Creative Hostess Gifts Better Than a Bottle of Wine

Whatever party is on your calendar this season, you might already be thinking about what you can bring the host to thank them!

While a bottle of wine is often a customary item to walk through the door with, alcohol may not always be an appropriate gift. The host might be pregnant, taking a drinking break, trying to drink less, or any other reason that might make the gesture awkward rather than exciting.

Fortunately, there are numerous creative and thoughtful gifts that can make your host feel appreciated without relying on booze.

Keep reading for our favorite party favor ideas that are sure to delight and leave a lasting impression on the host.

1. A Fancy Candle

Even if your host tends to hoard candles, you really can't have to many! If you opt for a really nice one, like the Capri Blue Volcano candles from Anthropology, I guarantee it will be the go-to choice for wanting to fill the house with auromas.

2. Beautiful Coaster Set

Coasters are a fun gift because you can go the route of durable, cute, or fancy. Consider your host's taste and you're sure to find the perfect party gift!

3. Classy Olive Oil Set

Something that adds to the kitchen asthetic and tastes good, too. Look for an oil set from a high-quality brand like Branche, which has beautiful branding and top-notch flavors for your hostess with the mostest!

4. Coffee or Tea Gift Set

For the caffeine lovers out there, a coffee or tea gift set is a fantastic gift and something that might be used in the course of the evening.

Select premium coffee beans or a variety of loose-leaf teas packaged in an elegant box or basket. Add in a cute mug or a stylish teapot for a complete set.

5. Charcuterie Board (Pre-Filled or Not)

Who doesn't love a charcuterie board? Make the hostess' job a little easier with pre-filled charcuterie board for all the guests or bring a beautiful new board for them to use when they please.

6. An Interesting New Bev

Forget the obligatory bottle of red wine you hand to the hostess upon entry. Let's bring something intentional and exciting this time!

Try a fun functional bev like De Soi or a Grüvi non-alcoholic variety pack for everyone to try! Your host will thank you for introducing them to something new and for the hangover free Sunday to follow.

7. Disposable or Polaroid Camera

Everyone loves the keepsakes an Instax Fuji camera has to offer. Whether you're buying one for the host or bringing your own with extra film, it's fun for everyone to take home a printed photo from the night.

Film is also very "in" right now for social media posts, so bringing a regular disposable camera for the night is also a good idea.

8. Indoor Plant

Bring a touch of nature into your host's home with a small succulent or an indoor plant. Choose a low-maintenance option that can thrive indoors, such as aloe vera or a spider plant. This gift will bring life and freshness to the room!

9. Unique Snacks

Find a local or niche market near by and load up on party snacks! There are so many unique, specialty brands out there that party guests will be thrilled to sample.

Here's some of our fav funky munchies: Late July, Dot's Pretzels, Legally Addictive, ffups, Toodaloo, and Pan's Mushroom Jerky.

10. Board Game or Puzzle

This might not seem like the typical gift for a party host, but you'll definitely be the one bringing the fun to the evening!

Try something conversational like Hot Takes or an active outdoor game like ladder toss for your summer shindigs.

11. Artisanal Chocolates

Indulge your host's sweet tooth with a selection of artisanal chocolates or gourmet desserts. Look for unique flavors and high-quality confections that will tantalize their taste buds. This delectable gift is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.