Choosing a Gift for the Host
H
ave you been invited to a dinner party or a holiday event at a co-worker's home? It’s customary to show your gratitude by bringing a gift for the host or hostess. These small gifts are not usually expensive or extravagant. Something around $20 is perfect.
These gifts can range from useful items (guest soaps or candles) to a favourite bottle of wine, and everything in-between. It is usually something the hosts would use in the course of entertaining, however don’t expect the hosts to serve or use the hostess gift, including wine, at the party — wine may have already been chosen for the meal. The gift is theirs to enjoy later if they wish, or share with others (like a box of chocolates).
Hostess gifts are usually not opened immediately (unless you are the only invited guest) so as not to embarrass any other guests who didn’t bring a gift.
| ‣ cocktail napkins | ‣ Tea towels | |||
| ‣ Candles | ‣ Apron | |||
| ‣ Serving plate | ‣ Coasters | |||
| ‣ Gourmet chocolates | ‣ Gourmet nuts | |||
| ‣ Gourmet dried fruit | ‣ Tin of specialty cookies | |||
| And More | ||||
| ‣ Craft beer | ‣ Liquor | |||
| ‣ Cheese spreaders | ‣ Set of flavored vinegars | |||
| ‣ Serving plate | ‣ Selection of teas | |||
| ‣ Cheese board | ‣ Candy dish | |||
| ‣ potted plant |
All the following are from Stokes Canada:
Ever lose track of your glass at a party? Well, with this set of 6 tassel glass markers
it will not occur again. The various
tassles are colored for easy recognition and add a little pizzaz to the
gathering. They can be
used on many types of glasses. stokesstores.com
When your party is a self-serve buffet it's great to have the Laguiole 4-Pc
spreader set — perfect for serving paté and cheese. The knives are made of
stainless steel and marble and can be hand washed. Place them
in their beautiful wooden box when you're through. stokesstores.com
Going back to school? Not really, but your guests can write little messages in chalk on this original set of 4 all-black slate coasters. A small wood-like tray completes the set. stokesstores.com
Go ahead make a mess, this apron is machine washable and has adjustable straps and a pocket. The colorful tropical pattern is a reminder that everyday is summer somewhere. stokesstores.com
Remember to send a thank you note (these days even an email is OK) as soon as possible — 48 hours is the maximum time you should wait. Even if you brought a gift, a short note letting the host(s) know that you enjoyed the get-together is proper etiquette.
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General Host Gift Etiquette
What are the cultural differences in host gift etiquette around the world?owers), especially during the Victorian era.
Are there any gifts that are considered inappropriate to give to a host?
How do you choose a gift for a host who has everything?
Budget & Price Range
What are some good host gift ideas under $10?
Are there situations where a more expensive host gift is appropriate?
Personalization & Thoughtfulness
How can you personalize a host gift without being too intrusive?
What are some DIY host gift ideas that are still elegant and appropriate?
Specific Gift Ideas
What are some eco-friendly or sustainable host gift options?
Can you recommend gifts for hosts who don’t drink alcohol?
What are some good edible gift ideas besides chocolates and wine?
Presentation & Timing
Should host gifts be wrapped, and if so, how?
“Is it acceptable to bring a gift after the event if you forgot it initially?
Thank You Notes & Follow-Up
What should you include in a thank you note to a host?
Are thank you cards still preferred over emails for formal occasions?
Special Occasions
What are appropriate gifts for holiday-specific host events (like Thanksgiving or Christmas)?
What if the host is also a close friend or family member — does the gift etiquette change?
Some suggested AI sites are: ChatGPT, Claude.ai, Perplexity.ai, Deepseek and others.
By D Revelins
Photo Credits: See Acknowledgements