The Ultimate Hostess Gift Guide
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Since we're talking all things "guest" this week (see my guest bedroom refresh here), it seems like the perfect time to share my ultimate list of hostess gift ideas. A few months ago, I asked y'all what topics you'd like me to cover on Mrs. Southern Social and I got a ton of questions about what to bring when you're invited for dinner, staying with friends, or just generally need to say thank you. Well, wonder no more! I've gathered together more than 50 gifts, starting at $6, that are all chic, useful, and fabulous. This list has something for everyone, whether you need a sweet, small token or a more substantial present, and you'll see a lot of brands that you know and love from my Instagram (Pomegranate, Caroline's Cakes, Beatriz Ball, and more). Get ready to fill those gift closets; I promise you'll want it all! One for me, one for them...
Pretty floral shears make an adorable hostess gift; photo courtesy of Lele Fain Photo
$25 AND UNDER: You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a fabulous gift! Everything on this list makes for a great birthday happy, as well, or even a “thinking of you” token.
Well Kept Tech Wipes ($6). Pack several in a cute cello bag and tie with a bow. Ideal for your type-A friends (you know who you are).
Caspari Guest Towels ($7.50). Can be pretty dinner napkins or disposable towels for the powder room.
Pretty Floral Shears ($10.99). Perfect for the garden-loving hostess; just add a ribbon and a cute tag, as seen above!
Maison de Papier goodies – I love the notepads ($12) and notecard sets ($12). Both come in a ton of motifs.
Emily McCarthy Cocktail Napkins ($12). Love this blue and white design.
Emily McCarthy Monogrammed Cups ($14). These chic babies are a steal.
Vintage Apothecary Matches ($18). Pair with a candle for a “bigger” gift.
Lucy Grymes Paper Placemats (from $22). These scalloped beauties are perfect for the chinoiserie lover, and of course these for the gal who loves blue and white (raises hand).
Games and Puzzles (especially Gray Malin puzzles). Some of my favorites include:
Gray Malin, The Seaside Puzzle ($24.50)
Gray Malin at The Parker Puzzle ($25)
Bananagrams ($15)
Quiddler ($12)
Anomia ($24.50)
Cards Against Humanity ($25)
Amethyst Bud Vases from Beatriz Ball; image courtesy of Katheryn Blythe
BUD VASES:One of my favorite gifts. They’re easy to store, gorgeous to display (even without flowers), and make the perfect little décor accent. You just can’t have enough.
Embossed Cane Vases, Amy Berry ($14-$26). Come in 5 sizes.
Pear Vase, Amy Berry ($18.50). Also in blue.
Mini Gourd Vase, Amy Berry ($21). Available in a ton of gorgeous colors.
Bud Vase Trio, Pottery Barn ($39.50). Gift all three together or divide them up into separate gifts (love that trick).
Teardrop Bud Vase, Beatriz Ball ($45). Also in amethyst.
Hibiscus Bud Vase, Vietri ($48). A classic that also comes in lots of beautiful colors.
Faceted Round Bud Vase, Beatriz Ball ($57). Also in clear and smoke grey.
Shelburne Posy Vase, Simon Pearce ($70). Comes gift boxed – love that!
Medium Bud Vase, Herend ($80). A perfect option when you need to give something extra-special. Comes in several colors.
Cake Bites from Caroline's Cakes; image courtesy of Lele Fain Photography
SWEET AND SAVORY TREATS:You’ll be everyone’s favorite guest if you show up with any of these yummy bites. Everything here is available to ship.
Microchip Cookies, JK Chocolate (from $5 - $189). These are incredibly delicious, teeny-tiny chocolate chip cookies that people go nuts for. They also have lots of other flavors plus mini cheese straws which are fab. They offer a range of packaging options so you can go big or small depending on your budget. Their chocolate sauce is fantastic, too.
Alma Kitchen has the most beautiful cookies and truffles embellished with edible flowers (from $30). The wrapping is equally fabulous.
Color My Cookie Kits ($12 for mini kits, $39 for standard kits). An elevated take on cookie decorating; each kit comes with a link to an online cookie decorating tutorial taught by a pastry chef. Darling for kids or an adult baking enthusiast.
Caroline’s Cakes (cakes from $60; cake bites from $25). You’ve seen these treats on my table time and again because they’re that good. You just can’t go wrong!
Russ & Daughters Bagels & Lox (lox starts at $40/lb). The absolute best, Russ & Daughters has been an institution on New York’s Lower East Side since 1914. The smoked fish is to die for and if you bring this spread for Sunday breakfast, you’ll be Guest of the Year.
Perini Ranch Beef Tenderloin ($125). If you’re staying with friends for several days and need a big way to say “thanks,” look no further.
Ribbon Napkin Twillies from Preppy Stitch; image courtesy of Lele Fain Photography
FOR THE HOME: There are so many chic options for the hostess’ kitchen, table, and general décor. I want one of everything.
Orchid from Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s. An elegant (and longer lasting!) take on the classic bouquet. Prices at both stores start around $20 so it’s a great option.
Southern Bungalow Candles (from $26). Adore this brand; my go-to scent is “Georgia” (naturally)!
Balsamic Vinegar ($29.95). Perfect for a foodie friend.
Oven Mitt Set, Pomegranate ($32). One of my favorite tabletop brands also makes these in colorful block prints.
Marbled Tapers, No One Alike ($34). I’ve used these on several tables and they’re a real “wow” item.
Fireplace Matches ($36). Love the packaging and presentation.
Diptyque Baies Candle (from $38). A classic for a reason – it smells amazing.
Block Print Apron, Pomegranate ($38). Combine with the oven mitts above if you need a bigger gift.
Makeup Towels, Weezie ($40). You can bet that she doesn’t already have these and they're SO useful.
Altomena Olive Oil ($42.95). Delicious and a pretty bottle to have on the counter.
Personalized Cocktail Napkins, Emily McCarthy (from $45). A sweet gift for a long weekend stay.
Dinner Napkin Sets; some of my favorite brands include:
Courtland & Co is perfect if you need an uber-fab gift. A set of monogramed dinner or cocktail napkins from here is *chef’s kiss.*
Custom Stationery / Gift Enclosure Cards; some of my favorite brands include:
Ribbon Napkin Twillies, Preppy Stitch ($52). A totally fresh take on the napkin ring, plus I love the personalization.
Custom Coasters, Haute Papier (from $58). A unique gift if you need something really nice – perfect if you’re staying with someone for several days.
Woodbury Bowl, Simon Pearce ($65). Looks fantastic in everyone’s home.
Elsa Peretti Thumbprint Dish ($100). Chic to the nth degree.
Monogrammed Colorful Throw, Madre (from $128). If it’s not moving, monogram it! Comes in every gorgeous color of the rainbow.