Ideas for hostess gift

last year

Besides candles, which my daughter suggested, what do you bring for a hostess gift when you don't know the person at all? I've been invited to Thanksgiving at my daughter's boyfriend's mother's home. It now has been changed to her sister-in-law's. I think it's her sil anyway. I almost backed out but then she made me feel like it would be okay.

Anway, I haven't been to something like this in a long time. I normally know the person, so know kind of what they like or don't like. When I lived in Germany I always brought wine but I don't know if these people drink or not. I don't want to do candles because I have asthma and who knows if these people can tolerate them.

There is a little gift shop in town and I thought about dropping by there and seeing what they have.

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Kathsgrdn
Original Author

last year

Thanks for all the ideas. I picked up a cute little serving plate with a spreader attached in a Christmas theme.

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Comments (16)

nekotish
last year
I have several ready-to-go hostess gifts which are my standard. A package of pretty cocktail napkins with a spreader tied on with ribbon.
Kathsgrdn thanked nekotish
satine100
last year
Im in the same situation and Im thinking of either cut flowers or small box of chocolates.
Kathsgrdn thanked satine100
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Well, food that can easily be incorporated into any menu, or frozen for later use, is always a good idea. Artisanal breads, certain desserts, etc. Personally, I have had a crush on these slate cheese boards with pencils. (see link). I like to give them with a few assorted cheeses. But they certainly arent for everyone! Here is a link that might be useful: the white
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I wouldn't use products, though Ravencajun's sound good, and if they're working outside the sun protection might be very welcome. It's just very personal and you don't know who has allergies and sensitivities. Having to say no thank-you and give the products away can be disheartening, when the point of the gift is the opposite. You didn't mention a price range. Awhile back I did something a little similar, but it was only for six girls and I had a high budget. They LOVED it! It was inexpensive train case style organizers with the tacklebox style trays that lift/hinge out, with a few little things inside. Each got a thumb drive, cute ball speaker for the iPod/phone, pretty pencil, goofy animal notepad, a cute keychain and a screen cleaning cloth. I think they cost about $60 each to put together, but you could keep it under $40 and still put a few little things inside, or you could do under $15 just with a thumb drive, pocket notepad, etc. Another very popular such gift was Leathman micras. Those are around $20. Going back to Ravencajun's suggestion, if they'll be working outside, there are cute (like young cute) full on sunhats which protect the neck as well as the face for less than $10. Still, I like your own idea of the hair wrap and shower shoes, especially those superabsorbancy towels that fold to nothing. Even if they already have shower shoes, those get gross and need replacing. The only thing would be knowing the right sizes. You could add a few spa items like a small loofah and a pretty emery board.
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jlc, I think we will do that, too. My DD works at a candy store and they sell special maple candies. They are hard candies so will travel a little better than chocolate. We were in Belgium this summer and I bought some gorgeous chocolates for the family we stayed with but by the time we got across the city, they were ruined - we still ate them of course and had a laugh about the lesson being you should just eat chocolate on the spot.
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We must attend a few parties every Decenber for DH's job, and they feel like parties that we should bring a hostess gift to. I don't for family and close friend get togethers. I was just at Williams Sonoma. If you know your host likes scented things, their Winter Forest candles and hand soap smell wonderful. I like to send flowers after the party. Other things I have done before, in combination or by themselves are pretty towels, cocktail napkins, nice chocolate, orchid, box of citrus fruit, throw blanket, locally roasted coffee, unusual liqueur. I also pick up things here and there throughout the year that would be suitable, like one time at an art fair I bought a beautiful, handmade trivet. For several of those things I mentioned, I feel like you have to know your host. I struggle with ideas for the hosts I don't know. One of our parties is quite large and I bet they get at least a dozen bottles of wine and maybe the same amount of other booze, so I like to come up with something different.
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carolb_w_fl_coastal_9b
last year
last modified: last year
Agreeing with Satine - flowers or a nice sweet. If you know they drink it, a bottle of wine.

Can you ask your daughter's boyfriend for any helpful insight?
Kathsgrdn thanked carolb_w_fl_coastal_9b
nicole___
last year
This time of year...a pot of mums, that could be planted in the garden or a center piece on a table. Or...a gift bag with coffee, tea towels, pot holders, a cute elongated white tray, for serving small snacks/cheese. I spend about $20-$25...done!
Kathsgrdn thanked nicole___
chloebud
last year
“Can you ask your daughter's boyfriend for any helpful insight?”

I was wondering the same thing.

Check the gift shop you mentioned for something cute or holiday-themed. A pretty potted plant is always nice. I’d be pleased with that from a guest I didn’t know.

I like nekotish’s suggestion of the napkins and spreader. Someone once gave me a small cutting board (6”x7”) with a couple cheese knives as a hostess gift. Still have them.
Kathsgrdn thanked chloebud
nicole___
last year
A Poinsettia!
Kathsgrdn thanked nicole___
Kathsgrdn
Original Author
last year
My daughter was going to check with him but still haven't heard back. He's in school/studying and she is working two jobs so I don't want to harrass them. Thanks for all the suggestions. Will check the little gift shop.
whistle_b
last year
If you are taking cut flowers please take them in a vase! Nothing any worse than taking care of last minute preparations and some one shows up with flowers that need a vase!!
Kathsgrdn thanked whistle_b
eld6161
last year
I going to say the same as Whistle. I would do a small boutique in a vase. Since it's a large gathering,you can't go wrong with cookies or chocolate.
Kathsgrdn thanked eld6161
Fun2BHere
last year
Poinsettia or an orchid. Now is the season for orchids so they are usually relatively inexpensive.
Kathsgrdn thanked Fun2BHere
Chi
last year
I like to give edible things. I know a lot of people don't like extra "stuff" they have to find homes for!
Kathsgrdn thanked Chi
LoneJack Zn 6a, KC
last year
Hostess cupcakes and twinkies
Kathsgrdn thanked LoneJack Zn 6a, KC
HU-154865359
last year
You've got your gift. A little rosemary tree would be cute and possibly useful to someone. I like the poinsettia idea, box of chocolates, or flowers. I think a specialty gift of something made local like a pecan pie, local fresh fruit and nuts like pecans or jam would be awesome.
Kathsgrdn thanked HU-154865359
Kathsgrdn
Original Author
last year
Now I wish I had waited to get something. Went to Lowe's after meeting up with the people doing my bathroom and they had tons of beautful Poinsettas in front. I got myself a Christmas cactus because they remind me of Germany. Had a few in my apartment. I also decided on a flooring for the bedroom.
chloebud
last year
I think what you got at the gift shop is perfect.
Kathsgrdn thanked chloebud

Ideas for hostess gift

Kathsgrdn
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nekotish

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