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The 54 Best Host and Hostess Gifts

These classic and unique gift ideas will surely bring a smile to your host’s face.

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In This Article

Best Host/Hostess Gifts
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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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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? 

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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 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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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’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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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).

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.  

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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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.

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