home
The Best Hostess Gifts, According to a Home Expert
March 31, 2026
Want to give something to the hostess with the mostess? Shop our favorite gift picks from Tuckernuck’s creative director of home, Tori Mellott.
Meet Our Expert:
Tori Mellott
Having been a lifestyle editor for more than twenty years, Tori focused on everything from beautiful homes to interesting people and chic events. It’s second nature to source and discover special, unexpected treasures for every occasion. And now that she’s at Tuckernuck, she’s doing the very same thing—curating pieces and stories to surprise and delight.
What’s a Hostess Gift?
When your presence isn’t a present, a hostess gift acts as a small “thank you” for the invite. Whether it’s for your best friend or your new neighbor, a thoughtful hostess gift always makes the best kind of impression.
It’s a sign. Give her glassware
that shows you really know her
(astrologically and beyond!).
Candlesticks
Almost too beautiful to burn—these hand-painted tapers will delight even the most discerning hostess.
Candle Holder
These shell holders from Carolina Irving & Daughters are a thoughtful pairing with taper candles or just on their own.
Cheese Knives
A thoughtful set of charcuterie knives is always welcome. Want to be cheesy? Go to the specialty food store and pick up a nice Gouda or Gruyere.
A Good Vintage (in a Great Bag)
Our elegant and exuberant wine bags will jazz up any vintage year.
Bar of Soap
Soap to dish over. Pair with a hand cream or an antique dish for a clean, cool gift.
For the hostess who’s a bit of a luddite, note cards are a gesture of gentility.
Embroidered Cocktail Napkins
Cocktail napkins are the fail-safe gift for any host or hostess.
Serveware
Gift your hostess an olive branch with this serving set that makes a good looking table.
Place Card Holders
Bring something your hostess might never buy for herself—woven basket place card holders!
A Bud Vase (With Blooms)
A classic, tortoiseshell bud vase is a great gift to bring to your hostess, especially if it’s already full of fresh flowers.
Catch-All
This customized catch-all is a great gift for the host on your party list!
Form and function. Our reversible placemats are great for hostesses with little ones who need ultimate efficiency but don’t want to sacrifice style.
Basket
A tisket, a tasket, a cane and lucite basket. This pretty and practical silverware caddy is a great gift to bring to a summer soirée!
Coffee Table Book
THE hostess gift for anyone who is a design enthusiast! Your hostess will be pouring over the pages for weeks to come.
Tea Set
For the friend who’s just your cup of tea, she’ll appreciate this teacup set illustrated by English artist, Luke Edward Hall.
Backgammon Set
Always playing games? A colorful backgammon board looks pretty in play or on display.
Trinket Tray
Tray chic! A delicate raffia tray will have your hostess swooning over its versatility.
What is good general gift giving etiquette?
Always think about the person to whom you are giving the gift to—their personality, interests, collections, and hobbies should be your guiding light. Do they golf? Needlepoint? Bird watch? Collect poodle tchotchkes? Let your host’s or hostess’s passions inform the gift you bring. Also, don’t feel like you need to go overboard—thoughtful is more important than expensive.
What do you get for the person who has everything?
Literally, anything! Try to surprise them with something unusual or quirky—tie-dye socks, strawberry place card holders, a monogrammed throw, chocolate sardines! If you suspect they won't appreciate an "unusual" gift or end up re-gifting it, then just bring a trusty bottle of something good ($50 - $100) wrapped in one of our pretty printed wine bags!
When should you give
someone a hostess gift?
It’s a good idea to bring a gift when it’s more than just you and your friend shooting the breeze. Whether it's a simple bottle of wine or a meticulously thought gift - like a monogrammed cheese board—arrive with something in hand for your host or hostess.
Other FAQs
Do you need to get them something more special if you are an overnight guest?
Yes, if you’re an overnight guest you should bring something a little more than a box of chocolates or a bottle of wine. This is your chance to get creative! Put together a little gift basket—a set of glasses, a gourmet drink mixer, cocktail napkins, and a book of drink recipes. Pick a theme and let your imagination run wild!
How much should you spend on a hostess gift?
It depends on the event and your budget. For a simple cocktail party in the neighborhood of $25-$50 for a more formal affair with a cocktail hour and a seated dinner, $50-$175 and if you’re a weekend guest $150-$400.
What is the greatest hostess gift you’ve received? What made it special?
My best friend always buys me the best gifts—always shocking and surprising—she once bought me $20 slippers from Amazon and another time gave me solid gold engraved bangle bracelet. I love both equally because they were given with love!
Need a little something?