Last Minute Host/Hostess Gifts for the Holidays

By Debora Aberastury on December 6, 2017

The holidays: time for relaxing, family time, and lots of parties to attend. Whether it is a simple dinner party with friends, a get-together with a family friend or even an ugly Christmas sweater party, it never hurts to bring along a gift for the host or hostess. Bringing something personally for the host or hostess shows that you are appreciative for the get-together they put together, and also makes you more memorable if the person does not know you well yet.

 

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Things to remember: do keep in mind your audience. You won’t give the same gift to a new acquaintance that you would to your best friend of many years. Make sure that it is appropriate and also not too expensive. You want to make the gift seem as if you put in some thought, but not as if you had been planning it for weeks.

A Box of Homemade Goods

Do you have a special cookie recipe that everyone seems to love? Make a batch of it for your host/hostess to enjoy later on, after the get-together. There are plenty of holiday-related containers that you can get from The Dollar Store or Walmart, for example. If the host/hostess decides to share it with the other guests, be polite and let everyone else have some before you dig in.

Note: buying sweets and trying to pull it off as your own might work, but that does take the spirit out of it! ;) Take the time to make some homemade goods. Some ideas: rice crispy treats (did you know that you could add things like cinnamon to it?), popcorn balls, brownies, or even chocolate-covered pretzels.

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The Classic Flowers/Bottle of Wine/Chocolates

Because it never hurts to go classic sometimes! This, of course, depends on your audience. If you want to go for something that will last a little longer, pick up a small poinsettia or a box of chocolates in a more sturdier box.

Do make sure that if you get a bottle of wine that you know that your host/hostess does drink. If you are not sure what they do drink, see if getting two bottles — one white, one red– can be feasible. If not, go with something that you highly recommend. See if you can find a mulled wine spice kit, if you want to be festive.

Bonus: Pick up some chocolates or wine that no one normally gets for themselves because it’s just a little more expensive. Splurge for that fancy chocolate. It makes it that much more special.

Your Favorite Book

If you have a book that you recently read that you can’t just put down, AND you know that the host/hostess is an avid reader, this is a quick and thoughtful gift.

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A DIY Project

If you are handy and you have the time to make your host or hostess something special, do it! Whether it be a wreath for their door or coasters, they will appreciate anything that you make for them. You can look for inspiration on social media, like Pinterest or Facebook. There are a lot of ideas out there these days, and it is just a click away.

Nice Bottle of Olive Oil/Raw Honey/Nut Butter, etc.

Far too often, when we are at the grocery store, we choose items that are cheap to stay in budget. We gaze at the fancy items that we wish we could get, but can’t. So, get it for your host or hostess! It is easy to get– just pop into any grocery store, look through the baking aisles, and you will find items that they might like. Look for items with unique and/or high quality ingredients, interesting packaging and for items that you know your host or hostess will enjoy.

Some more ideas: tea (especially loose tea), coffee, cookies and hams (think Spanish hams). If you live near a grocery store with international items, try to go there. There is almost always something that is different and nice, especially during the holiday season.

 

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