The 20 Best Hostess Gifts of 2021

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We're often taught that you should never show up empty-handed to a party. Whether it’s something as simple as a bottle of wine, a bouquet of flowers, or even a box of store-bought cookies, a hostess gift is a must. And look, etiquette rules aside, it’s undoubtedly a good move to bring a little something to any gathering. It’s a sign of love and appreciation that's sure to be welcomed by the hostess—especially if they've been organizing a bridal shower or another important event.

When it comes to choosing the right hostess gift, you definitely can’t go wrong with those aforementioned staples—they’re crowd-pleasers for a reason. But feel free to think outside the box, too—what would you like to get if you were hosting? (And remember, anything personalized is always a win.)

Ahead, our favorite, fail-safe hostess gifts that will definitely score you a return invite.

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Agraria AirEssence Diffuser

Who doesn’t want their home to smell fantastic? These home fragrances—there are nine to choose from—are made from essential and natural oils, and come housed in stunning (and refillable) glass bottles that double as works of art.

The beautiful floral top can be used to diffuse the scent, though it also comes with a set of traditional diffuser reeds as well.

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Minted Lehan Veenker Herribone Incomplete Apron

If your host is an avid cook or baker, there's no better gift than a fresh apron in a fun print. Take the gift to the next level by personalizing it with their name on a (free!) leather stamped tag. And for a cute bundled gift, consider adding a matching pair of potholders.

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The Citizenry Dasar Bronze Serving Set

citizenry dasar dishes — Courtesy of the Citizenry

All of The Citizenry products are produced by local artisans from around the world, ensuring truly one-of-a-kind pieces that make perfect gifts. There’s no shortage of present-worthy picks to choose from, but this four-piece serving set is one good option.

Handcrafted in India of food-safe bronze, the round tray plus three small dishes of varying sizes make for an entertaining set that’s simple, timeless, and totally elegant.

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Brightland 100% Extra Virgin Heirloom Olive Oil

Brightland olive oil — Courtesy of Brightland

If you’re invited to a dinner party where you know the foodie host will be whipping up everything from scratch, this is the gift to bring. This Internet-buzzy brand is known for its delicious California olive oils—and they happen to come in stunning bottles that your host will be excited to display on her kitchen counter.

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Silver Spool Shop Monogrammed Linen Cocktail Napkins

If your hostess is an avid entertainer, chances are she'll make good use of these custom linen napkins. Choose from 72 different thread colors for the classic pagoda frame and monogram—it's a chic, personalized gift that she'll treasure for years to come.

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Rifle Paper Co. Puzzles

Puzzles have been having a major moment right now—at one point they were just as hard to get your hands on as toilet paper. It’s a fun and unexpected idea for a hostess gift, not to mention something the whole family can enjoy.

This new collection features four whimsical 500 piece options, in boxes that are so pretty they won’t even require wrapping.

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Celsious Tangent Garment Care Organic Everyday Laundry Detergent

Okay, we know what you’re thinking—laundry detergent as a gift, really? But hear us out. It’s one, an undeniably practical gift that’s sure to be put to good use. And two, this particular brand isn’t your average drugstore bottle.

It uses natural enzymes and plant-based surfactants for cleaning purposes (the brand started as an eco-friendly laundromat in Brooklyn), has a sophisticated Japanese kiyomi citrus fragrance and comes in chic minimalist packaging. Translation: It’s totally gift-worthy, especially if you pair it with the brand’s laundry detergent and package the two together in a cute basket.

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Yeti Rambler Wine Tumbler 2-Pack

yeti wine glasses — Courtesy of Backcountry

A great option to give solo or pair with an accompanying bottle of wine, this is sure to become your hostess’ new wine glass of choice, especially for outdoor sipping. In true Yeti fashion, the stainless steel tumbler features extra insulation to keep that rosé or sauvignon blanc extra chilled for extra-long.

The exterior is shatter-proof so there’s no need to stress over dropped glasses, and since this comes as a set of two there’s one for you and one for her.

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Avaline Rosé

Speaking of wine, this new label, created in partnership between Cameron Diaz and fashion entrepreneur Katherine Power, is all about changing the wine industry standards. Winemakers aren’t required to disclose any of the more than 70 additives often used in the winemaking process, so Avaline is focused on transparency. They use only organic grapes and list everything their wine doesn’t contain right on the label.

Their Provencal rosé is crisp and clean, perfect for summer (or heck, year-round) sipping. As the saying goes, rosé all day…

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Chamberlain Coffee Steeped Coffee Bags

Think of these as little tea bags, but filled with freshly roasted coffee grounds instead. A thoughtful gift for the java-lover who’s always on the go, all you have to do is toss one of the bags in hot water for a fresh-brewed cup.

Not to mention that all of the packaging is made with compostable and renewable materials, which always a nice touch for eco-conscious hosts.

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Brooklyn Tea Tea Gift Box

For the hosts who prefer tea over coffee, this gift box is choice. The company, which owns a neighborhood tea shop in Brooklyn, seeks to make all kinds of unique and high-end teas accessible and unintimidating to the masses.

This comes with four pouches of loose tea—choose from a variety or four of one kind, like green or black— plus an infuser.

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The Beach People Sand-Free Cabana Towel

In-laws hosting you at their beach house for the weekend? Gift them this, one of the most unique towels we’ve ever seen. The unique patent-pending design features sand-repellent fabric on side and a cozy terrycloth underneath for drying off—brilliant. And, as anyone who has a beach home will tell you, extra beach towels are always welcome.

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Moleskine Studio Notebook

In the vein of practical presents, a notebook is always a great option. And when it’s one like this, that truly is a piece of art, it’s also completely appropriate to gift.

Choose from six unique artist-created designs on the hardcover notebook, which even comes in a box that resembles a picture frame. Whether she uses it for journaling or grocery lists, it’s sure to please.

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Villeroy & Boch To Go Rose Medium Dish

Bringing a homecooked dish to a holiday meal is great, but toting it in this elegant bowl (that your host can keep afterward) is even better. This beautiful stoneware piece from the heritage brand comes with a decorative lid and rubber gaskets to make food transportation easy. It's practical, but still pretty enough to double as a serving bowl.

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Nanor Incandescent Candle

When it comes to hostess gifts, candles fall into the same category as wine, cookies, and flowers—you really can’t go wrong. Particularly if it’s this ultra-luxe candle. The chic black packaging is stunning enough, but the fragrance combinations are equally as special.

There are 10 to choose from, but this option, a mix of warm wood and amber alongside citrusy bergamot is universally-appealing, in our experience.

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Surcie Stationery

Everyone loves getting pretty, personalized stationery because it’s something that’s so useful, yet something you so rarely buy for yourself. Hence what makes it a foolproof hostess gift, especially when it’s these beautiful notecards.

Pick from 19 different designs and a variety of font styles; you can even add a return address on the included envelopes.

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Venus Et Fleur Lé Mini

Flowers are a great gift, especially when you perhaps don’t know the hostess or her tastes particularly well. But what if you could give flowers that wouldn’t die in a week? Well, you can.

These are unique Eternity Roses, real roses specially treated to last a full year with no care required (except maybe the occasional dusting). This petite arrangement is perfect for an end table or nightstand, and can be completely customized; choose from six box colors and 19 different colors of roses.

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Celina Mancurti Monogram Leather Coasters

Coasters are the perfect little something to bring to a cocktail party or informal gathering, and these are especially choice. The set of four is made of sturdy leather that will break in and patina with time, so they only get better the more they’re used and can be monogrammed with your host’s initials for an extra special personal touch.

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Stonewall Kitchen Bloody Mary Gift

Pick this up if you’re heading to brunch. It comes complete with everything needed to whip up a delicious Bloody Mary, including two types of mix and all kinds of yummy garnishes. (Bonus points for the cute galvanized bucket packaging.) Kick it up a notch and pair it with a bottle of vodka and you’re good to go.

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CB2 2-Piece Sadye Resin Salad Server Set

If you’re searching for a smaller, more budget-friendly gift that still feels special, look no further. Tapered handles in a tortoise shell pattern give off mid-century modern vibes, and the slotted and non-slotted spoon duo can also be used either together or solo.