Gifts for the Holiday Hostess

‘Tis the season to spread a little joy! These curated holiday hostess gifts make it easy to show your appreciation with thoughtful and practical items that are sure to delight.

It’s that busy time of year again when we gather to celebrate the festive season. If you’ve done any sort of holiday entertaining, then you know that throwing a party or get-together isn’t an easy task. Quite often, it takes hours of preparation, cleanup and everything in between. Show your gratitude and surprise your hostess (or host) with a gift that goes beyond the usual.

Not sure what to bring? I’ve gathered up some of my favourite hostess gifts at various price points to make it easy for you. From handy kitchen tools, to tasty cocktail mixers, luxurious body products, serveware and more, these thoughtful gifts will go a long way to show your appreciation. Be confident arriving at your next holiday event or Christmas party with one of these lovely picks.

Shopping Tip: Be sure to shop early to take advantage of sales and to ensure your items arrive on time.

Holiday Hostess Gift Details

Very Merry Cocktails – This beautiful hardcover book features over 50 festive cocktail recipes, including Hot Buttered Rum, Foamy Mexican Hot Chocolate, Holiday Bellini and more. Perfect for the hostess who loves to craft unique drinks.

Gold Cheese Knives – An essential for any hostess, these gold cheese knives will slice and serve both soft and hard varieties. A beautiful and useful hostess gift that pairs well with a board or bottle of wine.

Peppermint Tea Tin – This beautiful tin by Harney & Sons is filled with quality tea that makes the most delightful cup. Made with brisk peppermint, it’s aromatically fresh and tummy-soothing.

Mulling Spices – A top seller for a reason, this mix of cinnamon, cloves, allspice and orange peel is the perfect complement to apple cider or red wine. Your hostess will not only love the rich taste, but the warm and welcoming aroma it creates while simmering in the kitchen.

Marble Salt & Pepper Shakers – Any entertainer will love this stylish black and white marble salt and pepper shaker set. Be sure to check out more from this natural marble serveware collection.

Festive Cocktail Mixers – Crafted with quality ingredients, these festive mixers make happy hour and seasonal celebrations much more fun! Any hostess will love how easy it is to mix a Fireside Toddy, North Pole Punch, Mistletoe Margarita and even nonalcoholic drinks.

Antique Gold Ice Bucket – I’m not sure I’ve seen a prettier ice bucket than this tempered glass and antiqued-gold one from Pottery Barn. Part of the Bleecker Collection, I have my eye on several of these barware pieces.

Berry Colander Mug – This tiny colander is just the right size for cleaning berries to top yogurt, salad, drinks and more. The stoneware construction in a creamy glaze makes it cute enough to style a kitchen counter or shelf too.

Initial Makeup Bags – These monogrammed makeup bags keep beauty essentials organized with their easy-access design and handy compartments. A thoughtful gift that is perfect for holiday getaways and long after.

Red Bow Serving Bowl – This hand-painted red bow serving bowls adds charm and cheer to any holiday spread. A beautiful and practical gift for any hostess.

Lip and Hand Duo – This hand salve and lip balm are two of my favourites for their nourishing qualities. A must-have, especially during the dry winter months.

Wood Serving Board – You simply can’t go wrong with a serving board in any shape or size. This collection from Crate & Barrel is perfect for entertaining or on display in the kitchen.

Marble Charcuterie Board – This marble and brass charcuterie board, which also works as a stylish tray, is perfect for serving appetizers, holiday treats, drinks, and more.

Gourmet Coffee Gift Set – This gift set is perfect for the coffee lover in your life. Explore a world of flavours with a series of single origin, hand roasted specialty coffees, with most certified organic and fairtrade.

Make It Effortless

Each gift idea works beautifully on its own or can be combined to create a larger, more personalized gift. You don’t always need to go overboard with wrapping.

Sometimes just a bit of pretty ribbon is all it takes to make a gift feel special. Thoughtful presentation can elevate even the most modest items, showing your hostess that you put care into the selection.

Whether it’s one single item or a little collection of treats, these gifts are meant to make your hostess smile and feel appreciated without the fuss.

What are your favourite holiday hostess gift ideas for giving or receiving? Do you have a go-to gift idea or do you like switching it up each time?

Want more holiday and seasonal ideas like these sent directly to your inbox? Be sure to SUBSCRIBE.

This holiday hostess gift collection was originally published November 2014. Updated with new ideas/photos.