No matter the time of year or cause for the occasion, there’s something to be said about a good old-fashioned gathering. From weekend dinner parties to impromptu cocktail hours and upcoming holiday festivities (time to break out those cozy dresses!), any opportunity to get together with loved ones is reason enough to clear our calendars. If you’re not the type to throw a party and find yourself in the camp of attendees, you know you can’t make your stylish appearance without one of the best hostess gift ideas in hand.
Your gracious hosts should be recognized for reigniting the blaze of socializing, especially in post-pandemic years. There’s no better way to express your gratitude than with a thoughtful gift. After all, they are supplying the drinks, the location, and the organization of said soirée.
Sidestep gifting something basic with our suggestions for the best hostess gifts for every occasion. Whether you’re looking to splurge on a gift for your bestie or find a chic gift under $50 that will impress on a budget, look no further. Below, shop our edit of thoughtful kitchenware, sophisticated home goods, foodie favorites, and more that won’t end up as clutter (or in the regift pile) in their home.
(Almost) Too-Good-to-Eat Chocolates
Compartes Treasures of the Orchard Chocolate Gift Box
(Almost) Too-Good-to-Eat Chocolates
Compartes Treasures of the Orchard Chocolate Gift Box
Chocolate-dipped fruits count as a healthy dessert...right? Regardless, this decadent gift box tastes just as good as it looks. Plus, it was a part of Oprah’s Favorite Things, so you know it has to be good.
There’s simply something so charming about a quirky piece of décor like this classic Gluggle Jug, which actually makes a glugging sound when you use it! Your giftee can use it as a pitcher for water, a vase, or a piece of art. The possibilities are endless. (And if the host is a true fashion lover, might we suggest a glass bag vase?)
These cookies are so good, they have an entire members-only club that gets to order ahead of the waitlist. The Core Collection is a relevant dessert all year long, and even better when warm.
Hedley & Bennet makes the best aprons in the game (professional grade chef-approved). This collab is the epitome of fashion and function when it comes to cooking.
Pretty much everyone could use a few extra Zzzs, which is where this best-selling pillow spray comes in. Just a few spritzes of the lavender and chamomile scent will help your giftee unwind and drift off to sleep in no time.
Help your hosts wind down in the most luxurious way with some of the best scented candles on the market, like this one. The inspiration behind this handcrafted votive is absinthe, a fresh, aromatic, and woodsy scent designed to reduce fatigue in those who smell it.
Picky eaters can be hard to shop for (i.e. fancy cheese spreads and caviar may be out of the question), but we guarantee practically no one will turn their nose up at Levain’s fluffy, cult-loved cookies available in a handful of classic flavors.
Oven mitts are one of those items you probably wouldn’t buy for yourself, especially if it’s a fancy pair like this one. Embrace their inner chef with the most elegant style around.
For starters, this might be the sweetest olive oil combo we’ve ever seen. There’s one EVOO for cooking (sizzle) and one for topping (drizzle). The squeeze bottles make it so fun and easy to use and serve, you’ll probably want to snag a set for yourself while you’re at it. After all, extra virgin olive oil is a kitchen staple you can’t get enough of.
There’s something lovely and charming about a stylish cake stand. It doubles as a functional centerpiece during dessert and will be any hostess’ dream unboxing.
Whether she’s dealing with the stress of recently moving into a new pad or could simply use some extra R&R on the regular, Maud’s tub kit will surely be appreciated. It comes with dead sea salts infused with bright notes of pink pepper, lemon, and cedarwood to help relax muscles and invigorate the senses, as well as coconut milk powder that will turn her soak into an ultra-hydrating and skin-softening oasis.
Airdropping a photo album is never as good as sharing a hard copy—that’s a fact. And in case your giftee wants to capture some fabulous selfies with the crew, this Polaroid camera has a reflective mirror and self-timer feature.
You probably recognize the Jennifer Fisher name from our favorite accessories roundups (the designer is known for making the best gold hoops in the game). Her kitchen account blew up over the pandemic and now, she makes the best salts, too. Give your fashionable foodie host this gift set and you won’t regret it.
Claire Stern is the Deputy Editor of ELLE.com. Previously, she served as Editor at Bergdorf Goodman. Her interests include fashion, food, travel, music, Peloton, and The Hills—not necessarily in that order. She used to have a Harriet the Spy notebook and isn’t ashamed to admit it.
Dale Arden Chong is the Senior Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Previously, she was an editor at MensHealth.com and has written for Who What Wear, GLAMOUR, The Coveteur, and more. She loves fashion, food, and art, among other things—but her greatest love is K-pop idol V of BTS.
Vanessa is an established editor, stylist and shopping expert covering all things style, gear and wellness. She lives in Los Angeles and is passionate about sharing innovative products, tips and trends for people and the planet.