15 Unique Gift Ideas For the Hostess to Ensure You’re Invited Back
With numerous parties to attend this holiday season, it is easy to think that you can’t be blamed if a bottle of wine is all you can muster as a gift for the host who has graciously invited you over. Chances are your host has thought of everything, and her home is in impeccable order, so why not show her your genuine appreciation? Don’t worry, we’ve made it easy: below you’ll find our go-to list of gift ideas for the host and her thoughtful home, at every price point. We’ve got you covered on everything from small collectables—mini ceramic bowls, wooden matchboxes, a handcrafted wick trimmer—to a selection of limited edition specialty pieces, like a blanket from Loewe, or a gorgeous pink candle from the fashion flock’s favorite restaurant, Sant Ambroeus, in collaboration with Le Labo. And if you are truly so inclined to fall back on the good old stalwart of gifting a bottle of wine or champagne, do it in the most decadent way possible—pack it in this Gwyneth Paltrow-approved gold champagne box, because why not? It is, after all, Christmas.
Just starting your holiday shopping? Check out all of W’s ultimate gift guides, here.
1E. Frances Paper
Every host would cherish the gift of E. Frances Paper Little Notes; they make for sweet place cards, notes for your children’s lunchboxes, and gift tags.
Buy now: E. Frances Paper Little Notes, set of 85, $14, efrancespaper.com.
2Frantoio Muraglia
Not only is their olive oil delicious, but their ceramic bottles (handmade in Puglia, Italy) are so gorgeous they could easily be a gift on their own.
Buy now: Frantoio Muraglia olive oil, $56, selfridges.com.
3goop x CB2
Gifting a nice bottle of champagne is just that—nice. This holiday season, gift that bottle of wine in a super-chic gold box from Gwyneth Paltrow’s new collaboration with CB2. Not only will your host be blown away by the elegance of the gesture, but she’s always in need of a chic box to store little odds and ends.
Buy now: goop x CB2 champagne box, $69, goop.com.
4Glaze
How chic are these? Each matchbox is crafted from American-grown wood, from maplewood to striped Zebrawood. Everybody needs a matchbook (those candles aren’t going to light themselves) and this is a stylish upgrade to any table.
Buy now: Glaze matchbook, $32, food52.com.
5Aydry
Everyone who burns a candle should own a wick trimmer. Created to in order to reduce smoke and longevity of the candle, this gold-hued version will make a nice addition to your tablescape.
Buy now: Aydry wick trimmer, $14, etsy.com.
6Year & Day
Every host and home has a need for mini-sized dishes. Use to serve salt or condiments, or don’t use them in your kitchen at all, these ceramic catch-alls would be great to collect jewelry, coins, or other small things that quickly go missing. A thoughtful gift idea for the discerning host.
Buy now: Year and Day dip dishes, $26, yearandday.com.
7The Bouqs
Can’t make the holiday party but still wish to send along a little something? TheBouq.com, known for their charming bouquets, have a charming assortment of holiday wreaths (for others) and holly-laden centerpieces (order for yourself for the next time you host!).
Buy now: The Bouqs wreath, $76, bouqs.com.
8Louise Roe Copenhagen
Louise Roe Copenhagen is quickly becoming one of the fashion set’s most beloved design label. This beautiful vase, faceted in a way that will remind some of a precious stone ring, is a flawless gift idea for the hostess who has it all.
Buy now: Louise Roe Copenhagen vase, $65, theline.com.
9The Citizenry
The Citizenry sources home goods from around the globe, and their giftables feel super special, especially for the hostess who has done her fair share of worldwide market-combing. Get her day started with these Mexican-made coffee scoops, a wonderful addition to her kitchen.
Buy now: Grano coffee scoops, $55 the-citizenry.com.
10Poglia
This set is essential to your next dinner party. Handcrafted from bone and wood, this two-piece set, featuring both a bottle opener and a corkscrew, will be sure to garner compliments from all of your guests.
Buy now: Poglia two-piece bottle opener set, $360, modaoperandi.com.
11Hill House Home
Hill House Home, known for their luxe bedding and pillows with cheeky embroidered pillows, have introduced items for the bath just in time for the holidays. Our favorite (to gift and receive) is a set of hand towels that read “soap” and “water.” A great gift for anyone hosting you for a long weekend.
Buy now: Hill House Home hand towels, $44, hillhousehome.com.
12Ichendorf
This indispensable object is a clever gift for the home for anyone on your list. Never be parched at night again with this Ichendorf glass carafe on your nightstand.
Buy now: Ichendorf glass carafe, $35, dwr.com.
13Le Labo x Sant Ambroeus
While many New Yorkers love to gift the restaurant Sant Ambroeus’s famed panettone, this holiday season you can now gift the scent of Sant Ambroeus. No, it’s not quite what you think, but we can vouch that this smoky, leathery scent—in Sant Ambroeus’ signature pink—will make a great host gift.
Buy now: Le Labo x Sant Ambroeus candle, $85, sant-ambroeus.myshopify.com.
14Loewe
Loewe’s Jonathan Anderson has released a special holiday capsule collection, inspired by the Scottish architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh. This lovely piece, which could be styled as an oversized scarf but which could easily double as a throw, features one of the Mackintosh’s cherished botanical paintings.
Buy Now: Loewe blanket, $1,390, Loewe Miami Design District, (305) 576-7601
15Aesop
This holiday season, Aesop has teamed up with esteemed fashion designer Iris Van Herpen to create 4 charming gift kits. Our favorite, A Curious Connection, is a perfect gift for the host who needs a bit of rest and relaxation after her guests leave.
Buy now: Aesop gift kit, $55, aesop.com.
