It was my pleasure to be interviewed by 360 US News & World Report to answer some questions in regards to thanking your host or hostess and my recommendations on the perfect hostess/host gifts.

What types of gifts/overall categories would you recommend for hostess gifts? Does this depend on the type of occasion as well?

The season of hosting is upon us, and if you’re fortunate enough to have a friend who graciously invites you into their home for holiday festivities, it’s the perfect time to show your appreciation with a thoughtful hostess gift. Whether your friend is a culinary enthusiast who loves throwing dinner parties, a social butterfly who enjoys raising a glass in celebration, or someone who relishes a cozy movie night, finding the right gift can sometimes feel challenging—especially when it seems like they already have everything.

However, much like finding the perfect coffee table book or a chic home decor item, gifts that enhance the hosting experience not only express your gratitude but also add a touch of style and convenience to your friend’s gatherings. Imagine gifting a beautiful cocktail-making set—it's a gesture of thanks that might even lead to you enjoying a delicious drink by the end of the evening.

Even if your go-to host has their routine down to a science, there’s always room for a gift that takes their entertaining game to the next level. From high-end cleaning products that make tidying up a breeze to this season’s must-have kitchen gadgets, I’ll suggest a few curated top hostess gifts for those who seem to have it all.

As the holidays approach, think about that one friend who effortlessly organizes get-togethers, creating the perfect atmosphere with a well-planned menu and a playlist that sets the mood. While they make it look easy, hosting is no small feat, and showing up with a small token of appreciation is always a thoughtful gesture. And since we’ve got a knack for selecting the perfect gifts, we’re confident these hostess gifts will be cherished and used long after the party ends.

From affordable treats to personalized party essentials, my handpicked hostess gift ideas are sure to delight. Sure, grabbing a bottle of wine on the way is an option, but if you’re looking to get creative and really impress your host, we’ve got just the thing.

When selecting a hostess gift that is both practical and useful, it's important to consider the hostess’s lifestyle, preferences, and the context of the event. Here are some tips and ideas for choosing such gifts, as well as a few to avoid:

If she or he is a cooking enthusiast: A high-quality set of kitchen tools, a unique cookbook, a collection of gourmet spices or even a beautiful gift basket full of goodies for a gourmet meal without having to shop! 

If this host/hostess is a true entertainer then perhaps elegant coasters, serving utensils, or a stylish tray that can be used during future gatherings. You can have Nifty gift wrap them for you! 

What if your friend or hostess is a homebody?   Perhaps some Cozy blankets, stylish throw pillows, or a set of herbal teas or a basket of flowers?

Think About Everyday Utility

Sustainable and Eco-friendly items like reusable shopping bags, beeswax wraps for food storage, or a durable water bottle. How about wrapping your gift in a furoshiki, a delightful fabric wrap,  for a fun little gift!  Consider gifts that serve more than one purpose, such as a cutting board that can double as a serving platter or a decorative bowl that can be used for both display and serving.

Think about quality over quantity - opt for a single, well-made item rather than a collection of less durable ones. For example, a luxury hand soap that the hostess wouldn’t normally buy for herself can be a thoughtful and useful gift.

Choosing something seasonal and event-appropriate is key! If it’s a holiday gathering, think about gifts that tie into the season, like a stylish wreath or holiday-themed kitchen towels. For a summer barbecue, consider something like a set of outdoor tumblers or a stylish picnic blanket.

Choose neutral and versatile materials like Soy or Coconut wax elegant candles that are pleasant and don’t trigger allergies, and opt for scents that are subtle and universally appealing. Items like a beautiful olive oil set, gourmet salt, or a quality pepper mill are both practical and likely to be used regularly. Another idea is a low-maintenance plant like a succulent or a small herb garden, as long as you know the hostess enjoys greenery.

Gifts you might want to avoid:

Anything that is overly personal. Items like perfumes or clothing can be too personal unless you know the hostess’s tastes very well. Even highly specific home décor that might not suit the hostess’s style or home aesthetic, such as bold art pieces or overly themed decorations. Unless you’re certain of the hostess’s dietary preferences, avoid giving food gifts that could conflict with allergies, dietary restrictions, or preferences (e.g., gluten-free, vegan). Think about gifts  that need to be used or taken care of right away, like a dish that must be served at the party otherwise it spoils.  This might put undue pressure on the hostess. 

While novelty gifts can be fun, they might not be useful or appreciated in the long run. Stick to gifts that have a clear, practical use.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can select a hostess gift that is not only appreciated in the moment but also useful and practical in the long term.

How about more original and unique hostess gifts? How should someone go about choosing something that will be out of the norm?

By putting in the extra effort to find a unique or original gift, you’re likely to impress your hostess and give them something that truly stands out from the crowd. I tend to think in terms of being thoughtful because it just elevates the relationship and is a sense of gratitude that won’t be forgotten. Bringing a gift when attending a gathering or staying as a guest really reflects appreciation for the hostess's efforts. I also suggest a follow up gift instead of gifting at the event, so you can see how the event goes and send your  gift as a thank you! It is an art!

Trust me, the right hostess gift enhances the social experience and leaves a lasting positive impression!

Finding a hostess gift that is original or unique requires a bit more creativity and thought, but it’s well worth the effort. Here are some ideas for selecting a gift that stands out and leaves a lasting impression:

Shop your local or artisan markets and look for handcrafted goods.  Visit local shops, craft fairs, and farmers' markets to find one-of-a-kind items like hand-thrown pottery, artisanal soaps, or hand-woven textiles. Not only is this unique but supports local artisans and businesses. A lot of these items are not found in mainstream stores. Things are changing, we love handmade items again and realize the work behind them!

How about something individualized, like a personalized cutting board, a set of monogrammed napkins, or a custom wine bottle label. This adds a special touch that feels thoughtful and exclusive. You can even commission a small piece of artwork, such as a watercolor of the hostess's home or a favorite location, which is sure to be treasured. I just wrapped a gift of a custom piece of artwork that was fabulous because the gentleman who helped her and her husband were a godsend -  so many people do this. 

Cultural or international gifts can have quite an impact on the hostess/host. We wrapped a beautiful small gift for a client in a furoshiki wrap because they were Chinese and it was a celebration of the one year birth anniversary of the child. This is very important to the client, so we gift wrapped accordingly. I told her it would make quite an impact on the grandmother and she called me and told me how the grandmother bowed to her. Make sure you pay attention  to any ethnic or cultural traditions when considering your gift. 

How about giving the gift of an experience, such as tickets to a local theater production, a museum pass, or a cooking class? This type of gift creates memories rather than clutter!  How about hiring a local chef for an in-home dining experience or arranging for a private wine tasting.

You can’t go wrong creating a personalized gift basket that reflects the hostess’s hobbies or interests. For example, a "Cozy Night In" basket could include a soft blanket, gourmet hot chocolate, and a book. You can check out how we make our luxury gift baskets here to help guide you.  If you’re crafty, consider making something yourself, such as a homemade candle, infused olive oil, or a photo album. These personal touches are often deeply appreciated.

Things to keep in mind, know your hostess’s interests, hobbies, or passions - this will make it much easier to find something that will resonate with them in a unique way. Skip the big-box stores and head to specialty boutiques, museum gift shops, or online platforms that specialize in artisanal and bespoke items, like Etsy.

Always consider a gift with a story, whether it’s about the maker, the cultural significance, or your own experience finding it.  This adds an extra layer of meaning. And don’t be afraid to get creative and think outside the box. Even everyday items can be unique if presented or packaged creatively. For instance, a set of gourmet salts in a custom-labeled jar or a plant in a quirky, hand-painted pot.

Truly, don’t be afraid to ask for suggestions from friends, local shop owners, or online communities dedicated to unique finds. Sometimes, someone else’s perspective can lead you to a perfect gift idea.

What is the recommended cost for a hostess gift?

When thinking about the cost of a hostess gift, this can vary depending on the occasion, your relationship with the hostess, and the type of event you're attending. However, there are some general guidelines you can follow to ensure your gift is both thoughtful and appropriate without overspending or underspending.

Here are some guidelines I recommend with regards to cost ranges for Hostess Gifts

If it is a casual gathering like a dinner party or BBQ,  my suggestion is  $15 - $30.  

An example would be a bottle of wine like a nice chardonnay, a small bouquet of flowers or succulent, a scented soy candle, or a box of gourmet chocolates.  For casual get-togethers, something simple yet thoughtful is sufficient. The goal is to show appreciation without making the hostess feel like you’re going overboard.

For a special occasion like a holiday dinner or birthday party my suggested range would be  $30 - $50. Examples would be a luxury hand soap set, a curated cheese board, a quality kitchen gadget, or a unique piece of home decor. or more significant events, you might want to invest a little more to acknowledge the extra effort the hostess has put into the occasion.

How about an overnight or weekend stay, then my suggested range would be about $50 - $100.

Gift examples would be a high-quality bathrobe, a personalized gift, a luxury gift basket, or a gift card to a favorite store or restaurant. Consider that staying overnight or for an extended period often involves more effort on the hostess’s part, so a more substantial gift is appropriate.

If the event is a formal or corporate event my suggested range would be $50 - $100 . Some examples are a sophisticated wine set, an upscale gourmet food basket, or a bespoke item that reflects the hostess’s tastes.  In more formal settings, the gift should reflect the event’s tone. Opt for something elegant and tasteful that aligns with the level of formality.

Think about balancing the cost with being thoughtful. 

A gift that feels personalized or chosen with care can often outweigh the actual dollar value. A thoughtfully selected $25 gift that reflects the hostess’s interests can be more meaningful than a generic $50 gift.

 Focus on getting a high-quality item within your budget rather than several less expensive items. A single, well-made item often makes a better impression than multiple, lower-cost items.

If you’re working within a tighter budget, consider DIY elements or creative packaging to enhance a less expensive gift. For example, a $20 bottle of wine can be made special with a hand-written note and elegant fabric for furoshiki wrapping.

Are there any specific gifts you would recommend? If so, why? 

A shameless plug, why should you consider a luxury gift basket?

With regards to Nifty’s Luxury Gift baskets, it is a curated experience. Each luxury gourmet gift basket can be tailored to fit the occasion or the hostess’s tastes. We do this all the time. You can choose from a selection of gifts online or call for a custom order. You can ship things to us to include in a gift basket or gift box or we can create the entire gift basket. 

This makes it convenient and easy for you; our gift baskets are both easy to give and show a high level of consideration plus they are beautifully curated with food items or chocolates from well known quality brands. 

Some  examples of our luxury gift baskets are the California Food & Wiines, Cozy Night Tea, Comfort & Care, Relaxation all Day, or just a Cookies & Milk gift, or a little hospitality gift!

Last minute things to keep in mind!

Consider the context and scale of the event. A casual dinner might warrant a lower-cost gift, whereas a more formal or significant occasion might call for something more substantial.

If you know your hostess well, think about what she might expect or appreciate. Some hostesses might value a simple, thoughtful gesture over an expensive gift.

It’s important to choose a gift within your budget. The act of giving is what counts, and it should be a reflection of your appreciation rather than a strain on your finances.

In some cultures, the value of a hostess gift can have specific expectations. If you’re attending an event in a different cultural context, it’s wise to research any norms regarding gifting.

By staying within these suggested ranges and considering the personal preferences of the hostess, you can select a gift that’s both appropriate and appreciated without overspending.

Whatever you decide, I am sure the host or hostess will appreciate your true gratefulness and it is a gift that keeps giving because of the memory left behind. 

Yours,

Michelle