With the holidays approaching fast, so do the invites for last-minute get-togethers, office parties, and casual gatherings with friends.
If you're feeling the pressure to find a thoughtful hostess gift, don’t worry! You don’t need to break the bank to express your appreciation and leave a thoughtful, lasting impression. With a little creativity and some planning, you can stock up on a few practical gifts that show your thoughtfulness without draining your wallet.
Here are some simple yet meaningful gift ideas that are the perfect “thank you” for all your holiday invites.
1. Chic pie server or cake knife
For hosts who love to entertain, an elegant pie server or cake knife can be an unexpected and thoughtful gift. It’s a small, elegant addition to any dessert table, and it shows that you appreciate the host's efforts to serve delicious food. Plus, you can find high-quality pie servers at very reasonable prices, especially during holiday sales or at discount stores.
Hot tip: Look for pie servers with decorative handles or even engraved ones for a personalized touch. You can often find them for $10–$20 at retailers like HomeSense, IKEA, or online. Like this one.
2. Stylish wine bottle stoppers
Wine bottle stoppers are an elegant and practical gift, perfect for hosts and wine lovers. There are a wide variety of stoppers, from sleek, stainless steel designs to whimsical, hand-crafted ones with decorative elements like glass or crystal.
Hot tip: A set of wine stoppers often comes in a chic gift box, making it easy to gift. If you want something truly unique, look for stoppers that feature holiday motifs or personalized engraving, like these.
3. Gravy boat
A small, stylish gravy boat is a gift that can elevate any meal. It’s a classic piece that many people don’t always think to buy for themselves, making it a good hostess gift. You can find simple, elegant porcelain gravy boats that will suit nearly any dinner setting. Even if you’re on a budget, there are plenty of affordable options out there that still look elevated, even boats with a heating element beneath like this genius design.
Hot tip: Look for a gravy boat that is a neutral colour like white or cream, so it can easily complement different dinnerware styles.
4. Marbled serving board
A small, marbled cheese or charcuterie board makes for an impressive and sophisticated gift. These boards can double as a decorative piece when not in use and can elevate any holiday spread or charcuterie board. Marbled or acacia wood serving boards are available at various price points, with many affordable options that only look expensive.
Hot tip: Look for boards with a bit of personality—like gold inlays, unique shapes, or natural wood grains, similar to this one.
5. Decorative coasters
Coasters are both practical and stylish, and there are so many options available to suit different tastes. Whether it’s marble, cork, or even handmade ceramic coasters, you can easily find sets that add a touch of luxury to any table. A well-chosen set of coasters can be a great way to subtly elevate a host's home while helping them protect their furniture.
Hot tip: Look for coasters that come in a cute box and a set of four or six, which makes for a more substantial gift. Just be sure to keep your host’s style in mind when making your selection. These Kate Spade coasters make a great option.
6. Handmade soap in a stylish dish
Handmade soaps, especially ones with natural ingredients like lavender, rosemary, or citrus, are a thoughtful and elegant gift. Pairing the soap with a small, stylish soap dish (think ceramic or stone) elevates the gift even more. Not only is it functional, but it also adds a little spa-like luxury to their powder room.
Hot tip: You can find beautifully scented, handcrafted soaps from local boutiques or online at reasonable prices. Pair it with a chic, minimalist soap dish that can be found in most home décor stores for a polished finish.
7. Cocktail mixing set
For a hostess who enjoys mixing drinks or loves to entertain in style, a cocktail stirrer set is a charming and functional gift. These come in a variety of materials—from glass to stainless steel to acrylic—and can feature unique designs such as gold accents or colourful motifs that add charm to any drink.
Hot tip: Look for sets that come in a sleek box, or opt for a few high-end pieces to make the gift feel more luxurious.
8. Tea infuser and tea towel set
For hosts who love a good cup of tea, an elegant tea infuser paired with a beautifully designed tea towel can be a practical and charming gift. Choose a high-quality infuser in a refined design (think gold, silver, or glass) and pair it with a matching, high-thread-count tea towel or two to complete the gift.
Hot tip: Tea infusers come in many shapes, from minimalist to whimsical, so you can easily find one that suits your host’s style. Tea towels, often sold in sets, are affordable and add the perfect personal touch. We like this fun festive towel option.
9. Wooden salad serving spoons
A set of handcrafted wooden salad spoons adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen and is a beautiful yet affordable gift. These spoons are perfect for mixing salads and serving side dishes. They add a warm, rustic touch to a kitchen, and they're practical too!
Hot tip: You can find beautifully crafted wooden spoons in local markets, online artisan shops, or even larger retailers. Look for sets that feature a variety of sizes and finishes for maximum versatility.
10. Quirky salt and pepper shakers
A unique set of salt and pepper shakers can be an unexpectedly fun gift, especially if you find a set that complements your host’s taste, hobbies or sense of humour. From sleek modern designs to quirky conversation-starter sets like this one, a great set of salt and pepper shakers can add personality to any dining table.
Hot tip: Start by considering your host's personality, their favorite cuisine, the kind of pets they have, or whether they’re a jokester or more serious. Then, start to search for a unique, extra-thoughtful pair of shakers that truly suits them.
About the Author
Alicia is a journalist and editor in digital and print media specializing in health, nutrition, fitness, and wellness. She was previously the Editorial Director of Clean Eating and Vegetarian Times. Her work has also appeared in Hone Health The Edge, Yoga Journal, Women’s Running, and Oxygen, among others. In addition to being a content creator, she's an ISSA-certified nutritionist, certified personal trainer, and fitness studio owner in Toronto. Alicia loves spreading the word about helpful, science-backed health information, and she can be contacted via her website at aliciamtyler.com.
