Hostess and Housewarming Gifts
Showing up empty-handed? Never. Showing up with something better than a grocery-store bouquet? Now we're talking. These are our favorite hostess and housewarming gifts for holiday parties, dinner invites and friends settling into a new place. They're easy, thoughtful, and a lot more memorable.
The guides
Frequently asked
What is a good housewarming gift?
Something useful for the new space, or a little luxury to enjoy while unpacking: a great candle, a nice serving piece, a plant, gourmet treats, or a quality kitchen tool. Neutral, well-made picks are safest when you don't know their style.
What is a good hostess gift?
Bring something the host can enjoy later, not something they need to deal with mid-party: specialty treats, a candle, nice hand soap, or a small kitchen luxury.
What's a good hostess gift for a weekend stay?
Go a step up from a dinner-party gift: a gourmet breakfast basket, a lovely candle or linens, or something for the house. Offering to cook a meal during your stay is a gift, too.
What's a good housewarming gift for someone who has everything?
Consumables and experiences: gourmet food, a local restaurant gift card for unpacking nights, or a beautiful plant. See our hosting and housewarming picks.
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This guide contains affiliate links, which means we receive a small commission from some purchases to help support our team. All picks are determined editorially by our staff; there has been no compensation in exchange for our picks.
belgian chocolate hanukkah oreo box
From: Seriously Awesome Holiday Hostess Gifts Under $30 So You Can Buy Two and Keep One for Yourselfjonathan adler 4-piece pen set
From: Seriously Awesome Holiday Hostess Gifts Under $30 So You Can Buy Two and Keep One for Yourselfmezzaluna chopping knife set
From: Seriously Awesome Holiday Hostess Gifts Under $30 So You Can Buy Two and Keep One for Yourselfwoodland cookie cutter set
From: Seriously Awesome Holiday Hostess Gifts Under $30 So You Can Buy Two and Keep One for Yourselfhand embroidered holiday dish towel
From: Seriously Awesome Holiday Hostess Gifts Under $30 So You Can Buy Two and Keep One for Yourselfspiced chile hot chocolate mix gift tin
From: Seriously Awesome Holiday Hostess Gifts Under $30 So You Can Buy Two and Keep One for Yourselfpersonalized scrabble initial stationery
From: Seriously Awesome Holiday Hostess Gifts Under $30 So You Can Buy Two and Keep One for Yourselfbouchon bakery milk it/dunk it bottle set
From: Seriously Awesome Holiday Hostess Gifts Under $30 So You Can Buy Two and Keep One for Yourselfthe essential bar book
From: Seriously Awesome Holiday Hostess Gifts Under $30 So You Can Buy Two and Keep One for Yourselfstriped taper candles
From: Seriously Awesome Holiday Hostess Gifts Under $30 So You Can Buy Two and Keep One for Yourselfsugar paper for target 2015 weekly calendar planner
From: Seriously Awesome Holiday Hostess Gifts Under $30 So You Can Buy Two and Keep One for Yourself
Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board (assembled or kit)
A curated charcuterie board set (board, knives, and suggested pairing guide) makes a versatile gift for hosts who prefer grazing-style holiday gatherings.
From the guide
A quick guide to what goes on a seder plate
A compact guide explaining the items on a seder plate — a thoughtful gift for someone hosting or learning about Passover traditions.
From: Passover roundup: Our favorite Passover recipes, kid crafts, and even a free printable Hamilton Haggadah
Long Slim Wood Serving Board (Sur La Table style)
A long, skinny wooden serving board that's ideal for small appetizers and stylish enough to present as a gift for hosts who entertain.
From the guide
Eco-Friendly Holiday Tableware Ideas Guide
A compact guide with ideas for sustainable, low-waste table settings—great for hosts who want greener holiday entertaining.
From: Yes, real Christmas trees are better for the environment than artificial trees. Here are the facts.
Cute Party Skewers Set
Decorative skewers to serve appetizers like meatballs or fruit—a small, host-friendly gift that makes entertaining easier and more festive.
From the guide
Printable 2017 New Year's Eve Photo Booth Printables (Paper and Cake on Etsy)
Printable photo booth props and backdrop printables — an easy, festive gift for hosts to create party-ready photo stations.
From: 15 Glitzy and glam 2017 New Year's party printables, recipes + DIY decorations to help you kick 2016 out the door
Red Cabbage and Apple Salad Recipe
A make-ahead, crunchy salad recipe combining apples, walnuts, and blue cheese—nice to gift as part of a recipe set for fall menus.
From the guide
Personalized Pie Plate or Serving Platter with Handwriting
Food-, dishwasher-, and oven-safe ceramic serving pieces personalized with a family recipe or handwriting.
From: 20 very cool personalized gifts for adults to make things extra special this year | Holiday Gift Guide
Honey Herb Roasted Chicken Recipe (Tori Avey)
A flavorful roasted chicken recipe that can be given as a printed recipe card or packaged meal-kit for an easy holiday host gift.
From the guide
Ceramic Oil Pour Bottle
Stylish ceramic oil dispenser for controlled pouring and countertop display.
From: 21 Target gifts for moms that hit the bullseye in 2025
Simple White Stoneware Serving Dishes (West Elm-style)
Classic white stoneware serving dishes that showcase food and work year-round — a thoughtful gift for hosts who love simple, versatile tableware.
From the guide
2-Piece Floral Serving Set
A small two-piece floral serving set suitable for serving snacks or displaying on a table — a pretty, functional gift.
From: 32 cool (really!) Mother's Day Gifts, all $15 and under | Mother's Day Gift Guide 2018
One-Pot Chicken & Stuffing Casserole (recipe idea)
A recipe kit with pre-measured ingredients for a one-pot chicken and stuffing casserole is a practical gift for busy hosts who want comforting, minimal-effort holiday fare.
From the guide