The 45+ Best Host Gifts for Guests Who Never Show up Empty-Handed

Material The Open Bowl

View on Materialkitchen.com

“This large, shallow dinner bowl (basically a blate) is my go-to when company comes over. I use mine as a serving bowl for salads and saucy entrees for two, though you can buy four or more and get $20 off. Made by ceramicists from Korean clay, it has an elegant but unfussy design that shows off your food. And what host doesn't want that?” - Mary Lagroue, Commerce Editor

Hay Sip Cocktail Straws

$21 at Amazon

If you expect the host to be slinging cocktails all night long, this gift will be their new best friend. These 6-inch glass straws fit neatly into a rocks glass or low ball, making cocktail hour feel a little more special and professional. 

Areaware Serving Friends

View on Areaware.com

There’s always something so special about a big salad served family-style at a party. So why not help the host make it more special with these large, flower-shaped wooden serving spoons? They’re both beautiful and practical, and likely to become a staple in any home cook’s routine. 

Le Creuset Pie Bird

Orig. $23 $16 at Amazon View on Lecreuset.com $21 at Houzz

If you have a baker in your life and they have a touch of whimsy, this Le Creuset Pie Bird is a must. The ceramic bird acts as a vent for the steam created during baking. By redirecting the steam, the crust stays crisp and doesn’t get soggy. Both valuable and cute, you may even want to get one for yourself. It comes in Cerise, white, black, Caribbean, and Marseille.  

Stone Hollow Farmstead Heirloom Popcorn Gift Box

View on Stonehollowfarmstead.com

This set is the ultimate gift for popcorn lovers. The four kernel varieties — Red Heirloom, Lady Finger, Blue Heirloom, and Rainbow Heirloom — are sustainably grown in Shelby County, Alabama. The Lady Finger kernels, our personal favorite, produce tiny, adorable pieces of popcorn — approximately half the size of the average popcorn kernel. 

KHEM Studios Whale Bone Serving Board

$85 at Food52

“If there's one thing any proper party host must have, it's a gorgeous charcuterie spread. This rustic wood serving board is regionally sourced from the Hudson Valley and comes in two sizes and finishes (either walnut or maple). I love that this serving platter does double duty as a cutting board, plus it has a very practical helper handle with a leash for easy storage. Whether your host is serving cheese, Castelvetranos, flatbreads, or charcuterie, this board will win major points for presentation.” - Danielle St. Pierre, Senior Commerce Editor

Verloop Dashes Coaster Set

View on Verloopknits.com

Family-owned Verloop helps salvage brightly-dyed, dumpster-bound yarn from the textile industry by weaving patterned coasters. Your host can immediately take them out for the party, let them absorb excess condensation from cocktail glasses all night long, then toss them in the washing machine at the end of the night for easy cleanup.

Graza "Drizzle" Extra Virgin Olive Oil

$21 at Amazon View on Graza.co View on FreshDirect

"Showing up with the cool kid-favorite Graza olive oil would basically solidify your status of best guest ever in my book. You can never have too much olive oil, and the Sizzle and Drizzle set offers both an option for cooking and an option for finishing. Plus, our editors love the design of the squeeze bottle so much, they refill and reuse it — and your host likely will too.” - Taysha Murtaugh, Vice President of Commerce

Solo Stove Cinder Tabletop Bowl

View on Solostove.com

Bring warmth to the table with the Solo Cinder Tabletop Bowl, which is perfect for backyard and urban settings. Inspired by the popular Solo Stove Fire Pits, the Cinder is more compact, perfect for terraces, balconies, and patios. The bowl uses canisters of smokeless gel fuel, which offers three hours of light time. Since you use one of those gel containers like you get in a chafing dish, it's easy to light with a match. "It’s nice to be able to gather around an open flame — even on her little patio, which is too small for a larger fire pit," says Taysha Murtaugh, Vice President of Commerce.

Ordinary Habit Hot Dog Monster Puzzle

View on Ordinaryhabit.com

Get a gift that matches the fun, social energy of your party host. This 100-piece puzzle is the perfect coffee table piece: it’s small (easy enough for even puzzle amateurs to complete), colorful, and food-themed — fitting for a host that cooks their guests dinner, especially if that dinner involves hot dogs. 

Coop’s Original Hot Fudge

$15 at Amazon

What’s the best way to make anyone smile? Ice cream — an ice cream sundae, specifically. But since traveling to a party with ice cream is a risky move, consider bringing some artisan hot fudge instead. Coop’s original hot fudge, made from high-grade European chocolate, is rich, gooey, and perhaps the best dessert topping on the market. Who knows? Maybe thanks to you, the host will end the night with an ice cream sundae bar. 

John Francis Designs Sun & Moon Ravioli Mold

View on Johnfrancisdesigns.com

Made by John Francis, a woodworker with a love of food and entertaining, these ravioli molds are intricately crafted and made-to-order. The sun and moon design evokes the most elegant dinner parties — fingers crossed that the host makes ravioli at the next one! 

Arhaus Marble Trivets

View on Arhaus.com

Elevate your tablescape with the Arhaus Marble Trivet Set. Handcrafted from natural white marble, these trivets are both beautiful and functional. The neutral tones complement any aesthetic, making them versatile in your kitchen or dining room. The trivets protect your table from hot dishes and pots, and the marble is heat-resistant and won't scratch or stain your surfaces. The trivets are also easy to clean with a damp cloth if you spill. 

Transcendence Coffee Mini Founders Flavor Bundle

View on Transcendencecoffee.com

The host is definitely going to need a cup of coffee to get through the cleanup. Transcendence Coffee will make that process all the more enjoyable with syrups inspired by desserts from around the world. This bundle comes with two 4-ounce bottles of their best-selling flavored coffee syrups: Indian Gulab Jamun and Algerian Baklava. 

Material Forever Peeler

$28 at Amazon View on Materialkitchen.com

This vegetable peeler is a must-have for any kitchen, and it comes in a nice box with an extra blade. It's made with solid metal construction and a sharp blade that makes peeling vegetables a breeze. The replaceable blade means you'll never have to rebuy a new peeler. The open body makes this peeler easy to clean, and its innovative shape provides a comfortable, secure grip. Plus, we discovered that it's virtually indestructible while testing the best peelers, so you can use it for years.

Williams Sonoma Personalized Bottle

View on Williams-Sonoma

Make the gift of wine even better with a personalized bottle from Williams-Sonoma. A personalized wine bottle is a unique and thoughtful gift for any wine lover. You can choose from various high-quality wines, such as Tattinger champagne, and have the bottle etched and hand-painted with a custom message. It's also a great way to commemorate a special occasion, such as a wedding, anniversary, or birthday.

Jepich Dustpan and Brush Set

$10 at Amazon

Bring the fancy restaurant to you with this convenient table sweeper set. Instead of sweeping the baguette crumbs onto your floors for the dog to eat, sweep them up with this natural brush and metal set. The convenient dustbin is perfect for placing on the table ledge to sweep crumbs. You can use it on any surface you want to keep debris-free. The bristles aren’t too stiff and fine enough to pick up even the smallest particles. 

Made In Porcelain Baking Slab

$109 at Amazon View on Madeincookware.com

Designed with Chef Nancy Silverton and crafted from pure French Porcelain, the Made In Porcelain Baking Slab is the first of its kind. This naturally non-stick baking slab is perfect for baking everything from cookies and cakes to pizza and bread. The baking slab is also thermal-shock resistant, so you can take it straight from the freezer to the oven without worrying about cracking. Plus, it's dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.

SAKRINGT Portable Tabletop Lights

Orig. $80 $60 at Amazon $1,588 at Walmart

We love these cordless table lamps for transforming any table into an elegant setting. The rechargeable lamps come in many colors and fit any aesthetic. They are a great candle alternative and can add light to anywhere you might need it, whether a desk or side table. We also love to take one with us when we grill, and the light is sparse. They have multiple light settings and easy-to-use controls. 

Williams Sonoma Marble & Brass Wine Chiller

$70 at Williams-Sonoma

Want a stylish way to serve the vino you received in a wine gift basket? Showcase it with the Williams-Sonoma Marble and Brass Wine Chiller. This stylish wine chiller is handcrafted by master stonemasons, featuring a rich white marble and polished brass contrast. The wine chiller holds a standard 750ml bottle and is the perfect way to keep your wine chilled at the table. It's also a beautiful addition to your bar or kitchen counter.

Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker

$119 at Amazon $120 at Target $119 at Nordstrom

“Everyone has their own favorite genres, but we all agree that parties need music. This mini speaker from Bose is one of my no-fail gifts for people who like to host. It's surprisingly powerful, has a 30-foot Bluetooth radius, and its battery life lasts for hours. I've owned one for over four years and can speak to how durable it is, too. This waterproof speaker can withstand all kinds of splashes, from pasta sauce to cannonballs, at the pool party. And bonus: It's often on sale for under $100.” - Katie Macdonald, Editorial Director

Mariage Freres Marco Polo Black Tea

$32 at Amazon

You used only to be able to get Mariage Freres tea in their Paris shop a long time ago, but now they are global and on Amazon. The Marco Polo blend is a mysterious and smoky flavored tea that doesn’t taste like your average English breakfast, although their EB is also great. This package comes in individual cotton bags for easy use, but there are also more decorative black tins emblazoned with gold script if they prefer loose-leaf teas.

Jonathan Adler Atlas Salt and Pepper Shakers

Orig. $52 $42 at Amazon $65 at Neiman Marcus View on Horchow.com

Jonathan Adler has a treasure trove of salt and pepper shakers, which we love for gifting. They come in everything from bulldogs to spaceships to these profile Atlas shakers. Each set comes in a great gift box, and you can always find something personal to you or the host in question. It’s also something small enough that they can tuck away if you miss the mark. Trust us, you won’t. 

Libbey 3055 Perception Cocktail Coupe

$60 at Amazon $60 at Wayfair

"The old-timey coupe glass is really an excellent all-purpose party drink holder: You can use it for stirred martinis, shaken whiskey sours, Champagne, and even as a fancy water glass. Libbey's glassware is all inexpensive and durable, and its large-size Perception coupe is elegant yet simple enough to fit in with almost any kind of decor. A dozen is enough to cover most casual gatherings, and you can get them for about five bucks each.” - Jason Horn, Senior Updates Writer

Zwilling 3-Piece Cheese Knife Set

Orig. $150 $69 at Amazon $90 at Nordstrom $90 at Wayfair

Stinky cheese can be sticky cheese, which means those wooden-handled cheese knives are not for us. We like a set like this three-piece Zwilling cheese knife set that can go straight from the charcuterie board to the dishwasher. The stainless steel construction means it is easy to clean but will also last a long time. We also like the oversized handle, which makes them easier to maneuver around the board.

Flamingo Estate Roma Heirloom Tomato Candle

$58 at Shopterrain.com View on Flamingoestate.com

“You can't go wrong with a candle, but if food is on the table (literally), I prefer one that's less perfumey. A tomato-scented candle struck me as strange at first, but this one captures the fresh and subtly spiced scent of a ripe, juicy tomato in a way that feels warm and summery, and nostalgic. Also available in Climbing Tuscan Rosemary and Adriatic Muscatel Sage, these candles from Los Angeles-based Flamingo Estate will not disappoint — nor will they compete with whatever's on the menu.” - Taysha Murtaugh, Vice President of Commerce

Casamigos Cocktail Gift Set

$60 at Williams-Sonoma

Tequila lovers might be pursuits, but even we like a good mixed drink from time to time. Look no further than Casamigos for mixers and rimmers that go beyond your average margarita — not that there's anything wrong with margaritas. The set comes with a Blackberry Basil mixer and the brand’s signature margarita blend, which is exceptional. It has options for rimming, a salty-sweet orange, and pink Himalayan salt. It’s a great gift when they already have the tequila. 

Anthropologie Cottage Egg Crate

$14 at Anthropologie

Have that friend who is obsessed with making their house look like Martha Stweart styled it? Or do you have a friend with backyard chickens and copious eggs? This stoneware egg crate is a pretty resting place for your hard-won eggs. Available in fable, fawn, and neutral colors, the egg crates are speckled and hold twelve eggs. It’s also dishwasher safe if you accidentally crack an egg inside. 

Revol Porcelain France Shatterproof Cake Cloche

$132 at Food52

We’ve taken to storing everything from bagels to assorted baked goods we grab from bakeries under a cloche. Even if the goodies are store-bought, something about this shatterproof glass cloche makes it feel special. The cloche comes in various sizes, adequate enough to cover even the tallest cakes. It's a beautiful countertop or buffet centerpiece for entertainers who like classic pieces.  

Barebones Living Walnut Garden Scissors

$30 at Amazon $32 at Food52

These walnut garden scissors are the perfect choice for a friend with a green thumb. They’re stout, and the oversized walnut handles of these old-fashioned scissors make it easy for any hand, be it left-handed or right-handed. They’re great for snipping herbs or tomato stems but also helpful in a utility drawer to cut kitchen twine or gift ribbon. 

La Maison du Chocolat Coffret Maison Dark Chocolate 24-Piece Box

$80 at Amazon $75 at Lamaisonduchocolat.us

Fancy chocolates are something that tastes better when gifted instead of purchased for one’s self. Maison du Chocolat sells gift boxes in all shapes and sizes. And you can even choose milk versus dark chocolate if you have cacao preferences. We like this small box, which has an assortment of both and some of the French brand’s best-selling truffles. 

Oster Electric Wine Opener

$25 at Amazon $56 at Walmart

A wine key gets the job done, but electric bottle openers are much more convenient. This one from Oster has a base for recharging and a foil cutter for removing packaging seals. Each charge opens up to 30 bottles of wine with a simple push of a button. It is silver and black, meaning it will easily fit into any kitchen or home bar aesthetic. It’s also slim so that it won’t take up too much counter space. 

Le Creuset Stoneware Pitcher, 1.6 qt.

$50 at Amazon $50 at Nordstrom $50 at Wayfair

A good pitcher is always handy if you like to entertain, and the water seems so much more elegant when you pour it out of a pitcher like this stoneware version from Le Creuset. Like the rest of its stoneware products, the exterior is scratch-proof, and this can go in the dishwasher. The pitcher, which is embossed with the brand name, is also made to resist rippling and cracking due to its dense fabrication.

Spicewalla Taco Seasoning 3 Pack Collection

$20 at Amazon $20 at Walmart

Founder Meherwan Irwani knows flavor. Just visit any of his Chai Pani restaurants. His spice company, Spicewalla, showcases classic spices with quality sourcing and flavor. Any of his spices are great, but this new taco kit is a win if you don’t want those packaged seasoning kits. The set comes with seasoning for al pastor, pescado verde, and carne asada, making it easy to make taco night any night. Just add protein, tortillas, and your favorite salsa.

French Home Laguiole Cake Serving Set

Orig. $52 $36 at Amazon $54 at Sur La Table $89 at Pottery Barn

It’s hard not to be impressed by this Laguiole cake set. Available in ivory and black resin, the handles are decorated with the Laguiole bee. The stainless steel blades easily slice and serve the most delicate pies and cakes. The set comes nestled in a pine box with the Laguiole France emblem burned into the wood. It is a classy gift that anyone, regardless if they're a Francophile, will find it useful. 

Apilco Porcelain Serving Platter

$37 at Amazon $100 at Williams-Sonoma

A classic white platter does wonders for anyone’s entertaining collection. But sometimes they are a bit boring. Apilco adds a little wink with the octagonal platters that come in two sizes. They are great individually or as a set. They also make an excellent wedding gift or serving platter for someone starting their collection because it’s neutral enough to fit any decor theme.

Voluspa Candles

View on Nordstrom View on Anthropologie View on Sephora

“I’m a big candle person, and I find the Voluspa ones to be special enough to give but not so hard to find that they can’t be a last-minute purchase before an event. The brand’s scents are rich and diverse enough to please most folks, plus the packaging makes them display-worthy in their own right. I know a lot of people, like myself, love to light a few candles before guests arrive, so my hope is that they’ll do the same with the one I gift (or enjoy it on their own time, too!). I love the Blond Tabac one for an all-year-round scent, but I’ll switch between the scents depending on the event.” - Kristin Montemarano, Food Commerce Writer

CB2 Dina Fluted Glass Vase

$15 at CB2

“Flowers are, of course, a classic hosting gift that will always show thoughtfulness. However, gifting them with an included vase takes it a step further. I love this fluted vase for this very occasion. At under $20, it won't be too much of an added expense to your bouquet, and the host will not have to stop what they're doing to cut stems or fidget to find the correct size vase of their own. Instead, it's ready to be placed on the tablescape or kitchen island alongside their appetizers and refreshments.” - Dana Fouchia, Senior Commerce Editor

W&P Peak Silicone Ice Molds

$18 at Amazon $18 at Sur La Table

“To make your at-home cocktails feel like a special occasion, grab W&P's ice molds. Made from silicone, the easy-to-fill trays make oversized cubes or spheres that melt slowly to prevent diluting the drink. The brand offers several molds with beautiful designs, including a speakeasy-inspired set that never fails to get compliments at my dinner parties.” - Katie Macdonald, Editorial Director

Brumate Winesulator Wine Canteen

$35 at Amazon $35 at Brumate.com

Brumate makes everything imaginable for all things sippable. And leave it to them to sell an insulated bottle that holds a full bottle of wine. You can take it on picnics or to a campsite. However, it also works for transporting spirits or pre-batching cocktails when you need to take them on the go. 

Hedley & Bennett Alton Brown Apron

View on Hedleyandbennett.com

Hedley & Bennett Aprons are a gift in themselves. Made from 100% cotton twill fabric, these aprons are a step up from your basic white chef’s aprons. Hedley & Bennet aprons are made to last for many years and washes. And there are so many collaborations with prominent chefs like Alton Brown or even Star Wars you are bound to find the right apron for your host. 

Williams Sonoma Old Fashioned Cocktail Gift Crate

$100 at Williams-Sonoma

This gift crate is centered around the classic Kentucky cocktail, the Old Fashioned. The set includes Woodford Reserve X Williams Sonoma Old-Fashioned Cocktail Mixer, Luxardo maraschino cherries, ice sphere molds, and two Crafthouse by Fortessa Double Old-Fashioned glasses. The treasure trove of cocktail accouterments is nestled into a reusable wooden crate with the William-Sonoma branded on the side. You can store the items or re-gift them with new goodies. 

Via Carota Cocktail Set

View on Drinkviacarota.com

"Instead of the customary bottle of wine, why not bring one or two of these bottled craft cocktails? Sure, you could easily bring all the ingredients for a Negroni or Old Fashioned, but these beautifully packaged offerings from Via Carota, the iconic Italian restaurant in New York City, are sure to win you some points. I received a sample to taste, and needless to say, I am sold. Each one makes four drinks, so it's worth upgrading to the bundle of three to keep the drinks flowing." - Taysha Murtaugh, Vice President of Commerce

Goldmeet Silicone Kitchen Mini Oven Mitts

$10 at Amazon

Finding the perfect oven mitt is not as easy of a task as one would think. We’ve owned way too many over the years that disappoint, but these heat-resistant silicone mitts are tops. Not only are they smaller, meaning they are easier to pop on and off. But you are also able to pop these in the wash if you accidentally dip the tip into some lasagna. 

Vivocci Unbreakable Plastic Stemless Wine Glasses

$28 at Amazon $28 at Walmart

Unbreakable wine glasses are one of the most game-changing entertaining inventions in recent years. Whether it is because of klutzy guests or scattered hosts, this set of four is suitable for use inside and out. You can use them as water glasses or even for kids. They’re attractive enough to be used for cocktails or just for white and red wines as intended. Every time we give them to someone, they explain: “I’ve always wanted some of these!” We also love them for white elephant parties.

Anthropologie Waffle Dishcloths

$18 at Anthropologie

You can never have enough dish rags, whether they are wiping down a counter or used as a pot-holder. This set of Market Waffle dishcloths was a favorite gift received by our Senior Editor, Dana Fouchia. "They're durable, easy to wash, and look slightly better than the other old rags I have in my towel drawer." Because they have a waffle weave, they will get more traction on whatever you are wiping down or holding. They come in color motifs such as neutral, blues, and reds, so there is a set for every cook.

Lisa Says Gah Candle Set

View on Lisasaysgah.com

Lisa Says Gah has one of our list's most adorable food-related gift. Even though the brand has many food-related wearables, We've been eyeing the food-inspired candle sets the brand collaborates with Happy Organics to create. The candles are made with beeswax from Happy Organic's Merced, CA farm. They have shapes like tomatoes, whole heads of garlic, and pasta, but this basket of cherry candles is something else. The candles are made using molds created with actual cherries, and each fruit's stem is the wick. They arrive in a cute green crate, just like at the market.