How many times have you been invited to a dinner party or housewarming and don't know what to show up with? A bottle of wine or some baked goods are great options and are always appreciated. But if you want to step outside the box (of cookies?), we think there are other fun and affordable options to choose from. And now that it's the holiday season, you'll probably be going to lots of parties, whether it's a Friendsgiving or Christmas movie marathon, so this is the time to come up with some useful favorites that you can order now and keep on hand for whenever you need them. Whether you're tagging along to a game night as a plus-one or spending the evening at a close family member or friend's gathering, the best hostess gifts are useful for the host — and affordable for you.
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We like to consider options that can be used during the party, but we also like options that can be used after, whether it's for cleaning up or winding down the day after. After all, throwing a party takes lots of energy! So whether you are looking for a gift for someone you know really well or are stepping into someone's home for the first time, we have you covered with thoughtful choices. Below are some of our favorite picks, ranging from a fun pair of slippers to a bottle of non-alcoholic spirits — and best of all, they all come in at under $50.
A Fancy Bottle Of Non-Alcoholic Spirits
Amazon
Whether or not your host drinks, they'll be sure to appreciate this high-quality bottle of non-alcoholic spirits from Kin Euphorics. It's an earthy, spicy mix dusted with clove and cinnamon, and it can be served hot or cold with mixers such as ginger beer or oat milk. Best of all, it contains melatonin to help your host have sweet dreams after a long night of entertaining.
A Flower Arrangement They'll Have Forever
Amazon
This floral arrangement features beautiful white roses and greenery in a glass vase — but they're made of silk, and won't need to be watered, trimmed or thrown out in a few days. Reviewers say the wire stems make it easy to assemble and that the faux flowers are high-quality and realistic. The glass vase is also decorated with the ribbon and beads, and it's truly a beautiful gift they are sure to cherish.
A Pitcher for Water or Margaritas Makes the Best Hostess Gift
Anthropologie
If you're throwing a party, you know you can never have too much glassware. And whether they're serving up water with dinner or margaritas during happy hour, this pitcher is beautiful enough to serve as a centerpiece.
A Cozy Pair of Slippers
Amazon
Another gift that prioritizes the hostess and shows how thankful you are to come over, these warm and cozy open-toed slippers are a perfect find. We love the color options and that they're soft and comfortable, too.
A Beautiful Set of High-Quality Tea
Amazon
Your hostess will love this tea gift set and the opportunity to indulge in an artisanal blend of masala chai, Earl Grey masala chai or sweet green tea. In fact, she'll never want to step into a Starbucks again knowing that she can make a warm cup right at home. Plus, this set comes in a regal gift box that will earn you some brownie points for your attention to detail and creativity.
A Bath Pillow for a Relaxing Day After Hosting
Amazon
You will be the most loved guest at this dinner party if you present the hostess with this luxury bath pillow. After all the cooking and preparing she's done all day, she will enjoy using this for some self-care the next day. It offers patent-pending ergonomic neck support, a soft and breathable fast-drying fabric, and suction cups to keep from sliding while she relaxes. Reviewers especially love the washing bag that is included to keep it clean and tidy for long-term use. You can also pair it with these lavender Epsom salts and still keep it under $40.
A Cheese Board With All the Trimmings
Amazon
Cheese and crackers, anyone? Your hostess friend will want to keep throwing parties all year long, thanks to this adorable cheese and charcuterie board set made with premium bamboo wood. It comes with four cheese knives and a hidden drawer for storage, so she may even be encouraged to include a surprising snack or two in the future. Reviewers love how the tools are stored inside so you can't lose them or scratch them up.
A Fun Party Game to Play With Cocktails
Amazon
While the hostess is busy preparing all the delicious food and drinks for the party, she may have forgotten about the entertainment. Solve that problem with this trivia card game with a twist: Instead of gaining points by getting answers correct, you lose points for missing questions about things that are common knowledge. This is guaranteed to induce laughter and spark conversation, and it is one of the best hostess gifts you can find for $20.
A Fun Holiday Puzzle
Amazon
A puzzle is the perfect gift for a small gathering or a few drinks with friends — and this 1,000-piece puzzle is a gorgeous and fun holiday option for such an occasion. Put on a cozy fire, gather around the coffee table, and build this puzzle with the rest of your group. Plus, once completed, this beautiful illustration can be laminated into a wall decor piece.
A Set of High-Quality Dish Towels
Amazon
These beautiful dish towels come in a set of six and will make a great gift the host will be sure to use during cleanup. They're made of 100% cotton and come in a variety of fun colors and patterns to match the host's kitchen.
A Fun Advent Calendar Full of Chocolate
Amazon
Instead of a box of chocolates or cookies, try gifting this fun Advent calendar. It comes with 24 fun pieces of chocolate from popular brand Lindt, and is sure to be a hit — especially if your host has kids.
Multipurpose Bowls
Anthropologie
It's the little bowl that could. Coming in with six different color options, this lovely little bowl can be used for everything from cereal in the mornings to nuts and snacks when guests come over.
Stylish Coasters
Amazon
Everyone can use coasters, and the best part is, you could always use a few sets. They can be placed in the kitchen, living room, or even the bedroom, and this marble set is guaranteed to go with most decor styles.
A Good Quality Candle
Amazon
A quality candle is always a good call, and the Nest brand comes in at a decent price point with a variety of aromas. Whether you'd like to gift a holiday scent such as "Hearth" or would prefer something that could be used year-round like "Bamboo," you can't go wrong with Nest, as the burn time lasts longer than with cheaper candles and its scents are unmatched.
Bread Baking Starter Kit
Amazon
What better time to take up bread baking than after moving into a new home? This kit comes with all of the supplies you'd need to kick-start this new hobby.
A Timeless Chip and Dip Serving Set
Amazon
Entertainers know there's no such thing as too many chip-and-dip bowls to lay out on the counter for guests. This is an affordable yet classic option for your hostess friend that she'll be able to use for years to come.
The Coziest Throw Blanket
Amazon
A cozy throw blanket (or throw blanket collection) is a must in order to truly feel at home. There's nothing better than having a basket stocked up next to the couch for all of your movie binges, drinking tea by the fire, or late-night puzzle hangouts. This checker pattern is timeless and comes in multiple colors
An Easy-Maintenance Plant
bloomscape
The red prayer plant symbolizes gratitude, making an ideal gift for a hostess. It's an easy plant that even your friends with black thumbs should be able to maintain. It just needs a sunny spot to sit and regular watering to add a nice pop of green to your friend's space.
Serving Utensils
Amazon
Wooden serving utensils are a staple in any kitchen. Plus, who knows? Maybe your hostess could use a couple of extra serving spoons the night you're visiting.
A Cookbook With a Variety of Recipes
Amazon
Adding a new cookbook to your host's collection is a thoughtful gesture. This "Half Baked Harvest" cookbook is full of tasty recipes that chefs at any level are capable of re-creating.
A Simple Vase For flowers
Amazon
While a vase is already a useful gift, coordinate with another friend bringing the flowers so that your host will immediately have somewhere to put them on display.
A Hot Sauce Variety Pack
Amazon
Have a friend who loves hot sauce? This little variety pack is a simple gift they will love. Various flavors are included so they can sample each of them at their own pace and maybe even find a new favorite.
A Spice Starter Set
Amazon
A pantry always needs to be stocked with spices, especially a set as aesthetic as this one. Your hostess will appreciate that this particular starter set is full of staples that will be used up in no time.
A Unique Cocktail Kit
Amazon
A cocktail kit is always a great gift because it's not typically something that someone would buy for themselves. This particular option includes choices you can tailor specifically to your hostess: wine lovers, gin lovers, whiskey lovers — you name it. You can get a pack of different flavored syrups to pair with your spirit of choice and they can easily be mixed with your favorite non-alcoholic mixer if preferred.
The Easiest Decanter For the Aspiring Wino
Amazon
A decanter is a simple way to take your wine-drinking experience to the next level. We love this option because of how easy it is to operate, especially for a hostess who is busy entertaining.
Editor's Note: Products featured on Wide Open Country are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
This article was published in November 2022 and was updated in October 2023.
