Heading to a holiday party? Shop the best gift ideas for any host or hostess

AI-assisted summary
• The author, a self-proclaimed hostess, offers a curated guide to thoughtful gifts for party hosts.
• The guide recommends more unique gifts than the traditional bottle of wine.
• Gift ideas are sourced from popular retailers like Anthropologie and Harry and David.

I'm known as the hostess within my friend group, and it's a title I take immense pride in. Friendsgiving celebrations, monthly game nights, themed soirées and gift exchanges—no matter the occasion, the event is probably being hosted at my home, with plenty of cute decorations and canapés to accompany it.

As such, I've learned a thing or two about the art of hosting—and more importantly, the art of giving a great hosting gift. Of course, you never want to show up to a party empty-handed, but there are so many thoughtful gifts for hosts you can give besides the usual bottle of wine or chocolate babka (See: season 5, episode 13 of "Seinfeld").

Ahead of a holiday season that's sure to be busy with family dinners and festive parties, I curated a guide to the best gift ideas for any holiday host, with gifting options that are sure to delight—without breaking your budget. From fun card games to holiday treat tins, browse the most popular gifts for hosts from Sur La Table, Anthropologie, Harry and David and more.

Shop the best gift ideas for hosts and hostesses

Wolferman's Christmas Cheer Tote Gift

Tons of holiday treats, all bundled together in this popular foodie gift box that comes with a festive tote in tow. Shop at Wolferman's Bakery

Total Wine Wine Adventure Advent Calendar

Why give just one bottle of wine when you can lavish them in high-quality sips for the whole holiday season? Shop at Total Wine

Mark and Graham Hemstitch Dinner Napkins

Surprise them with hemstitch napkins that can be personalized with their initials, family crests and more. Shop at Mark and Graham

Harry + David Christmas Brunch Box

Give the host in your life the gift of a stress-free Christmas morning with this yummy brunch box from Harry and David. Shop at Harry & David

Shari's Berries Happy Turkey Day Dipped Strawberries

Skip the usual pumpkin pie dessert and treat Thanksgiving guests to a fruity treat like these chocolate-dipped strawberries. Shop at Shari's Berries

Capri Blue Woody Fir & Firewood Glass Candle

Help them set the mood of their next holiday party with this fragrant candle. Shop at Anthropologie

Cheryl's Cookies Traditional Happy Holidays Gift Tin

Who doesn't love a holiday cookie tin? This decadent treat will make a gorgeous addition to any holiday party spread. Shop at Cheryl's Cookies

We're Not Really Strangers Don't Overthink It Card Game

For a hostess gift that's sure to inspire lots of conversation amongst guests, go for this popular card game. Shop at Target

Jacobsen Salt Co. Infused Salt Gift Set

The host in your life will love enhancing their favorite recipes with this salt gift set. Shop at Williams-Sonoma

World Market Bathroom Guest Book

Help them remember every detail of their parties with this guest book that attendees can fill out. Shop at World Market

Tuscan Kitchen Marble Wine Cooler

Their favorite spirits can stay cooler longer with this chic wine cooler that won't look like an eyesore on their kitchen counter. Shop at Crate & Barrel

Drink What You Want: The Deck: 50 Recipe Cards for Objectively Delicious Cocktails

Help them elevate their mixology game with this book that includes tons of cocktail recipes. Shop at Amazon

Sur La Table Porcelain Quiche Dish

My favorite holiday gift for hosts? Arriving to their dinner party with a baked treat in a dish (like the one above) that they can keep afterwards. Shop at Sur La Table

How much should I spend on a host or hostess gift?

It depends on the event and your relationship with the party host. Typically, you can be safe bringing a gift that's anywhere from $10 to $50. If someone is hosting a simple game night, something more affordable will do. If you're bringing a gift for your Thanksgiving host and you know they've put in hours (read: days) of preparation, bringing something more substantial is appropriate.

One caveat to how much you should spend on a host gift would be if you're bringing something homemade or a custom present. Adding a touch of personalization to an otherwise affordable gift might ring up for less money, but is way more thoughtful and therefore, more valuable!