Most Thoughtful (and Simple!) Hostess Gifts

Top 5

(out of 34) Add A New Item

4 Votes

I f me and my family are going to a party where there are other children, I like to bring a gift or snack that is child appropriate. New coloring book and crayons, or a sparkling lemonade that will make the children feel special and keep them entertained.

View All 6

Richele S added this item on November 7, 2009

Sarah T voted on November 7, 2009

Mama T voted on November 7, 2009

Peg M voted on November 8, 2009

Lisa G voted on December 7, 2009

Lisa G commented on December 7, 2009 - NIce and thoughtful idea!!

3 Votes

A favorite gift to friends is handmade baked goods, candies and treats. It has been so popular my friends pushed me to open my own business! For busy moms it is a great & affordable option. Packaged so cute & we deliver to your door!www.mycookielady.com

View All 4

Mari K added this item on November 7, 2009

Mari K voted on November 7, 2009

Kara F voted on November 7, 2009

Vince F voted on November 7, 2009

3 Votes

over the course of time I've entertained A LOT and attended a lot of functions. My favorites are stationary WITH stamps (small book), homemade yummy goods, fresh flowers, chocolates and #1- no/low fuss goodie basket for bkfst in the morning .

View All 6

Rhonda J added this item on November 7, 2009

Mama T commented on November 7, 2009 - All great ideas, I particularly agree with the breakfast basket. For a weekend stay over I load it w/snacks such as tea, chocolate, fruit and gourmet crackers. I have only given stationary and stamps to children.

Mama T voted on November 7, 2009

Randi A commented on November 7, 2009 - Wow...I give homemade stationery all the time, but NEVER considered putting stamps with it! What a brilliant idea! Thanks!!

Amy M voted on November 7, 2009

Lynn E voted on November 8, 2009

2 Votes

What great ideas! I entertain frequently and I like getting nice liquid hand soap for the kitchen or spare bathroom and little plants- herbs for flowers...they last much longer than cut flower bouquets and herbs are useful!

View All 3

Randi A added this item on November 7, 2009

Amy M voted on November 7, 2009

Lisa G voted on December 7, 2009

2 Votes

I usually buy the hostess a plant that's in keeping with the season; mums in Fall, pointsettias at holidays, etc.

View All 4

susiet54 added this item on November 7, 2009

Penny voted on November 8, 2009

mommaof3 voted on November 9, 2009

mommaof3 commented on November 9, 2009 - Plants or fresh flowers absolutely! Unless there are allergies or some other reason that person can't have flowers... Flowers and plants are usually Always welcome! But be careful that you know the person well enough to know if this is appropriate!

View All 34 Items

1 Votes

I think a bottle of wine is always appreciated! And in a nice wine bag it is an even better hostess gift. Sometimes I add fun cocktail napkins or wineglass charms.

View All 6

Lizanne M added this item on November 7, 2009

Kelly O commented on November 7, 2009 - just be sure the person you give this gift to likes wine. My husband and I don't drink but every year we get anywhere from5-10 bottles of wine that we never use.

Mei Len S commented on November 7, 2009 - Hey kelly- at least you can recycle or serve at your own dinner parties.

Diane H voted on November 7, 2009

Diane H commented on November 7, 2009 - We create a special personalized label with family picture, favoriet poem or photo that we enjoy so it becomes a decorator or fun display piece as well as yummy to drink and enjoy with friends.

Michelle D commented on November 9, 2009 - If the hostess drinks wine then it is a perfect gift. A personalized label makes the gift even more special.

1 Votes

A neighbor once brought a beautiful loaf of "artisan" type whole grain bread with fresh butter and jam. I have brought that to many hostesses. You can change it up with a soft cheese or some brie.

Gina A added this item on November 7, 2009

Amy M voted on November 7, 2009

1 Votes

Starbucks mug with a $5 gift card. Dvd of cartoon Christmas classics. Handmade 'coupon' for babysitting so the couple could have a date night. A Christmas decoration you know they'll like. Barnes and Noble giftcard. Movie tickets 2 or more for the family

View All 3

Kim S added this item on November 7, 2009

Kim S voted on November 7, 2009

Kim S commented on November 7, 2009 - I had to cram all the ideas into a limited amount of characters, lol!

1 Votes

A fun thing to do for Fall is to bring a fun bag filled with bulbs to plant. If you can find an inexpensive Amarylis bulb for inside, that is cool too.

Jo-Ellen B added this item on November 7, 2009

Carrie D voted on November 7, 2009

1 Votes

I take a nice bottle of olive oil.

Jana S added this item on November 7, 2009

Amy M voted on November 7, 2009

1 Votes

I like to bring a jar of something yummy that I've canned. It can change with the seasons, but always has something tasty inside. I dress of the jar a bit with some ribbon or a bow and make it look festive!

View All 3

Carrie D added this item on November 7, 2009

Brianna J commented on November 11, 2009 - Great idea! We go to our family cabin every year & pick TONS black berrys for jam & Cobblers & other BB. goodys. We always have requests for jars & whatever else, from friends, but never thought to dress it up & give one as a hostess gift! Thanks! :)

Brianna J voted on November 11, 2009

0 Votes

A lot of people are picky about their wine or don't drink it at all. I buy a nice candle (I really like the battery operated ones for moms with little ones) or beautiful potpourri, gourmet cracker jacks, or a tea cup with a special tea (like Revolution)

Sarah T added this item on November 7, 2009

0 Votes

I love the idea of bringing something for the kids. Great advice! We always bring wine (or beer) and sometimes an easy to share dessert, too. Read more if you like! - http://nomommybrain.blogspot.com/2009/01/western-hospitality.htm

Maggie C added this item on November 7, 2009

0 Votes

Greatest hostess gift is beautiful, useful and unique. My favorite gift for this year is the One Trip Tote. Found it posted at Budget Smart Girl (budgetsmartgift.com) or at www.onetriptote.com. It's been nicknamed the Superwoman tote. Gets my #1vote!

Michelle G added this item on November 30, 2009

0 Votes

I love showing my host and hostess just how much I appreciate their invitation as well as the time they spent preparing for guests. How about a gift basket of your own home made goodies. During the holidays I make a lot of different personal gifts.

BluButterfly added this item on November 7, 2009

Kelly O commented on November 7, 2009 - I love this idea and often do the same

0 Votes

I love to give beautiful photo frames with a thank you card inside. Everyone one has a favorite picture from the holidays and we can all use a frame to frame it in.

Kelly O added this item on November 7, 2009

0 Votes

I like to bring a variety of things from stores like Harry and David. Special food items people don't normally eat or splurge on (at least I don't). for the kids i get moose munch, and habanero salsa and flax seed nachos for adults and a champagne topper.

Melissa L added this item on November 7, 2009

0 Votes

If the hostess is a wine drinker then I would buy a nice bottle of wine, wrap it in a pretty velvet bag & attach a cool wine stopper.

Mom D added this item on November 9, 2009

0 Votes

I love to bake and make homemade jams so during the holidays I buy an inexpensive basket and some ribbon to decorate the handle of the basket. I fill the basket up with things like homemade cookies, candies, jam, and drink mixes and a holiday candle.

Mel C added this item on November 7, 2009

0 Votes

Wine is my favorite hostess gift to get, so it is also what I give. It is rare that I have extra cash to spring for a bottle of wine for myself so I always love having that extra bottle around.

Moriah A added this item on November 9, 2009

0 Votes

I make my own wine with personalized labels. It's fun for me and my friends always enjoy the wine. www.vintnerscircle.com

Heather H added this item on November 8, 2009

0 Votes

Food is always nice, but a pretty soap gift lasts soo much longer! I have lots of hostess gifts at: http://www.soapourri.com

Cindy H added this item on November 26, 2009

0 Votes

I usually offer to bring appitizers and dessert and then I make sure to do the dishes.....because they are probably exhasted by the end of the day. Splitting the duties usually ensures that I get invited back real soon!

Emily L added this item on November 9, 2009

0 Votes

I like to include wine glass name tags with my bottle of wine. Tuits.com has wine gift cards with name tags attached, it always adds a nice touch and helps the guests keep track of their wine glasses.

Jennifer R added this item on November 7, 2009

0 Votes

Especially during the holiday season, I prefer to bring plants like a Christmas cactus that will grow throughout the winter months.

Penny added this item on November 7, 2009

0 Votes

I like to put cookies/candy or some baked treat in a small festive serving dish that the hostess/host can use later on and tie with ribbon and a bottle of wine. This way they have something that they can enjoy later on during the holidays.

Janet F added this item on November 8, 2009

0 Votes

Wine is always nice, as are flowers. Sometimes I will get a nut assortment or candy and put it in a clear plastic bag with a ribbon around it. I have also asked if I can bring an hors d'ouevre, like a nice cheese and fruit plate.

Dinah S added this item on November 7, 2009

0 Votes

I like to make something that will complement the party (if possible). Today I am going to an open house, and the couple just did a 10 day trip to Napa Valley. I am bringing handmade glass wine charms and a trivet made from wine corks.

Karen C added this item on November 8, 2009

0 Votes

For any occasion, birthdays especially: A nice bowl -- big or little, of any style or design -- filled with cherries -- fresh in summer, dried and/or chocolate-covered at other times. Because life is just a bowl of cherries!

Susan F added this item on November 8, 2009

0 Votes

For a great twist on hostess gifting, I like to give a Mary Kay Satin Hands pampering set. Hands get so dry in the winter, Satin Hands is a welcome relief for a hardworking hostess! Soft, smooth hands are always in fashion!

Jean B added this item on November 9, 2009

0 Votes

Flowers are always nice

Dianna R added this item on November 7, 2009

0 Votes

My favorite hostess gift is a set of new cotton dish towels. They make beautiful dish towels to hang on your stove or lay on your counter for every season and they are fun to use when entertaining.

Sandy H added this item on November 9, 2009

0 Votes

I find out what the hostess interest are. Then I buy a gift accordingly.

Dee G added this item on November 9, 2009

0 Votes

If you do not know the host well, a bottle of wine! If you know the host well a bottle of wine or libation of their choice. A more personal gift may be in order if you know a favorite item, or a personal picture with nice frame. So many fun ideas!

Michelle C added this item on November 10, 2009

Latest Items Added

0 Votes

Greatest hostess gift is beautiful, useful and unique. My favorite gift for this year is the One Trip Tote. Found it posted at Budget Smart Girl (budgetsmartgift.com) or at www.onetriptote.com. It's been nicknamed the Superwoman tote. Gets my #1vote!

Michelle G added this item on November 30, 2009

0 Votes

Food is always nice, but a pretty soap gift lasts soo much longer! I have lots of hostess gifts at: http://www.soapourri.com

Cindy H added this item on November 26, 2009

0 Votes

If you do not know the host well, a bottle of wine! If you know the host well a bottle of wine or libation of their choice. A more personal gift may be in order if you know a favorite item, or a personal picture with nice frame. So many fun ideas!

Michelle C added this item on November 10, 2009

Required Fields

Our records show that we already have a Mamapedia or Mamasource account created for you under the email address you entered.

Please enter your Mamapedia or Mamasource password to continue signing in.

Required Fields

, you’re almost done...

Since this is the first time you are logging in to Mamapedia with Facebook Connect, please provide the following information so you can participate in the Mamapedia community.

As a member, you’ll receive optional email newsletters and community updates sent to you from Mamapedia, and your email address will never be shared with third parties.

By clicking "Continue to Mamapedia", I agree to the Mamapedia Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.