Gift Guide for the Hostess: Under $50

I consider the day after Halloween to be the official start to the holiday season. This time of year goes by so quickly, so I like to soak it up as much as possible. For instance… we’re putting up our decorations this weekend and I’m already playing holiday music in my car. I have no shame. 

Another thing I’m doing a bit early this year is bring you gift guides! First up: a gift guide for the hostess. The holidays bring lots of fun get-togethers with family and friends. If you’re like me, you probably struggle with what to give to party hosts. A bottle of wine is great, but sometimes you want to give a little something extra. Right? Many times when I read gift guides from bloggers, I can’t help but laugh. Who gives a dinner host a $90 candle? So ridiculous. 

How about thoughtful gifts that won’t break the bank? Check out these hostess gifts under $50! 

1. Sweets: Sometimes it’s nice to bring an edible gift that you don’t have to make yourself – especially if you’re a busy mom and don’t have time to bake. #me. Although a bit pricey, these festive candies from Sugarfina are always a hit. 

2. Faux fur wine bag: If you’re bringing someone a bottle of wine, why not carry it in something they can reuse?! You can reuse paper gift bags I suppose, but they always seem to get mangled by the time you get it to your destination. This fuzzy wine bag is perfect for the winter season without being too “holiday.” It comes in four different colors. 

3. Plush throw: I generally don’t recommend gifting decor items because you don’t always know the person’s home style. However, no one’s going to say no to a soft blanket. Just buy it in a neutral color and you’re golden. I can’t believe that this one from Nordstrom is under $40 and has almost 1,000 positive reviews.

4. Kiehl’s lotion & lip balm: My lips and hands get incredibly dry in the winter months, so I like to keep lotion and lip balm in my car (I actually need to go buy this set from Kiehl’s for myself!). It’s unscented so it’s a gift any hostess will enjoy. 

5. Jo Malone candle: I like gifting candles that are a little more special than your typical ones from Bath & Body Works. I wear Jo Malone perfume every single day and the scent lasts, so I can assure you that the brand is high quality. This candle from Jo Malone smells absolutely heavenly and comes in a cute gift box. No extra wrapping necessary! 

6. Ina Garten cookbook: I feel like cookbooks are such a special gift, because it’s not something most people typically buy for themselves. Whenever I get one, I always remember who gave it to me and when. If you know that the hostess enjoys whipping up new recipes, I highly recommend gifting them a cookbook. Ina Garten is one of my favorite chefs and her books never disappoint. 

7. Olivewood cheese knives: Next time you bring a cheese plate to a party, accompany it with nice cheese knives for the hostess. These olivewood ones look so much more expensive than they are and will match any kitchen decor style. 

8. Kitchen towels: If there’s one item that I tell people to buy for their kitchen, it’s dish towels from Williams Sonoma. We have a few sets and they last forever. The quality is amazing and they come in a variety of colors and patterns. Pick a neutral color for gifting, and grab a set for yourself too! 

9. Monogrammed mug: Gifts with a personalized touch are always thoughtful and appreciated. If your budget is closer to $20, pair together a monogrammed mug and a bag of nice coffee. Make sure to buy coffee grounds as opposed to whole beans in case your hostess doesn’t have a grinder. 

10. Marble bar tools: Another item to go along with a bottle of wine is a set of bar tools. I personally love this one from Pottery Barn because it’s made from 100% natural marble, which will hold up much longer than plastic. 

11. Cozy slippers: If you know the hostess well (and know her shoe size), I say get a gift that’s a little more unexpected – like a pair of cozy slippers! It’s a gift that she can use all year long. 

12. Cheese board: Back to the cheese platter… if you’re bringing one to a dinner party, put it on a nice board that the hostess can keep afterwards. 

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