We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Travel Products Gift Guides The 54 Best Host and Hostess Gifts These classic and unique gift ideas will surely bring a smile to your host’s face. By Anna Popp Anna Popp Anna Popp is a New York-based commerce writer at Travel + Leisure covering all of the best travel products, from luggage to outdoor gear. She has been a travel writer and product tester for over five years. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on October 29, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Reviews Why Trust Travel + Leisure Photo: Travel + Leisure / Marcus Millán Chances are you don’t want to show up empty-handed at someone’s home or special event, especially around the holidays. After all, arriving with a thoughtful gift is the perfect way to say thank you to the host or hostess for their invitation. So, from practical presents to more whimsical treats, we rounded up all the best gifts to show your hospitable friends and family some love. Whether traveling by plane, train, car, or even on foot, this list includes ideas for the home, kitchen, and some travel-themed selections, too. To fit a range of budgets, we included everything from wallet-friendly selects to splurge-worthy surprises. Keep reading to shop the 54 best host and hostess gifts to wrap this season. Suprus Electric Rechargeable Lighter PHOTO: Amazon $16 $10 at Amazon View on Suprus.com Starting off with a present that screams practicality, this rechargeable lighter will probably be the best gift your host never knew they needed. It’s a treat that keeps on giving in so many different ways since the giftee will never have to buy a lighter again (which is a win for the planet) and the lighter will always provide a spark for lighting their next candle or campfire. Plus, at under $10, it makes an excellent stocking stuffer, too. Anthropologie Holiday in The City Mug PHOTO: Anthropologie $16 at Anthropologie Cities can be the most magical places to visit around the holidays, so these Anthropologie mugs are the perfect way to transport your giftee around the world. Featuring iconic cities like New York, Rome, London, and Paris, you can choose from four mugs that depict the dreamiest winter wonderlands in each city. Glasvin The Expression Glasses PHOTO: Glasvin View on Glas.vin This pack of two red wine glasses from Glasvin is a solid option for any wine lover in your life. Dishwasher safe and ultra durable, the transparent stemmed vessels are built to last so you won’t have to constantly replace glassware over the years. Plus, they come in sets of two, four, or eight, making them perfect for building up a collection for years to come. The 15 Best Travel Accessories for Your Next Trip, Tested and Reviewed Graf Lantz Wine-O's Wine Markers PHOTO: West Elm $22 at Amazon $38 at Food52 $38 at West Elm Losing track of a wine glass might be a niche problem, but it’s a problem all the same. If you're attending a party with wine (or planning to gift goblets of any sort), these adorable little felt circles are perfect for making sure everyone knows which glass is theirs. Each set comes with 12 different colored markers made with soft merino wool so everyone gets a shade. Black Paper Party Winter Scene Ramekins PHOTO: Black Paper Party View on Blackpaperparty.com Inclusivity surrounding holiday products can be difficult to find so we’re here to introduce you to the cutest kitchenware items from Black Paper Party. The brand’s ramekins have a precious winter wonderland design with a teal background, and they come in a set of two. Freezer, refrigerator, and oven safe, the ramekins can hold desserts, dips, and snacks around the holidays so, gift them empty or bring a treat to share, too. Blue Bottle Coffee Espresso and Cupping Spoon Set PHOTO: Blue Bottle Coffee View on Bluebottlecoffee.com Everyone from java newbies to caffeine experts will love this espresso gift set from the one and only Blue Bottle Coffee. The kit comes with instant espresso, plus a spoon for exact measurements, and the best part is that it packs up into a convenient travel bag for a quick brew on the go as well. JoyJolt Double Wall Insulated Glasses PHOTO: Amazon $20 at Amazon $25 at Lowe's Maybe it’s a personal thing but there is nothing more satisfying than seeing the marble swirl effect when pouring creamer into a fresh cup of coffee and these transparent, and microwavable, mugs make it all the more enjoyable. Made with double-walled glass, they are also designed to be shatterproof and can be tossed in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. The 13 Best Water Bottles of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Delola Paloma Rosa Spritz PHOTO: Drizly View on Totalwine.com If you haven’t tried Jennifer Lopez’ new mixed drink brand, Delola, then you are seriously missing out. The bottle of pre-mixed grapefruit paloma is ready to serve so your hosts can skip bartender duties and the cocktail shaker altogether. While the paloma is certainly a fan-favorite, the brand also carries a berry and orange spritz that are just as delicious. Why not get one of each? Betty Buzz Premium Sparkling Soda PHOTO: Amazon $40 at Amazon It’s important to note that not everyone at events drinks alcohol so it can be a thoughtful gesture to show up with a non-alcoholic beverage like Blake Lively’s Betty Buzz sparkling soda. Drink it as-is or use it as a base for some deliciously refreshing mocktails to serve up at a party. This citrus variety pack includes lemon, lime, and grapefruit flavors, and it’s vegan, kosher, and gluten free as well. Olfactory Custom Perfume PHOTO: Olfactory View on Olfactorynyc.com Gifting the option to create a custom scent is the ideal present for the host or hostess that loves a good-smelling house. This at-home kit makes it easy to mix and match scent variations to create a distinctive fragrance that stays on record at Olfactory and can be turned into an oil diffuser, travel spray, body wash, lotion, and, of course, perfume. Neom Mini Essential Oil Diffuser PHOTO: Nordstrom $66 at Amazon $66 at Nordstrom View on Neomorganics.com An essential oil diffuser is a great alternative to candles, and this rechargeable one from Neom Organics is perfect for the home or travel. The mini size makes it ultra-portable so the diffuser can easily fit in a suitcase or smaller apartment without taking up much room. All your giftee has to do is fit it with water and a few drops of the preferred oil to fill any room with calming scents. The One in a Million Wine PHOTO: The One in a Million View on Oneinamillionwine.com Wine is the general go-to house-warming gift but this one from The One in a Million is about as special as it gets. Each bottle is made from a small batch (only four barrels of it are produced at a time) in a vineyard in the Napa Valley, Calif., and it’s aged for 22 months before every label is hand-placed on the bottles. Since every batch is different, so are the bottles which creates a unique red wine tasting experience for your host. Chicago Metallic S’mores Maker PHOTO: Amazon $37 $33 at Amazon $32 at Wayfair $50 at Williams-Sonoma While s’mores are typically a campfire mainstay, this mini s’mores maker makes it easier than ever to create the ooey gooey sandwiches in the comfort of your own home. The set comes with a roasting chimney, grill top, and skewers, plus a ceramic tray for organizing graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows. Why not also pack those ingredients to bring this as a DIY dessert station to your next dinner party? Aēsop Hand Soap and Lotion PHOTO: Amazon $131 at Amazon View on Aesop.com $131 at Bluemercury.com Aēsop makes luxurious skincare so you can’t go wrong with gifting this hand soap and lotion set. It includes one 16.9-ounce bottle of hand soap and a matching bottle of 17-ounce hand lotion to clean and soften the hands. Made with ingredients like mandarin rinds and cedar atlas, the duo has refreshing and musky scents of citrus and wood. TeaLeaves Luxury Escapes Gift Set PHOTO: TeaLeaves View on Tealeaves.com Designed to transport you around the world with flavors reminiscent of Vienna, Budapest, and Hampshire, this set of three tea blends is a great option for the traveling host or hostess. While created for the Four Seasons hotels in the cities listed above, now travelers can indulge in the tastes and aromas of each loose-leaf blend at home during the holiday season. The kit includes a floral, a smoky, and a sweet blend to satisfy all palates, too. Image Skincare Biome+ Microbiome Trio PHOTO: Amazon $55 at Amazon View on Imageskincare.com If you’re traveling via airplane to see your host or hostess, this travel-friendly skincare kit won’t take up much space in a suitcase and it’s TSA approved. Including a facial cleaner, serum, and hydrating face lotion to provide a complete experience, the trio of travel-size skin care also fits perfectly into the included cosmetic bag so they can easily pack and transport the products when they’re on the go, too. Mark & Graham x Steele Waterproof Tote PHOTO: Mark & Graham $69 at Markandgraham.com A tote bag is a perfectly practical gift but for an extra special touch, Mark & Graham will embroider it if you’re looking for a personalized host or hostess gift. The waterproof bag is the ultimate tote for any situation whether it’s being used at the beach or the grocery store. It comes in small, medium, and large sizes — plus 12 colorways — so you might even want to pick up one for yourself while you’re shopping. White+Warren Cashmere Travel Wrap PHOTO: White+Warren $350 $245 at Shopbop.com $350 at Saks Fifth Avenue View on Maisonette.com This White + Warren scarf is the present you’ll surely want to keep for yourself. The travel wrap is made with premium cashmere and, since it measures 81 x 31 inches, it can be worn in many different ways like as a blanket on a colder flight or draped around the shoulders for an evening out on the town. Plus, it comes in tons of different colors including neutral hues and bolder shades so you can pick her favorite. Weatherman Travel Umbrella PHOTO: Amazon $69 at Amazon $69 at Dicks Sporting Goods View on Weathermanumbrella.com While an umbrella might seem like an odd gift to give, this Weatherman one is a present that won’t collect dust in a closet. The umbrella is so sturdy and well-made that it’s worth the upfront investment to get something that will last much longer than any generic umbrella would. Strong wind gusts, heavy rain, and rough handling have met their matches here which is why it’s such a very useful gift for frequent travelers, too. Lake Pajamas Pima Short Robe PHOTO: Lake Pajamas View on Lakepajamas.com You simply cannot go wrong with gifting a lightweight robe like this pima cotton one from Lake Pajamas. It’s breathable for spring and summer while still offering plenty of warmth in colder seasons so it’s the perfect all-season treat. The robe also boasts pockets with an adjustable tie belt — and just add a bottle of bubble bath, and they’ll be able to have their own spa day at home right after you leave. Jade Leaf Matcha Complete Matcha Ceremony Set PHOTO: Amazon $34 at Amazon View on Jadeleafmatcha.com For the non-coffee drinkers, this matcha kit comes with everything needed to make a deliciously earthy latte at home. To create a matcha drink in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony style, the kit includes a stoneware bowl, bamboo whisk, whisk holder, bamboo scoop, and a tea sifter. It also comes with a guide with instructions on how to get them started. Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 PHOTO: Amazon $99 at Amazon $100 $80 at Target $80 at Best Buy Our favorite portable speaker we’ve tried, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 is small but mighty. It’s compact enough to fit in any suitcase and it provides a crisp and clear sound quality that can get any party started. It’s also super easy to set up and pair with a phone, and the speaker is waterproof and dustproof to withstand the test of time. Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask PHOTO: Revolve $50 $35 at Amazon View on Lunya.co $48 at Thirdlove.com For a versatile gift, this silky sleep mask can be used at home and for traveling. It’s made with washable mulberry silk so after a trip, it can be tossed in the washing machine to keep it clean and usable for years to come. It’s also adjustable and thermoregulating so it will never feel suffocating or too tight. Sferra Cheers Cocktail Napkins PHOTO: Amazon $49 at Amazon $49 at Saks Fifth Avenue View on Perigold.com These embroidered napkins from Sferra make cheersing around the dinner table extra festive. Each of the four napkins has an embroidered picture of a drink with various words to say “cheers” written below the glass. The set is made out of white linen and they can be machine washed in case red wine happens. Therabody Theragun Mini PHOTO: Amazon $195 at Amazon $199 at Backcountry $199 $149 at Therabody.com Therabody’s mini massager can be a real lifesaver after a long-haul flight in economy. The compact device has three muscle massager speeds and an app can be downloaded to provide information about how to properly use the massage gun to target specific pain. It comes with three head attachments and a nifty carrying case to toss it in a carry-on with ease. Slant Collections Please Leave by 9:00 Napkin Set PHOTO: Slant Collections View on Slantcollections.com This gift leans a bit more on the humor side of the gifting spectrum, but it’s also the ultimate present for the one friend who loves to be in bed early. Ban.do makes tons of trendy and cute gifts and this set of napkins that kindly request guests to leave by 9 p.m. is the perfect cheeky gift to bring to a party. Voluspa 12-Day Advent Calendar PHOTO: Voluspa $165 at Anthropologie View on Voluspa.com Candle connoisseurs will really get a kick out of this Advent calendar from Voluspa, which includes a dozen 2.5-ounce glass candles. Floral, woodsy, fruity, and fresh are just a few of the scents in this thoughtful gift set. Extra eager recipients can open all of the candles at once, or traditionalists can enjoy one a day leading up to the holidays. Dagne Dover Nora Sling Bag PHOTO: Dagne Dover View on Dagnedover.com This Dagne Dover neoprene purse is the best way to transport all of your essentials, whether traveling or running errands. It also makes the perfect gift for any hostess looking for a sporty yet stylish bag. We love that the rope strap gives it a rugged look while the sleek fabric keeps it looking dressy enough for a nice dinner. Caraway Enameled Cast Iron Skillet PHOTO: Caraway $185 at Carawayhome.com Host and housewarming gifts can go hand-in-hand. If you’re looking for a splurge-worthy option that works for both, we recommend Caraway’s Enameled Cast Iron Skillet. Compatible with all stove types and ovens up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s the perfect multi-purpose pan for cooking in a new home. Vinglacé Wine Bottle Chiller PHOTO: Amazon $90 $83 at Amazon $90 at Nordstrom $90 at Pottery Barn Get your bubbly-loving hostess a personalized bottle chiller designed with a name, initials, or up to three lines of text. Perfectly sized to fit champagne (or wine), the vacuum-insulated, stainless steel holder keeps bottles cold and condensation-free without ice all meal long. Spanx AirEssentials Cardigan PHOTO: Spanx $128 at Nordstrom $128 at Spanx $128 at Revolve Possibly the coziest top for flights, the Spanx AirEssentials Cardigan is lightweight with a supersoft lining on the inside (so it’s also the perfect gift for anyone who loves to layer at home, too). It’s super breathable yet still works for those that get hot while traveling, and it’s thin enough that it can be worn under a coat in colder weather. Plus, it has plenty of stretch so it won’t restrict movement or feel too tight either. Sense of Lake Room Diffuser Aqua Como 1910 PHOTO: Sense of Lake View on Senseoflake.com This Lake Como-inspired room diffuser is an excellent gift for the traveler spending the holidays at home. The floral-scented oil is designed to smell like the gardens surrounding the Grand Hotel Tremezzo (one of our favorite hotels on Lake Como) located on the Western side of the lake. SodaStream Art Gold Soda Maker PHOTO: Target $160 at Target $150 at Kohls.com For the drink connoisseur in your life, this sleek, gold SodaStream provides a never-ending supply of bubbly water for at-home entertaining. Hosts and hostesses can whip up bases for cocktails and mocktails, or just flavored soda water to sip on with the press of a button. Dreo 4-in-1 Electric Milk Frother PHOTO: Amazon $40 $34 at Amazon For making frothed milk in a to-go coffee cup, this four-in-one mug is a genius design for high-maintenance coffee drinkers like myself. It can froth milk to the exact consistency you prefer for both hot and cold coffees. The best part? You can take it with you on the go for any trip and it’s one less dish for you to clean. Bedhead x Bronwyn Newport Long Sleeve Stretch Jersey PJ Set PHOTO: Bedhead PJs View on Bedheadpjs.com Jammies are my favorite gift to give for any reason, and these travel-themed ones from Bedhead are on my list for gift recipients this year. Made with organic jersey cotton, this long-sleeve top and pants set is supercozy for both lounging and sleeping. Bombas Women's Sunday Slipper PHOTO: Bombas View on Bombas.com Another gift option in the cozy category, these Bombas slippers are worth every penny. The faux fur exterior looks as inviting and soft as it feels on the inside, and the memory foam footbed makes these slippers all the more comfortable. They’re also stylish, so you could wear these around the house while hosting guests, too. Brightland The Mini Essentials PHOTO: Crate & Barrel $50 at Nordstrom $70 at Brightland.co $53 at Bloomingdales Olive oil is one of those food items that everyone uses, so it’s a superpractical gift. It’s also expensive to buy yourself, which makes it an even better gift to receive. This set of mini bottles comes with four 3.4-ounce bottles, which means you can fly with the set since they are TSA-compliant sizes. Frontgate Resort Collection Bath Towel PHOTO: Frontgate $69 at Frontgate Hand towels are one of those household items that you can never have enough of. These ones from Frontgate are worth the splurge in my opinion, since they are superplush and elevate any bathroom space. Plus, there are tons of color options to choose from (though a neutral color might be the best route to go as a gift). Fluff Co Silk Pillowcase PHOTO: Fluff Co View on Fluff.co Sleeping on a silk pillowcase can have a lot of benefits (so much so that I often bring my own when I travel). This 100 percent mulberry silk pillowcase is one of the softest pieces of bedding I’ve ever touched, and I believe it’s easier on my curls since the smooth silk helps with friction while moving around at night. It doesn’t hurt that it looks nice on my bed, too. Mark and Graham Paddle Cheese Board PHOTO: Mark and Graham $49 at Markandgraham.com Is a night of hosting guests complete without a charcuterie board? This wood and marble one from Mark & Graham is fully customizable so you can add your giftee’s name, last name, or initials as an extra special touch. Measuring 16 x 8 inches, it’s large enough to fit a variety of cheeses and meats, but it’s still small enough that it won’t take up too much space in a kitchen for storage. MarieBelle New York 9-piece Ganache Blue Box PHOTO: MarieBelle New York View on Mariebelle.com $39 at Macy's A box of chocolates is always a crowd-pleaser. This pack of nine gourmet chocolates from MarieBelle New York is New York-themed with charming depictions of iconic Big Apple landmarks. The flavors of each chocolate vary by seasonality, but options include caramel sea salt, lemon, and espresso. Brass Monkey Delightfully Useless Trivia PHOTO: Brass Monkey $14 at Amazon View on Brassmonkeygoods.com Hosting a crowd can be stressful, so bringing along a game like this set of trivia questions is a great way to entertain guests. Ideal for two to eight players, the box comes with 200 cards with random questions on it for everyone to answer. Trivia also has fairly loose rules, so you could also split up into teams for parties greater than eight people. Anthropologie Bistro Tile Salt & Pepper Shakers PHOTO: Anthropologie $18 at Anthropologie These stylish salt and pepper shakes are sure to bring a smile to the person hosting you when they unwrap them. The bistro-style tile design is elegant enough to be used as decor in a kitchen, but the duo is also practical as a pair of containers for storing spices. Skylight The Skylight Frame PHOTO: Amazon $159 $140 at Amazon $160 at Skylightframe.com This digital photo frame is the perfect way to photo dump after a trip. Whether gifting the frame to a loved one or keeping one for yourself, it’s a great way to display memories and rotate them out. Anyone connected to the frame can upload photos, meaning families can stay connected through photos at any time. Wild Refillable Body Wash PHOTO: Wild View on Wearewild.com Another home gift option for the bathroom is this set of refillable body wash from Wild. The canisters come in trendy metallic colors like ivory, sage, or a bumble bee pattern, and they can be reloaded with scents like coconut vanilla and cherry blossom as needed. Crate & Barrel Red Cast Iron Fondue Set PHOTO: Crate & Barrel $40 at Crate & Barrel Fondue is my go-to dinner party activity since it’s interactive and undeniably delicious. This set comes with everything you need to create melted cheese to dip bread, potatoes, and veggies into. It comes with a pot, burner, eight long forks, and a fork rack, so all you’ll need is the cheese and dippable foods. SteamLine Luggage The Polka Dots Cosmetic Case Set PHOTO: SteamLine Luggage View on Steamlineluggage.com Travel pouches are a must-pack item for me since I’m notoriously chaotic when I travel, so the gift of organization is always a good route to go. This set of three from SteamLine Luggage is perfect for storing tech essentials, beauty products, or other miscellaneous items that can get lost in a large bag while traveling. Rifle Paper Co. Recipe Binder PHOTO: Rifle Paper Co. View on Riflepaperco.com Sure, you can always find and keep your recipes from the internet, but this binder is the perfect way to store recipes in the “old-fashioned” way. The book can also be a gift for future generations as you gather recipes to be passed down. RTIC Ultra-tough Soft Cooler Pro PHOTO: RTIC View on Rticoutdoors.com If the host you’re shopping for is a lover of the outdoors, then a soft cooler from RTIC is an excellent gift to give. The 20-can cooler is ideal for picnics, beach days, or kayaking since the cooler is built to float. It can also stay cold for up to two days when following RTIC's Cooling Tips. Care.e.on Carry-all PHOTO: Care.e.on View on Careeon.com One of the dirtiest parts of an airplane can be the seat pockets, so this carry-all pouch can protect your belongings from germs. It can store your essentials like earbuds, a snack, a passport, and more all in one place. The zippered pouch on the inside is particularly helpful for storing and safeguarding your valuables. Le Creuset Demi Kettle PHOTO: Marshalls $104 at Amazon $68 at Williams-Sonoma View on Lecreuset.com A classic tea kettle from Le Creuset is a thoughtful gift made to last a long time. The kettle has a 1.25-quart capacity, which is ideal for making several cups of tea without taking up too much space in a kitchen for storage. Plus, the white exterior is a timeless color to match any kitchen decor. Luxome Ultra Plush Throw PHOTO: Luxome $145 at Amazon View on Luxome.com You can never have too many throw blankets, and this one from Luxome will end up being your gift recipient’s favorite one. Made from plush bamboo fabric, the cozy blanket is just as soft (if not softer) than cashmere. The blanket comes in 10 neutral colors, making it an easy and kind gift to give this season. Two Tails Pet Company Party Animal Pet ID Tag PHOTO: Two Tails Pet Company View on Twotailspetcompany.com If the household you’re visiting is also home to a pup, this “party animal” dog tag could be a sweet gesture for everyone. The tag can be engraved with the dog’s name or anything else you’d like to put on with room for up to four lines. Via Carota Espresso Martini PHOTO: Via Carota View on Drinkviacarota.com From one of New York City’s most popular restaurants, this pre-made espresso martini from Via Carota is sure to be a hit at any holiday party. You can opt to bring one bottle (the mixture is 19 percent so one might be enough for a group) or you can bring a pack of six smaller bottles. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure commerce writer Anna Popp reviews travel products and writes much of the team’s tested content. She never shows up to a home or event empty-handed and enjoys gifting travel-related presents to friends and family. Anna researched the best gifts for hosts and hostesses and recommended items she personally loves to give, too. The 55 Best Gifts for Travel Lovers in 2024 Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. Edited by Jasmine Grant Jasmine Grant Jasmine is a senior commerce editor at Travel + Leisure, specializing in luggage and travel accessories. Jasmine has over a decade of experience as a writer and editor in lifestyle and travel media. In her spare time, she's probably planning her next voyage to a nearby Caribbean island. learn more