29 Most Fun Hostess Gift Ideas for 2025

Navigating the tradition of coming up with a thoughtful hostess gift idea can feel oddly high-stakes. A simple rule helps: choose something ready to enjoy, easy to stash and free of strings. That means no expectation that the host must serve it that night, no hunt for a vase mid-entrée and no puzzle about where to store it.

So, what is a customary gift to bring on a visit to someone's home? Think in terms of timing and tone. For new friends or first visits, a small, polished token works best. For longtime hosts, a playful surprise or an IOU for a future treat lands just right. This guide rounds up our favorite hostess gift ideas and covers the etiquette of giving them, so you can match the occasion, the friendship and the menu. At the end of the day, it's all about showing your appreciation for their hard work.

Jump to Section

• Creative Hostess Gift Ideas
• Foodie Hostess Gift Ideas
• Unique Hostess Gift Ideas
• Luxury Hostess Gift Ideas
• Inexpensive Hostess Gift Ideas
• Hostess Gift Etiquette

Creative Hostess Gift Ideas

1. Art Classes

Hostess gift ideas don't have to be enjoyed right away. After all the hard work they've put into your occasion, give them a nudge to relax by booking them into an art class. This easy last-minute hostess gift idea takes them to a local art studio, where they'll learn abstract painting ideas, painting techniques, sculpture and whatever else they're feeling curious about. This gift keeps giving long after the party, opening the door to a new creative hobby and a trove of beautiful creations.

You can find great options wherever you are, including art classes in San Diego, Portland or Chicago. If you're unsure which class they want to get, get them a creative gift card so they can choose!

2. Paint and Sip

A fun alternative to a conventional workshop, with a boozey twist, paint and sip puts a social spin on art-making endeavors, allowing participants to learn and socialize over a few drinks. A local artist will guide them step-by-step through the realisation of a beginner painting idea so that even those with no artistic experience will have the confidence to get creative. You can find a range of paints and sips near you, including paint and sips in Portland, Los Angeles and Orange County.

3. A Pretty Journal 

Journals and blank books serve all sorts of purposes, from diaries and scrapbooks to planners and to-do list-making spots. A gorgeous bound journal or planner makes a great hostess gift idea, particularly if your hostess loves writing or journaling. Include an inscription on the inside front cover to commemorate the occasion. The Leuchtturm1917 A5 Dotted Hardcover turns quick lists and notes into a pleasure.

4. Pottery Classes

Encourage your host to get their hands dirty and their mind clear at a local pottery studio. It's hard not to fall in love with this slow and intentional craft, and they'll only love it more as they fill their home with handmade pottery, sculpture other ceramics. Under expert supervision and with access to professional-grade pottery tools, they'll take on wheel-throwing, hand-building all the way up to glazing pottery and firing it.

Enrol your hostess in a nearby pottery class, whether they're in Minneapolis, Portland, NYC or somewhere in between, for a hostess gift that will soon become a way of life.

5. Jewelry Kit 

A fun and engaging hostess gift idea that fosters both creativity and ends with a keepsake finished product is one of many handmade jewelry kits. The Paxcoo Jewelry Making Supplies Kit bundles findings, tools and beads in one tidy case — easy to tuck away until the next creative burst.

6. Paint by Numbers Set

These fun little sets include everything you need to make a masterpiece and are great, cheap hostess gift ideas even for the untrained. You can find kits for all tastes in art, from masterworks to more fun and kitschy renderings of pop culture favorites and kittens. The Van Gogh “Starry Night” Paint by Numbers set makes the classic achievable, even without a fine-art degree.

7. Candle Making Kit

Candle making is a very beginner-friendly endeavor, which makes a candle kit a perfect hostess gift idea that is both cozy and home-centered. Most kits will include wax, scented oils, containers and wicks to make your own creations. When finished, the hostess has a candle to remind her of the gathering. If you think they'd like to take a deeper dive into the world of aromatherapy candles and scent formulation, book them into a local candle making workshop as well.

Foodie Hostess Gift Ideas

8. Cooking or Beverage Classes

A good hostess gift for foodies will appeal to their curiosity rather than their to-do list. With a local cooking class, they'll have the chance to explore a world of flavors under the supervision of a professional chef. There are many options to choose from; they might want to develop their knife skills, master French classics or even just have a little bit of fun learning some new Halloween cookie recipes. At the end of the class, they'll sit down and enjoy the fruits of their labour.

You can find cooking classes near you, including in Dallas, Boston and Washington, D.C. For an extra gift for cocktail lovers, you can also find a number of wine-tasting or mixology classes that make great hostess gift ideas for a cocktail party.

9. Sushi Rolling Kit

One of the trickiest culinary treats to master, sushi is always a favorite. A great hostess gift idea for dinner is a ready-made sushi kit that makes learning fun. The AYA Sushi Making Kit includes mats, paddles and guides that keep rolls tight and tidy.

10. Herb Garden Starter Set

If your hostess hasn't made her herb garden ideas a reality already, this gift is a great option to set her up with one. Numerous ready-made starter kits are available from various retailers or you can fashion your own in a gift basket of seed packs, containers, tools and a gardening how-to book. Great seeds to start include rosemary, sage and oregano.

11. Sauce Samplers

This perfect hostess gift idea will be used long after the party is over. Fly By Jing Triple Threat drops heat, tingle and umami onto everything from eggs to dumplings. From flavored dressings and oils to barbecue sauces, they offer an excellent opportunity to sample new flavors and combinations. 

12. Cookbook

Even though there are a wealth of recipes available online, there is still a certain amount of charm to a printed cooking manual for both use and display. Find out what your hostess loves and pick up a book with some of their favorite recipes and cuisines. Alison Roman’s Nothing Fancy earns its counter space with relaxed menus that remain party-ready. You can also personalize the book with a thank you inscription on the inside page. 

13. Tea Towels or Linens

No kitchen ever has enough potholders or pretty tea towels, so these make excellent options for a small hostess gift idea. Opt for humor or favorite patterns/colors for close friends or pick up more classic and stylish options in stripes and checks for those you are still getting to know.

Unique Hostess Gift Ideas

14. Dance Classes

Dance classes are a fun way to embrace movement and pick up some new steps. It never hurts to loosen up a bit and with a hostess gift idea like this, they'll soon not have a care in the world. You can find a range of local dance classes nearby, including in Las Vegas, Orlando or Nashville.

Wherever they are, they can also enjoy online dance classes at home, where they can explore everything from salsa and line dancing to ballet and ballroom-style dancing.

15. Flower Arranging

A more fun and engaging alternative to just showing up with a bouquet is to gift your hostess enrollment in a flower arranging class, where they can learn to assemble their own gorgeous arrangements. You can find flower arranging workshops at florists and community centers or take advantage of some great virtual flower arranging classes wherever you are.

16. Art Museum Membership or Passes

A perfect hostess gift idea for someone who enjoys arts and culture is to purchase a museum membership or passes for them to enjoy at a later date. Not only is it an unexpected treat, but will also be remembered long after the occasion. Whether it’s an art museum, natural history museum or historic site, there is something to capture every interest.

17. Pet Treats or Grooming 

In many homes, pets take center stage. What better way to honor your hostess than by bringing treats or toys for her favorite pet? You can create a pet-themed hostess gift basket or give a voucher for a visit to the groomer or pet spa. 

18. Custom DIY Frame

A one-of-a-kind small and cheap hostess gift idea is to create a custom frame as a gift commemorating the occasion. With a glue gun, some decorative elements and a simple wood frame, you can create a fun piece of memorabilia. The hostess can later print out and add a photo of the evening’s festivities, making a great keepsake. 

Luxury Hostess Gift Ideas 

19. Scented Oil Diffuser

A great housewarming gift idea for a hostess is an essential oil diffuser, which will make a new home rich in lovely scent and ambiance. You can choose a variety that uses oils or wax inserts to release scent on a timed basis that can be used to foster a calming, energetic or cozy environment in any room.  The ceramic Vitruvi Stone Diffuser runs quietly and looks chic on a bookshelf or tray.

20. Luxe Throw Blanket

A useful hostess gift idea is a luxurious throw for the home, which will not only keep them warm and cozy but make them think of the occasion long after. Throw blankets are one of those things we use in abundance, but never really purchase for ourselves. The famously comfy Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Throw is a hostess gift idea that she'll want to take with her everywhere.

21. Glassware or Barware

For a housewarming party, new glassware or barware is a great hostess gift idea, particularly since filling a new home requires some fresh additions. A set of RIEDEL Ouverture Red Wine Glasses are dishwasher-safe workhorses that still look elegant. You can go as big or small as you like, including dish/glassware sets such as this or individual pieces.

22. Spa Day

One of the most luxurious hostess gift ideas for a friend is to treat your much-tired hostess to a pampering day at the spa, either alone or with you, making it a perfect gift for best friends. You can find vouchers and passes online for various spas or include a spa day pass with other picks like DIY bath bombs, pretty bath oils or salts. This gift idea for the hostess will always be a favorite.

23. Artwork

If you are well-acquainted with your hostess's tastes and aesthetics, a great hostess gift idea is a piece of original artwork. Consider framed originals or photographs, intricate pottery or fine glass sculptures. 

Inexpensive Hostess Gift Ideas

24. Flowers or Plants

A simple bouquet or a favorite plant can be a wonderful, inexpensive hostess gift idea that gives a lot of bang for little bucks. Plants, bushes and trees are great for longevity, but even bouquets and cut flower arrangements can be beautiful in their fleetingness.

You can even choose your flowers to match the flowers to the occasion with this list from Iowa State University, perfect as hostess gift ideas for baby showers, birthdays and other special occasions.

25. Baked Goods

A perfect, inexpensive hostess gift idea that is both personal and heartfelt is sharing some homemade baked goods. Whether you are gifting brownies, pies or freshly-made cookies, decorative touches and pretty packaging can make them an easy and tasty gift. 

26. Candles

Always a tried and true small hostess gift idea, no one can ever have too many candles. They are particularly great as housewarming gifts. Choose a favorite scent or color that suits the hostess' home or the occasion.

Price points can vary between more luxurious brand-name candles in gorgeous pottery or less expensive varieties available at retailers. If you’re crafty, consider making a batch of custom candles in pretty packaging to use as hostess gifts in general. 

27. Sweet Treats

If you know they have a sweet tooth, a box of their favorite candy can be one of the easiest and most inexpensive gift ideas for the hostess. A box of fine chocolates or a basket of gummy treats can be devoured during the party or saved to be heartily enjoyed later after the house has emptied. 

28. Wine or Booze

Available almost everywhere, it’s very easy to pick up a bottle as a last-minute gift idea that is always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, most alcohol makes a perfect gift under $50. There are varieties to suit every occasion, from fine wines, which make a great gift for wine lovers, to a more casual 12-pack of bottles, or from cocktail mixes to small-batch bourbons. It's a hostess gift idea for dinner that's a classic for a reason.

29. Tea or Coffee

For another beverage option for an inexpensive hostess gift idea, give a pound of richly flavored coffee or a pretty box of teas. Try Intelligentsia House Blend or Harney & Sons Paris Tea Classic Tin, depending on their ritual. These are always a hit, especially for those who don’t drink alcohol or love hot beverages. Hot chocolate is another fave, particularly in the winter and for holiday occasions. You can also pair them with a cool mug that will serve as a keepsake. 

Hostess Gift Etiquette

When is a Hostess Gift a Good Idea?

While different regions and even different families have varying ideas on the customary practice of bringing a little something to thank your host or hostess for opening up their home to you, there is some common advice regarding hostess gift giving.

Great occasions for gifts include dinner parties, brunches, lunches and cocktail parties, as well as everyday visits, particularly if it’s a longer, weekend stay or you are visiting a new home.

What Do You Give as a Hostess Gift?

The goal is to bring something that is a thank you gesture but requires minimal expectation of the hostess amid the event to have to address or unwrap the gift immediately during the bustle.

If giving flowers, it may help to bring them in a ready-made container, for example. If giving food or drink, try not to present it with the expectation it needs to be immediately consumed, particularly if it conflicts with the planned menu.

How Much Should I Spend on a Hostess Gift?

This answer will, of course, vary depending on the occasion and the relationship. A good rule is that the more casual the occasion, the less expense.

When Should You Not Bring a Hostess Gift?

Usually, large formal dinners where you do not know the host well do not necessitate gifts. If going to a birthday celebration, shower or graduation party, a gift for the recipient is usually enough, though you may also bring a small something if the host of the party is someone else.

The perfect hostess gift ideas can be a great thank you gift and a fun way to connect with your hosts. From small and inexpensive gestures to more luxurious options, a hostess gift is always sure to be a hit.

For even more fun gift ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!