Bringing a host gift to parties or get-togethers is customary etiquette, but you can still have a little fun with it. Bring something that will wow the host, make a unique statement, and set your gift apart.
When to Bring a Host Gift
Do you have to bring a gift to your host at every event? Not necessarily. For starters, a gift is never a requirement. You were invited to their home because they value your company. That said, a gift is a kind gesture and is especially appropriate under certain circumstances.
The First Visit
If it’s the first time you have been to the person’s home, bringing a small gift is a good way to express your appreciation for the hospitality.
Big Parties or Events
Bringing a gift shows thankfulness for the effort your host put in to plan the party or event. Pulling together a great dinner party, holiday gathering, or special event takes a lot of effort, planning, and financial investment. A gift shows them their efforts have been noticed.
Housewarmings
The purpose of a housewarming is to invite friends and family to your new home as a form of welcome. Bringing a gift to this type of party is customary and may even be expected.
Overnight Stays
If you will be staying at someone’s home overnight for an extended period, bringing a gift to say thanks is appropriate and appreciated.
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What To Look For
A host gift should reflect your relationship with the host, or their personality and home aesthetic. For instance, if you know them through a shared hobby, you could bring a gift related to your mutual interests. If the host has a modern home decor scheme, you can bring something in keeping with that style.
How personal you go will generally depend on how well you know the person.
Gift Ideas to Wow Any Host
From classic favorites to truly unique finds, here are a few gift ideas that will be sure to thrill any host.
Luxury Goodies
While you can never go wrong with a good bottle of wine, you don’t have to limit yourself. Bring a basket or box filled with delicacies your host can enjoy. Think chocolates, fine liquor, baked goods from a local bakery, quality meats, or favorites you know they enjoy.
Make it Personal
Personalized cutting or charcuterie boards are a common gift idea for housewarming, but they also make great host gifts. Other home items you can have customized include hand towels, mugs, wine glasses, or even signs for their home.
Get Fluffy Involved
People love their pets. However, most people overlook these important members of the family. Bring a personalized food bowl, gourmet treats, luxury pet shampoos, or a customized leash/harness to show your host and their furry friend some love.
Give a Spa Day
Pre-made gift sets with bath and body products may not be the most thoughtful gift idea, but a curated spa basket with hand chosen skincare and personal items you picked specifically for your host? Perfection. Better yet, give them a gift certificate to one of your local spas for a treatment you know they’ll love.
Help them Take a Load Off
Planning for a party is a lot of work. There’s loads of cleaning, preparing food, planning activities and decorations, and sometimes fixing last minute issues with your home. Why not give your host the option to relax after the big day with a house cleaning gift certificate?
Keep Them Stylish
Scarves, hats, and other accessories are a great gift idea for the fashionista host. You can keep it warm and cozy for winter and holiday gatherings, or go with something flowy and light if it’s a summer get-together.
Keep it Cozy
Plush throw blankets are never a bad idea. Choose options that will coordinate with their home decor, or simply go with something that is thick, soft, and sure to wrap them in comfort.
Give Them a Cuppa
Coffee or tea lover? Consider getting your host a beautiful new tea set, mugs, or even a French press with a selection of gourmet coffee samplers or their favorite loose leaf teas. The possibilities are endless.
Celebrate Their Hobbies
Giving gifts such as model cars, crochet supplies, sewing kits, and other items related to their passions or hobbies is a great way to show you take an interest in things they love while giving them a new way to enjoy their favorite activities.
Add to Their Library
Bringing a new book for your host to add to their to-be-read pile is a great way to show you care. If your host isn’t a huge reader, you can still find a coffee table book with interesting facts, a cookbook for them to try, or even stationery to keep in touch with loved ones.
Encourage Them to Host Again
The key to a great host gift is the thought you put behind it and how it makes them feel. Show them how much you love attending their dinner parties with a fashionable serving tray, glasses, serving bowls, or a set of stainless steel flatware from Cribsi.
