15 Holiday Party Hostess Gifts That Go Above and Beyond
The (virtual) holiday shopping season kicked off early this year, so chances are you’ve started scheming what kind of gifts you want to give — and get. Maybe you’ve already purchased that special something for your partner or parents, or have the perfect gift to send your astrology-loving coworker or beauty-obsessed sister. For the people in your inner circle, it’s usually not too challenging to figure out what kind of surprise they’ll most appreciate, but one recipient inevitably proves challenging: The holiday party host.
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The ideal host gift can be anything you think they would love, but might not necessarily buy for themselves. Think: a decorative item that suits their taste, or even a fancy snack kit. When they go through all the trouble of decorating, arranging, cooking, and planning a celebration for everyone to enjoy, your host deserves some extra thanks, after all. Here are 15 above-and-beyond gifts they’re sure to appreciate.
Whiled Busy Bodies Puzzle
A 1,000-piece puzzle is a challenge even for the most avid puzzle fan. This colorful, artist-designed option makes for several nights of entertainment (and a very satisfying final result).
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Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Single Vineyard & Special Sites Trio
You can't go wrong gifting a bottle of red (or three) during the chilly winter months. Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Single Vineyard & Special Sites Trio of Cabernet Sauvignon are full-bodied wines — expect aromas and flavors of black cherry, cardamom spice, and dark chocolate — that will please everyone on the guest list.
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Great Jones Hot Dish
Perfectly sized for lasagna, brownies, or just a nice, big batch of roasted veggies, this retro-inspired dish is versatile and cute enough to keep out on a shelf. Don’t be surprised when it inspires your host to show off their kitchen adventures on Instagram.
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Maude Hydrating Coconut Milk Bath
A nice, long soak is a simple yet effective remedy to stress — what better gift for the host who could use a break? Infused with salts from the Southern Dead Sea, this lightly scented coconut milk bath also relaxes tired muscles, to lead to a great night’s sleep.
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Areware Kirby Vase
If you’re going to bring flowers, bring them in a cute vase that can instantly be put on display. This curvy one is refreshingly modern, yet simple enough to mesh well with a variety of interior styles.
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La Maison du Chocolat Holiday Treats Gift Box
When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with chocolate. Not only are these delectable treats handmade in France, but they’re also packaged in a sweet box that renders gift wrap unnecessary.
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Drew Barrymore Flower Home Vintage Palm Ceramic Organic Serving Tray
This large serving tray may look like an especially good estate sale find, but it’s actually a budget-friendly buy from Drew Barrymore’s Walmart line — and your host’s soon-to-be favorite platter of choice.
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Brooklinen
For the host that always has a candle burning, this set is a match made in heaven. With four different votives, each for a different time of day, they can upgrade the ambiance of their space in a pinch.
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Barbera Olive Oil Gift Set
Whether they’re known for their homemade pasta or you know their meal prep situation could use a boost, your host will get plenty of use out of this Sicilian olive oil gift set. Plus, those decorative bottles will look really good on their counter.
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One Hand Washes the Other Soap
A luxury hand soap ranks high on the list of treat-yourself purchases. Not only will this one look chic sitting on a sink, but it’s also antibacterial and nondrying, so it will leave hands perfectly clean and soft.
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Snowe Marble Coasters
Real marble coasters are a fancy gift that your host will actually use in her day to day life — she might even consider breaking them out during the party.
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Diaspora Co. Gimme the Popcorn! Kit
It’s not a home movie night without a big bowl of popcorn. This kit, which includes organic ghee, popcorn kernels, and turmeric popcorn spice, might even convince your recipient to swear off the microwave option for good.
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Scrabble Luxe Edition Game
For some families, Game Night is practically a holiday in itself. This stunning, maple edition of the classic board game Scrabble is a keepsake the whole household can enjoy for years to come.
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Soft-Touch USB Rechargeable Lighter
Eco-friendly, sleek, and useful, a rechargeable lighter is a tiny luxury that will quickly become an everyday essential. We might even go so far as to call it life-changing.
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Parachute Home Alpaca Boucle Throw
If you have the budget for a more luxe thank you gift, this limited-edition throw blanket is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its on-trend, nubby bouclé texture makes it extra-cozy when thrown on a sofa or at the foot of the bed.