filled game is sure to provide hours of laughs around the dinner table. It’s recently been updated with over 150 new cards and can be used time and time again. The rules are simple, one player asks a question from a selected black card, and then players compete to come up with the “best” answer from the white cards in front of them. Note: This card game is definitely one for the kids to miss!
Buy: Cards Against Humanity $25.00
32. Kate Spade New York Canvas Book Tote
MOST FUNCTIONAL
In a world where one-use bags are being systematically removed, you can be sure your host will appreciate this handy Kate Spade New York Canvas Book Tote. It’s constructed from a heavyweight canvas which makes it durable enough for picking up a few pieces from the store or fitting your overnight essentials when you’re away for the night. This tote sports a useful interior pocket for your most valuable items, while the outside boasts an attractive design with a stack of all of classic books like Romeo and Juliet and Pride and Prejudice.
Buy: Kate Spade New York Canvas Book Tote $28.00
33. COOLYOUTH Cotton Apron
BEST FOR SHARING
If you want a gift for him and her, why not consider this COOLYOUTH Cotton Apron. This functional kitchen item is available in a range of colors and includes handy pockets for storing essentials while at work in the kitchen. The straps are easy to adjust, meaning it can fit both the tallest and smallest of people without a problem. It’s also made from a soft cotton and even includes headphone loops which allows for easy listening while cooking.
Buy: COOLYOUTH Cotton Apron $25.99
34. Organic Flavored Extra Virgin Olive Oil Gift Set
BEST FOR FOODIES
If your hosts know a thing or two about the culinary arts, this Organic Flavored Extra Virgin Olive Oil Gift Set is sure to please. The set of four award-winning oils comes presented in a beautiful box, making it an ideal gift for foodies. Oil flavors include basil, lemon, garlic and chilli, delivering a cornucopia of potential dishes to improve. Plus, they can be enjoyed alone with bread or used in a range of different dishes, including salads, pizzas, pasta and fish.
Buy: Organic Flavored Extra Virgin Olive Oil Gift Set $39.95
35. BloomsyBox Snow White Lilies
MOST TRADITIONAL
Flowers are another safe bet when it comes to choosing a successful gift for your host/hostess. These snow white Oriental lilies come shipped in a custom box with care instructions and BloomsyBox food to make the bouquet last as long as possible. It’ll be far fresher than anything you get at the supermarket or florist, and the velvetty white petals with black polka dotted centers are sure to impress.
36. Cheese Board and Cutlery Set
BEST FOR COUPLES
With its sleek design, space for olives and extensive range of cheese tools, this Cheese Board and Cutlery Set is a great addition to anyone’s home hosting range. The set comes beautifully packaged and ready to be given as a gift. Alternatively, it can easily be wrapped for greater surprise. The kit includes a handy internal pull-out drawer, which stores the four included stainless steel utensils, chalk markers and two slate labels. The board also has two corner holsters, which can hold cheese accompaniments like olives, dips and chutneys.
Buy: Cheese Board and Cutlery Set $38.24
37. Jo Malone Body & Hand Wash
LUXE PICK
Gift your hosts a touch of luxury with this Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Body & Hand Wash. As they wash their hands and body, the luxurious wash produces a foamy lather, which hydrates and revitalizes skin. Your hosts will also love the peppery basil aroma, which is complemented by the scent of limes on a Caribbean breeze. Altogether, this hand soap offers a sensual experience for both their skin and nose.
Buy: Jo Malone Body & Hand Wash $49.52
38. Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera
BEST FOR INSTANT FUN
What better way to combine a gift idea and remember the special occasion than with this Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera? Simply load the batteries and photo paper, and you’re ready to start taking snaps. The camera includes a newly installed selfie mirror and has a shutter speed of 1/60 of a second. You’ll also find a macro lens for artsy close-ups and an automatic exposure measurement which informs you of the best settings to ensure your host will always get the photographic result they’re after.
Buy: Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera $74.75
39. JBL FLIP 5 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
BEST FOR MUSIC LOVERS
These JBL Flip 5 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker are versatile gift ideas that every kind of host is sure to love. This well-reviewed speaker offers seamless Bluetooth streaming and delivers up to 12 hours of playtime from a single charge. It’s also IPX7-rated, meaning it can go to the beach, the pool or get rained on without worry.
Buy: JBL FLIP 5 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker $119.95
40. Alex Cramer Cabin Club Classic Domino Set
CLASSIEST PICK
To really impress your host and add a touch of class to your next game night, bring along the Alex Cramer Classic Domino Set. Personalization elevates any gift and the brass plate can be engraved with their name. This beautiful game comes in a black walnut case with brushed brass closures and includes 28 gleaming dominoes. In addition to dominoes, the set can also be used as a cribbage board thanks.
Buy: Alex Cramer Cabin Club Classic Domino Set $134.00