From housewarming parties to Sunday dinner, be the ultimate guest with these thoughtful host and hostess gifts suited for any interest
GIFTING
10 AMAZING HOST AND HOSTESS GIFTS THAT AREN’T A BOTTLE OF WINE
Celebrate your host, and all the effort they put in to crafting a memorable soirée, by thinking outside the box for a gift. While a bottle of wine or a bouquet of beautiful blooms is always welcome, a gift that’s geared towards their personal interests will be treasured for years to come. Whatever your host is passionate about—from music to baking—we’ve curated a list of thoughtful gift ideas that are sure to inspire long after the party is over.
FOR THE ENTERTAINER
As the consummate host, their motto is “the more, the merrier,” and they’re always game to throw a party—no matter the occasion! They might love putting out a spread for their nearest and dearest, but you can always play sous-chef by gifting them a beautiful charcuterie board, all dressed up and ready to serve. Opt for a timeless wooden, marble or slate board, and take a trip to your local grocery store to fill it with a scrumptious selection of meats, cheeses, dried fruit, nuts and sweet and savoury spreads. Best of all, your host can bring out the board again, because they’re sure to plan another gathering soon.
FOR THE MUSIC LOVER
Their vinyl collection is enviable, and you’re constantly downloading their playlists and asking for new music recommendations. If your favourite music lover is throwing a party, come armed with a tune to jam to. Pair an album with a musical-themed novel or a memoir by their favourite artist—think Daisy Jones and the Six and Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours; The Never-Ending Present and Tragically Hip’s Day for Night or Nina Simone’s I Put a Spell On You, both the album and the autobiography.
FOR THE BAKER
Their home smells like freshly baked treats, because they’re always experimenting to bring their sugary confections to the next level. A new baking cookbook, like Bravetart, Bake the Seasons or Christina Tosi’s All About Cake, will let them try out new recipes, sparking their creativity in the kitchen. Make this baking gift even sweeter by making one of the recipes and wrapping it up with the cookbook. They can serve it for dessert, or enjoy it during a quiet moment once the party’s come to a close.
FOR THE WELLNESS MINDED
Give the gift of time and help that special someone stay present. If your host has been thoughtfully exploring the world of wellness, guide them along their journey. A beautiful diffuser paired with a high-quality essential oil makes an ideal housewarming gift. If they need a bit of R&R, wrap up a soft, cozy meditation pillow, along with a subscription to a mindfulness app, such as Unplug. Your host will be able to reflect and unwind at their leisure.
FOR THE PLANT PARENTS
Raising a brood of plant babies is always rewarding! For those looking to turn their home into a greenhouse, pick up the gorgeous book Decorating with Plants and while you’re at it, add some greenery to their collection. Whether they have a green thumb or aspire to remember to fill up the watering can, look for a hardy plant that requires only a little love, like a Sansevieria or Neanthe Bella Palm, along with an adorable new planter that fits the aesthetic of their home.
FOR THE AT-HOME BARISTA
Coffee is more than just a morning pick-me-up for this host. They can explain the difference between single-origin beans and coffee blends, and they love to experiment with different brewing methods to craft that perfect cup of joe. Gifts for the coffee lover will help them up their game with a new Chemex, Bodum French press or stunning pour-over kettle. Or, gift a beautiful new mug with a pound of beans from their favourite indie coffee shop.
FOR THE BEER CONNOISSEUR
Beer has come a long way, and your beer-loving friend likes nothing more than sitting back with a pint, good food and even better company. Make their day with a gift for the beer lover, like a flight of striking glasses and stop by a local craft brewery to pick up a unique selection of suds for them to try. Grab an assortment of bottles or cans, so your host can sample brews made in an array of styles and flavours.
FOR THE DESIGN AFICIONADO
Indulge the design aficionado’s love of beautiful things with a gorgeous coffee table book that’ll delight and inspire. For minimalists, Cereal Magazine’smonochrome city guides (London, New York and Paris) will let them dream about their next adventure. Quirky foodies with an eye for graphic design will get a kick out of Menu Design In America, and fashion lovers will appreciateVogue 100, which chronicles the visual history of the iconic magazine.
FOR THE ECO-CONSCIOUS
They inspire you to live a greener, more sustainable life, so when they’re hosting a get together, follow in their footsteps with a zero-waste gift. Find a bottle of bioStasherdynamic, organic wine and place it in a fun, reusable Baggu bag. Or, fill a few siliconebags with their favourite chocolates and candy (buy them in bulk to minimize waste). If they like to create memories with experiences, consider a gift like a spa gift certificate, concert tickets or passes to a unique, local food tour.