Maybe you don’t know the hostess as well as you thought to know how to narrow down the options on the market. Perhaps you want something other than a gift card or the same old bottle of wine. Or at worse, maybe you forget all about the event altogether. If you didn’t have time to create adorable DIY hostess gifts, couldn’t think of something while on the run, or need some inspiration, we’re here to help. We researched a variety of items and poured over hundreds of online reviews to find the 21 best hostess gifts in various categories that are so practical, clever, or stylish you may even order one for yourself. These hostess gifts are foolproof and suit various tastes and occasions–especially housewarmings. From game night games to décor, our picks feature everything from practical, everyday items to ones that may require a tissue. Backed by our research, here are the 21 best hostess gifts. Keep in Mind: You’ll have to guess what metal finish your host prefers and if they’ll want the bamboo or mahogany stand. The 24-ounce cocktail shaker has a built-in strainer to remove chunks of ice. The double-sided jigger lists milliliters and centiliters to precisely measure liquids for metric and imperial drink recipes. The corkscrew has an easy-to-use, two-step lever, and two liquor pourers to reduce the risk of messy spills from a bottle. We love how the muddler helps to mash fruits, herbs, and spices from the garden with ease and that the fancy spoon allows you to emulsify like a pro. Plus, the ice tongs make it super easy to grab ice cubes. The stand reduces drawer clutter, makes it easy to find just what you need when you need it, and we think it looks great on a bar cart. Price at the time of publish: From $43 Keep in Mind: This is not necessarily a drinking game, though, with some imagination, it could be. This thought-evoking entertaining party game is intended to spark conversation through 300 questions. It is great for icebreakers and bringing people even closer together. Plus, it is acceptable for guests of all ages. Price at the time of publish: $20 Keep in Mind: They are made of 100% French flax but manufactured in China. Each soft, stonewashed linen package comes with a pack of four 18 x 18-inch napkins with mitered corners, quality stitching, and beautiful packaging. The hardest thing will be deciding which color to choose since we love every tone, from the rustic orange and soft mulberry for fall to the bold red and purple grape for summer. They can be tossed in a washing machine with like colors on a gentle cycle and tumble dried, can be ironed on a dry, low setting, and should not be drycleaned or washed with bleach. Price at the time of publish: $33 Keep in Mind: The bottles are smaller than they appear and hold less than one ounce of spice. We love the classics like the Memphis rub (sugar, brown sugar, chili flakes, garlic flakes, onion flakes, and cayenne) and were excited to flashback to family vacations with international combinations like the Jamaican jerk rub (salt, brown sugar, onion flakes, cinnamon flakes, garlic flakes) and the Caribbean (coriander seeds, salt, onion flakes, sugar). The staples like rosemary and herb salt are great for beginner grillers as they learn to define and cook with their favorite flavors, and adventurous flavors like lime chipotle or chili rosemary will keep any master griller’s interest piqued. Keep in mind: that the bottles are much smaller than they appear, and each bottle is more or less single-use, with less than one ounce each. Price at the time of publish: $40 Keep in Mind: It can be a gamble to give a fragrance. The premium soy wax burns clean without tunneling (uneven hollowing out due to poor wax quality or a wick that is too small), and multiple cotton wicks provide a consistent burn. We love that this candle can burn for up to 95 hours. Its brushed tin lid doubles as a coaster and its simple glass exterior with a pretty label will not disrupt the aesthetic of a space. Price at the time of publish: From $28 Keep in Mind: The company is subscription-based, but you can purchase just one month, and you aren’t automatically signed up for anything. Instead, they will answer six quick questions in the Palate Profile quiz to select a bottle of wine according to the type, region, and hints of flavor that the hostess likes best. The Winc gift card is sent digitally. You simply choose the amount you want (starting at $60) and write a personalized note. A code will be used to redeem the card online. Keep in mind that when completing a gift card purchase, you’ll be asked to create an account in order to receive an email confirmation, but you will not automatically be enrolled in the Winc Membership after purchase. Price at the time of publish: From $60 Keep in Mind: It doesn’t have the sleekest design. The lighter comes with a gift box (making presentation super easy), and it’s available for purchase both online and in-store pickup. Rechargeable lighters are relatively new to the market, so there’s a good chance it’s an item the host doesn’t already own. We love that it comes in four colors (white, gold, light pink, and rose gold), though some colors are often on backorder. We also think its design leaves something to be desired. Price at the time of publish: $30 Keep in Mind: The price rises as the portrait go up in size, and shipping takes a few weeks. It’s available in all standard sizes (5 x 7, 10 x 8, 14 x 11, 16 x 12, 20 x 16, 18 x 24 inches). Once you’ve chosen a size, you select from a wrapped canvas print that comes in a wooden frame, a digital download printable file, a high-quality paper print, or a black acrylic frame that comes with hanging hardware. We love that it can be delivered as a gift certificate so the hostess can submit the photo of their choosing later. Plus, you can order this gift in advance during a sale, and the seller will still honor the discounted price even if it’s ordered after. Price at the time of publish: From $34 Keep in Mind: It’s nothing fancy, and due to some supply issues, some substitutions could be made. Weighing in at 1.39 pounds, the box displays classic treats like the Hickory Farms’ signature summer beef sausage, farmhouse cheddar, smoked Gouda, sweet hot mustard, toasted crackers, and chewy dark chocolate sea salt caramels. Its solid lineup makes this one of the best hostess gifts. You can purchase for someone who is a picky eater or doesn’t care to get too adventurous with their food. We love that it would also be a great idea for a host you don’t know well yet, since it is likely to satisfy diverse palates. Due to supply chain woes, your box may arrive with substitutions, though according to the site, meats and salamis will not be substituted. Price at the time of publish: $40 Keep in Mind: It’s on the pricey side and must be used one year from opening. Both bottles of olive oil are made from high-quality, early-harvest Koroneiki olives grown in southern Greece and then cold-pressed in small batches. The original is a versatile and savory classic; the Greek herb and lemon-infused oil are packed with lemon, oregano, onion, and black pepper. They are anti-inflammatory, fragrant, and ultra-premium in quality. The balsamic vinegar is made with Lambrusco and Trebbiano grapes by artisans in Modena, Italy, and has a fruity flavor with a peppery finish. Each 12.7 fluid-ounce bottle adds depth and acidity to salads, bread, roasted meats, and grilled veggies. The price point is a bit high, but the packaging is attractive and minimal, and each bottle of olive oil has a high-quality wood cork to keep them well preserved. Keep in mind that the oil should be used one year after opening the bottle–though it can be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for up to two years. Price at the time of publish: From $70 Keep in Mind: It chips easily and is hand washed only. We love that you could arrange flowers or plants in the vase to amp up your gift-giving from a simple bunch of store-bought flowers to an arrangement work of art. Plus, not having to forage for a vase in their cupboard takes one task off your hostess’ to-do list. Note that the glass is clear but has a slight green tint at the bottom. Because it is susceptible to chipping, the vases should be washed by hand only. Price at the time of publish: From $30 Keep in Mind: Microfiber has a texture to it that is unpleasant to some. What makes it the best hostess gift is that the microfiber cloth is available in 10 pretty colors. All are absorbent enough to dry dishes, pots, and pans after a large family meal, plus it dries in no time without any hints of a musty, lingering odor. The fabric does not shed, so you can use them to clean mirrors, stainless steel appliances, and windows without leaving lint or smudges behind. We found they stand up well to constant abuse and remain soft and thick without any signs of warping or shrinking after multiple washes. Plus, the colors stay rich. Each pack of eight is available in 10 surprisingly pretty colors. It would be hard to find something wrong with these towels, though it is worth noting that some people don’t like the way microfiber “grabs” your skin. We found this kind of texture to be minimal with the set and appreciated that the fibers are doing what they were supposed to do. Price at the time of publish: $16 Keep in Mind: The metal holder is unattractive, and the ceramic can stain. The ceramic top has a texture that grabs onto your glass and is absorbent to capture condensation from iced drinks. The non-slip cork base protects the surfaces in your home from scratches, scuffs, and water rings, plus it presents slipping, which inevitably reduces the number of spills. One thing to note is that we noticed stains from coffee drips are hard–if not impossible–to get out. Wrap up these coasters with a bag of roasted coffee and a mug or a pair of wine glasses to make a great hostess gift. Price at the time of publish: $15 Keep in Mind: The recipes do not include suggestions for side dishes, and the cutesy lingo can be distracting. Throughout the 304-page book, quick snippets explain culinary fundamentals like the how-tos of balancing flavor. The QR codes link to instructional videos showing how to master whatever technique is needed to create the recipe on the page. The recipes are straightforward, modern, and quickly prepared, like the pastrami roast chicken with “schmaltzy onions and dill” or the “Nicoise Sando” with egg and black olive mayonnaise. The book is ideal for ‘level One’ home cooks who want to expand their palates, entertain friends and family rather than plunk some food on a plate, and wish to learn advanced techniques without spending money and time in a cooking class. Price at the time of publish: From $20 Keep in Mind: This gift is most likely best geared toward people you know really well, not new friends. Just enter the location by address or coordinates and adjust or zoom from there. You can add text and select a finish, orientation, and size. You can also choose from 11 unique color themes (like bourbon or minimal) that create a work of art with just one click. Posters start at $49 for an 18 x 24 inch without a frame, but they come as a hanger ($69), framed ($104; five available colors), printed canvas ($99), and metal ($119). You can also get a t-shirt for just $35. Price at the time of publish: From $18 Keep in Mind: It has a lot of nooks and crannies that can trap crumbs. The set is well-stocked with four cheese knives, three labeling slates with two chalk markers, one wine opener, and a carrying bag. Made of 100 percent bamboo, the board is durable and made for the long haul. We love the grooves around the serving area because crackers fit just right without sliding all over the place. One drawback lies in all the nooks and crannies in the drawer because it’s tedious to clean out crumbs and bits of cheese after the party. Price at the time of publish: $40 Keep in Mind: It is hand wash only. At just over 9 x 6 inches, this compact glass won’t be a burden to store. Your host will love being able to rim their glasses with their choice of sugar or salt and cut limes on the same board. When the party’s over, they can rinse it off in the sink and let it air dry. Keep in mind that it is hand washed only. This glass will need to be treated with mineral or olive oil from time to time so the bamboo won’t dry out and crack. Price at the time of publish: $35 Keep in Mind: The Cabernet glass is the all-purpose glass you want. Made in Germany from lead-free Tritan crystal glass with a capacity of 18.2 ounces (an entire bottle of wine is only 750 ml or 25.4 ounces), they are sturdy enough to hold up in the dishwasher. While their geometric lines make them look elegant, they don’t feel as delicate as high-end glasses with super thin glass, but they also don’t cost a fortune to replace when one breaks. Price at the time of publish: $90 Keep in Mind: With only 8.1 fluid ounces in each bottle, it’s a bit of a splurge. We love the beautiful frosted glass and the pretty motif, so we’re willing to overlook that the bottle only has a little over eight ounces of soap. Plus, we give it bonus points for avoiding sulfates, parabens, phthalates, colorants, gluten, soy, or GMOs. Price at the time of publish: $20 Keep in Mind: It’s more functional than attractive, and you can only clean it by hand. It’s insulated, durable, and has a lifetime warranty. But the magic lies in its internal reservoir that catches water as it drips, keeping it separate from the ice cubes. It also has a removable garnish tray, tongs that hide from either side so they never go missing, and a handle to make it easy to move. We love the clear plastic top, so you can see if it’s running low. The only downside we can find is that it is hand washed only. Price at the time of publish: $31 Keep in Mind: These aren’t the same quality as the higher-end Laguiole knives. We love the iconic Laguiole bee insignia, and the triple-rivet design found on the top of the iconic French design flatware. It gives the stainless steel blades with ergonomic and properly weighted designed acrylic handles an air of elegance. The set includes a spade, fork-tipped spear, soft cheese spreader, four regular spreaders, and a little wood tray to keep the blades sharp while storing. Keep in mind that while this set is dishwasher safe. This set is not the same caliber or quality as the knives made in France–it’s a bridge line, meaning it’s produced and priced for mass merchandising. Still, we think they are adorable. Price at the time of publish: From $30 First, understand that the gift you bring to a special event or party are considered a hostess gift. Generally, this item is something the hostess would use while entertaining, like serving platters, coasters, linens, and tea towels. They can be generic in design or holiday themed. The difference between that and, say, a birthday gift is that a birthday gift is often more of a personal item like a bottle of perfume or a book. Stylist and etiquette expert Haya Maraka says that while there are faux passes when attending a party as a guest, there are similar ones to gift-giving. Much like posting photographs of the hostess’ home on social media without permission or spilling a clear liquid like champagne and not telling the host, there are the wrong ways to go about gift-giving, too. To steer clear of any mishaps, “It is important to take some time and make it personal,” she advises. And, if you want to put your best foot forward or if you had an oops and arrived empty-handed, Maraka says going the extra mile is still a good idea. “Always include a handwritten thank you note. Sometimes it is even nice to send a gift after the party, as well.” After our research, we found 21 of the best hostess gifts that are nearly foolproof. Some more personal than others, some more silly, and some more clever.

What to Know About Hostess Gifts Before Shopping

When shopping online for the best hostess gifts, there are a few things to consider.

Price

It’s the thought that counts, not the size or price. The point of presenting a gift to your hostess is not to show anyone up or to win anyone over. It is to show the hostess your gratitude for welcoming you to be a part of the special event and to make them feel special, but it should be discreet. “You never need to go overboard to make an elegant and simple statement,” says Makara. Take her advice to heart by adding a personal touch like a handwritten note, and you’ll set yourself up for success.

Practicality

Deciding what is practical for a hostess depends on the reason for the event, who will be present, the location, and the host’s personality. You should also consider the ages and any possible dietary restrictions. For casual gatherings like a game night with friends, a game to be used that evening or some time in the future might be the best hostess gift. Housewarmings can be the most fun since the best hostess gift is one that will contribute to their new home or welcome them to the neighborhood. Think wine glasses, dish towels, or candles. Formal celebrations that honor a person may be a bit different. For special events like birthdays or anniversaries, a card, flowers, or a gift certificate that is thoughtfully wrapped might be the best route. Knowing the personality of the hostess may trump all these rules. “Nothing in life should be boring. My grandma always taught me that the gift reflects the gifter (one who gives a gift)," says Maraka.

Entertaining Style

Because everyone’s entertaining style is a little different, it is worth pausing a moment to reflect on the style of the hostess (if you know them well). If you don’t know them well or have some doubts, double up on items instead of decorative ones. For example, a hostess with a modern aesthetic in her home may not appreciate the same serving set as the hostess with a farm chic touch. To avoid a gifting disaster, concentrate on consumables like candles, food finds, soaps, lotions, and generic gift cards that are sure to be appreciated. The hostess can choose to set them out to be consumed at the party or wait for a later time, as opposed to a decorative item that might pressure them to display in their home. For a dear friend you know well, you can lean more into their hobbies or build on shared memories to have the most impact.

Your Questions, Answered

When should you bring a hostess gift?

As a general rule, you should bring a hostess gift to any event in your home or has food or drink–yes, that’s most of them–like brunches, luncheons, dinners, or cocktail parties. If there will be eating or drinking, you should bring something to share or leave behind. You should do this every time, remembering that the perfect gifts can be small. Makara says you should always bring something with you, but the first time you are invited to someone’s home.

How much should you spend on a hostess gift?

Unfortunately, the answer to this question is: it depends. If your contribution was a dish to share and requested by the hostess, there is no other expense other than your grocery bill. If you are attending a dinner party, consider what you would spend on a nice dinner out, and allocate that much money to a gift. If those two general rules don’t fit the bill, Makara suggests finding something between a simple bouquet of flowers ($20) to a lovely coffee table book ($60). If your budget allows, you can go as high as $200 for a gift.

What Is BHG Recommends?

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they’re worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn’t an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products and we let you know that we got it for free to remain as transparent as possible about our picks. Looking for more products that have earned our BHG Recommends seal of approval? Check out our picks for everything from picnic blankets to humidifiers.

Who We Are

Belle DuChene is an award-winning digital content producer and stylist often seen in Better Homes & Gardens home and garden videos. She is the agency director of a micro-influencer talent agency and teaches strategic digital communications at three colleges and universities. For this article, Belle researched a variety of hostess gifts, looking at price, practicality, style, and more to find the best hostess gifts across different price points and tastes. She also consulted Haya Maraka, a stylist, etiquette expert, and author of A Lady Knows: Modes and Manners.