Ultimate Hosting Gift Guide 2024

Written By Rebecca Cousins

It’s that time of the year where we start buying things for our family and friends (or asking for extremely specific things for ourselves). I put together a gift guide for the host or hostess in your life.This post may contain affiliate links. Click here to read our disclosure policy.

More than 150 gift ideas for the host you know that is about to get married, loves to craft, is in college, and more with a bonus section on stocking stuffers. Send this page to the person who you want to buy a gift for you, or use it for your own inspiration. There are a few things that fit into multiple categories, so you might notice a few repeats. These are also great ideas if you love to buy secondhand either for yourself or gifts for others.

Here are the categories (Click the title to be taken to that section):

  • Stocking Stuffers: Perfect small-ish gifts in the $5-$15 range

  • Homemade gifts: If all else fails, bake them something. Here’s what I turn to the most when I need to make a gift.

  • Quality Basics: These are some of my favorite brands that should last a lifetime if taken care of.

  • Heirloom Timeless Pieces: If you’re ready to invest in some

  • Hosting Essentials: These are the things I use almost every time I host.

  • Drinks: From cups and glasses to cocktail shakers and wine markers, this section is a great place to start.

  • College Host: If I were able to bring any of these items back in a time machine to when I first started learning to host, these would have been the most helpful

  • Newlyweds: This is a deep dive that could honestly use it’s own post. Filled with more expensive pieces and essentials for the hosting couple.

  • Grill Master: The person who loves to grill outside

  • Crafting host: Think your friend who would love nothing more than to be in her grandma phase, these gifts are for her.

  • Barista: Only the best for your coffee lover friends (as recommended by another coffee lover)

  • Crunchiest person you know: The friend who either already has or has dreamed of brewing their own Kombucha, this is for them.

  • Cute, Fun & Whimsical: Colorful and unique statement pieces for the opposite of beige friend

  • The High End Cook: For ther person who seems to have it all…but do they have any of these?!

Stocking stuffers: These are also great ideas if you’re on a tight budget. Some of the links lead to multiples, so make sure you check how many they come with before buying

  • Ice cream scoop spade: After using this, you’ll wonder why all ice scream scoops aren’t actually shaped like this heavy duty spade. But then you’ll also obnoxiously tell your friends how this is the superior scooping tool, so it may end up being a win-lose situation for you.

  • Vacu-vin wine sealer: Sometimes I just want one glass of wine, but don’t have anyone to share it with. This wine sealer extends the freshness of wine to almost two weeks! I’m typically very picky and do not like day old or more wine, but this sealer works so well, I have been able to drink wine even after it’s been opened for a few days.

  • Magic eraser: This is a huge pack of 100 but for a fraction of what you would usually spend on a box of three (around $12). I find cleaning supplies so annoying to buy, but also an essential that adds up quickly! I would be delighted to receive a few of these in my stocking, and would definitely use them.

  • Maldon sea salt flakes: If someone is even slightly a foodie, they will be stoked on this gift.

  • Tony’s Chocoloney: Buy this pack of four to use for multiple gifts. Not only is this chocolate delicious, the brand works to pay chocolate growers and manufacturers what they are deserve. They also combat exploitive practices associated with growing chocolate used for many manufactured chocolate brands.

    • For a slightly less expensive option, Trader joe’s has corn flake milk chocolate bars, and also pound plus bars that make great gifts

  • Kitchen gloves: No one wants to buy kitchen gloves, but I totally notice a difference in how beat up my cuticles get when I’m not using them. This pack of three works great for multiple stockings.

  • BELOVED Bath & Body hand lotion: I have worked with BELOVED a couple of times now, and I absolutely love all of their seasonal scents. You can buy them online or in store at Target. Bonus that they are also vegan and use ethical farming practices so they are like Bath & Body for your crunchy friend.

  • Danish Dough Whisk: This is a tool that I’ve gotten by without, but would love to receive this as a stocking stuffer!

  • Geometry Kitchen Tea Towels: After someone gifted me one of these, I understood the hype. You can’t go wrong with these tea towels, and I have a 15% off discount code! Use rebecca15 for 15% off at checkout. They have a ton of different prints to choose from, so I included some of my favorites below.

  • Garlic Rocker: Great for small amounts of garlic, and works well without having to peel

  • Stainless steel odor remover: I absolutely do not know the science, but stainless steel can neutralize odors like fish, onion and garlic. A friend gifted this to me, and I’m shocked at how much I use it (it really works!)

  • Bag sealer: I’m obsessed with this and it’s on my Christmas list. We like having chips in the house, but we usually don’t eat the bag all at once. This would prevent me from having to throw away chips all of the time.

Homemade gifts: I have quite a few recipes both on my website, and on my page that work as great homemade gifts (or hostess gifts)

  • Salted Caramel: Makes enough for 1 1/2 cups of caramel. It divides perfectly into three of these jars or two of these jars

  • Peppermint Marshmallows: Squishy and delicious all on their own, these mallows are a delightful edible and novelty gift

  • Apple Cider Granola: Delicious and the perfect gift for someone who is avoiding sweets during the holidays. I like to gift it in these window bags.

  • Rosemary salt: Perfect for the person who loves to make a mixed drink or cook. This can be made far in advance as well. I made this for my father in law last year, and every once in a while he would share with me how he was using it so it was a fun way to bond throughout the year.

  • Chewy caramels: These are a little bit more of a labor of love, but an amazing gift all on their own.

  • Peppermint Bark cookies

Quality Basics:

  • Nordicware half sheet pan: The workhorse of any kitchen, and can be used for baking or dinners

  • Nordicware quarter sheet pan: I don’t personally have one of these, but know if I did I would use it all of the time. It’s perfect for smaller jobs and is only half the clean up

  • Loaf pan: If you plan on baking ever, a loaf pan is a must. I have another pan from this brand and have found that it bakes beautifully and cleans easily.

  • Large stainless steel mixing bowl: Whether you’re making bread, a salad, or need something to toss vegetables before you bake them, you’ll be using this all of the time, and be so thankful for it’s size.

  • Large Glass mixing bowl: Sometimes you need to mix something that also needs to go in the microwave, and in that case you need a glass bowl. This is similar to the one I have from Pampered Chef, and I use it almost every time I bake.

  • Glass pyrex containers with glass lids: One of the bougiest things about me is that if I buy new tupperware, it has to be this set. The glass lids never warp and the silicone doesn’t stain. They are a bit on the heavy side if you plan to take it out and about for a picnic, but overall an excellent choice for storing leftovers.

  • Merten & Stork 3.5 qt Saute pan: If you only can afford one pan, get this one. It heats quickly (not a feature of cast iron), cleans easily, and comes with a lid. My cast iron has turned into decoration since purchasing this pan about a month ago.

  • Microplane Zester: I use this tool almost daily and I find that the brand is extremely high quality (worth the extra few dollars compared to the other brands)

  • Large ice cube mold: Another hosting essential that I use almost every time I host. You can easily add in fruit or herbs to make the ice cubes more interesting or fancy.

Timeless Heirloom Pieces:

Hosting Essentials:

  • Cross-back Japanese style apron: Not having to fiddle with apron strings is always a requirement for an apron I own, this one comes in a few different colors (and it has pockets!)

  • Covered cake stand: I use mine for almost every party to display dessert.

  • Platter: I use this one almost every time I host, It can be warmed slightly in the oven up to 350°F if you have warm appetizers

  • Appetizer plates: My favorite ones are the ones from Crate and Barrel, though they are a bit on the pricy side. I have found them to be very durable and worth the investment, particularly if you love the look.

    • These ones are from Amazon and much cheaper, but not as elevated

  • Serving bowl: This low large serving bowl is beautiful enough to leave on the table or use to display fruits and vegetables in between hosting parties.

  • Oven to table 9x13 pan: This beautiful ceramic serving dish can be cooked in and matches the serving bowls.

  • Tiered platter: The one I have is from Crate & Barrel and they don’t sell it anymore, but I use a tiered server almost every time I host a more casual party where food is served buffet style. Having a taller platter adds dimension to the table scape, and makes it look more interesting.

  • Salad tongs: This is one of those essentials that you might only use a few times a year, but you’ll be so glad you have them when you do!

  • Charcuterie board and knives: I was gifted this set, and love how high quality the utensils are. They spoons and forks are weighted properly so they won’t tip while in the small bowls, and the cheese knifes are heavy and sharp. The board rests standing next to my backsplash when I’m not using it, and it also comes with a board “recipe” book.

  • PF Candle co Scented Candles: I am absolutely obsessed with these candles, and so excited to be an affiliate for them. Here are my favorite scents:

  • Cookbook holder: Kitchen space is a premium when you are cooking for a party, and I always use my cookbook stand when I am cooking a lot.

  • Reversible candle holders: I use these almost every time I host, and I have found the amber color can go with almost any theme

  • Cloth napkins you don’t have to iron: From Geometry House, use rebecca15 for 15% off your order. I like to get three sets for a total of 18, so I know I will have enough.

  • Tablecloths: My favorite basic ones are from Target. They wash well and are 100% cotton. Try to avoid white ones if you have white plates.

  • My digital guides to help make planning easier:

Drinks:

  • Vacu-Vin Wine saver: I am a bit of a snob and do not like to drink wine that is just a day old….until now. This contraption preserves the wine so that it tastes virtually fresh for over a week!

  • Japanese style Cocktail jigger: I love the look of this style jigger, though there are a ton out there to choose from. This one comes in multiple colors.

  • Wine Markers: These are the ones I have, and they are so easy to use. They are trendy and simple to go with any theme.

  • Pitcher: Pitchers are kind of like purses in that you don’t often see new designs, but this one happens to be a little different. I like to have one glass one to show off decorative ice cubes and another that I use for water.

  • Ice bucket: This one is double walled and includes tongs to hopefully prevent sweating.

  • Ribbed glassware set: This is my favorite glassware set on the market right now, comes with small and tall drinking glasses.

  • Large ice cube mold: Another hosting essential that I use almost every time I host. You can easily add in fruit or herbs to make the ice cubes more interesting or fancy.

  • Gold Cocktail set: Available in stainless steel as well

  • Wine opener: This one is all stainless steal, which was surprisingly hard to find. I find this contraption was the smallest and least likely to get cork in the wine.

College host: Thinking back to my own college days, these are some essentials that I know would have helped me throw the most wholesome of parties.

  • Cupcake carrier: If I had one of these in college, I know I would have been making more cupcakes. Once you frost, they become surprisingly precarious to transport without ruining.

  • Shaved ice machine: We have an ancient one of these that my husband used all of the time when he was in college. Check out a shaved ice drink recipe on my feed here.

  • Anthropology baker mouse ornament: Get it before it sells out!

  • Graza Olive oil: On trend, but also delicious. Gift a refill can of oil with it too.

  • Spotify or Apple Music Subscription: Help them skip the adds and play the music they want for the ultimate cool vibe. They will praise you for the song listening freedom.

  • Espresso maker: This is an affordable option that gets the job done.

  • Conversation cards from Lumitory: Use HOST15 for 15% off your order

    • Girls night: This one’s for the girls

    • Dating: To get to know their significant other in a fun and meaningful way

    • Gathering: For any party or get together

  • Glass match cloche: An on trend cute little detail

  • More is More by Molly Baz: This book is cool and creative, and is the thing I have turned to when I really want to impress people. It’s perfect for the aspiring foodie.

  • Checkered tablecloth: Checkers are in (I think) still with the young folk, but include a gift receipt just in case. I have this tablecloth and have used it multiple times this year.

  • Pink candle stick holders: They come in four other colors, these are great anthro dupes

  • Ninja Creami: If I was in college, my friends would be obsessed with the idea of an ice cream party. BYOT (toppings).

  • Milk Street Simple Cookbook by Christopher Kimball: This cookbook has been the one I turn to when I don’t know what to make for dinner. It is perfect for the college cook because most of the recipes don’t call for a lot of ingredients, and has extremely creative yet approachable recipes.

  • Anecdote Candles: I love the “smells like” concept of this brand. They gifted me a few dinner party related ones, and they were so fun.

    • Pool Party: SMELLS LIKE DRUNK SUNSHINE AND PINK FLAMINGOS | Coconut & Mandarin

  • My digital guides to help make planning easier:

Newlyweds: If I made a registry today, these are the things I would register for. Some of them I actually did, and have lasted me for the last ten years.

  • Wedding Conversation Cards from Lumitory: Use these for prewedding celebrations, or set them at tables for the wedding to help keep the conversation going.

  • Dutch oven: Staub has some beautiful colors, and so does Le Creuset. You can’t go wrong with either.

  • Stainlesss Steel Food clips: Can be used for clipping parchment paper when baking, or just

  • Staub rectangular baking dish set: This set of three is currently on sale for $99 while usually $243, and has some beautiful colors

  • Cutting board: I love the look of this checkered one, but you could also choose this one for a high quality affordable option

  • Enamelware prep set: To make an every day item more aesthetic, opt for an enamelware option which is durable and can be used in the oven.

  • Pyrex glass measuring cups: Extend the life on these by hand washing to preserve the writing. I use all three sizes regularly.

  • Spice jar measuring spoons: These ones are more narrow, and definitely worth registering for if you plan to cook a lot.

  • Liquid measuring spoons: Great if you’ll be baking or measuring small amounts of oils

  • Odd size measuring spoons: Something you didn’t know you needed until you have it and then you use it all of the time. I love how high quality these ones are as well.

  • Measuring cups: A kitchen essential, look for these high quality ones that are all one piece of metal, otherwise the joint can loosen or break over time.

  • Wood handle dish rack: This is an affordable dupe on the one from Food52, which I have owned for eight years.

  • Under the sink organizer: I recently purchased this, and it has made such a difference for my under the sink storage

  • Zwilling food scale: On sale right now for $30 (usually $65). This scale is special because it can go up to 22 lb (most scales go up to 15 lb max), and it is rechargeable. It’s the only one that I’ve come across that doesn’t need batteries, so it is worth the investment being twice a standard food scale cost. I use it every time I bake, and the charge lasts about a week. It recharges quickly too, in about 45 minutes.

  • Microplane Zester: I use this tool almost daily and I find that the brand is extremely high quality.

  • Can opener: This one is all stainless steal, and should last forever. A more affordable option would be this option which comes in almost every color you can imagine.

  • Ice cream scoop spade: After using this, you’ll wonder why all ice scream scoops aren’t actually shaped like this heavy duty spade. But then you’ll also obnoxiously tell your friends how this is the superior scooping tool, so proceed with caution because it may end up being a win-lose situation for you.

  • Baking scooper set: This spring release scoop set is great for making meatballs and scooping batter or cookie dough. You’ll use these all of the time.

  • Merten & Stork Cookware Set: I have their 3.75 qt saucepan, and haven’t touched my cast iron since purchasing it. I love how quickly it heats and how easily it cleans. Their set has pretty much everything you need starting out, and should last forever if taken care of properly.

  • Stainless steal tongs: I have ones that have rubber around the scoopers and they all have eventually needed to be thrown away. The next time I buy some they will be made of stainless steal

  • Garlic press: This is the one I have, and it has lasted me almost a decade.

  • Small mesh strainer: I use this almost every day, and this generic version has worked and held up great (I usually wash by hand).

  • Enamel colander: You can also opt for a stainless steel one, but I love the look of this colander.

  • Immersion blender: I mainly use this for making the dreamiest emulsified vinaigrettes and mayonnaise, but it works so well and helps me avoid having to get out the food processor it’s totally worth the buy.

  • Hand mixer: I went without one of these for a long time, and I don’t know why I waited so long to get one. It’s perfect for small jobs or for when I just don’t want to have to clean the large mixer. Definitely an essential in your kitchen.

  • Food processor: This is the one I have, and though it is a bit on the pricier side, it has lasted beautifully over the last ten years. I use it to prepare sauces, slice vegetables, grate cheese, and make whipped cream…it’s a workhorse in my kitchen and worth the precious cabinet space it occupies.

  • Famiware plate set: I have had this set for about five months now, and I absolutely love them. They are great dupes on the Crate & Barrel Mercer dinner ware set, and these ones have small black and grey flecks that make them a little more interesting. Whenever I post my tables and have these, people ask me where they are from. Get the set and save.

    • Get the low bowls as well if you are a rice bowl or salad person.

Grill Master

  • Himalayan salt block: We won one of these at my husband’s Christmas party a few years ago, and it was so fun to experiment with. It can be chilled or heated, and is such a fun flavorful twist to use with your favorite recipes. We found grilling fish on it was our favorite way to use it.

  • Grilling all the Things by Gaby Dalkin: Gaby Dalkin is one of my all time favorite food and recipe developers. Every recipe I have tried of hers has been delicious, and while I don’t have this cookbook, I do have some of her other ones and use them frequently.

  • Bose Portable Speaker: While a little bit more on the pricey side, my husband received this as a gift and it works amazingly well.

  • Vertical Skewer Pan: I’ve been seeing this around and am so intrigued by it. This can be used in the oven or grill for shaved meat.

  • Grill griddle: Grill inside or use this to saute vegetables on the grill.

  • Rosemary plant: A very easy to keep alive plant that doesn’t need a lot of water, and does best in full sun. An excellent savory herb for the person who loves to barbecue.

  • Maldon flavored sea salts: You can never have too much salt, and this version is smoked. Check out their chili and garlic infused salts too.

Crafting host: Think your friend who would love nothing more than to be in her grandma phase, these gifts are for her.

  • Cordless glue gun: The last time I used a glue gun, the cord was such a hassle to work around. Your crafting friend will love this gadget.

Barista: Only the best for your coffee lover friends (as recommended by another coffee lover).

  • Fellow Stagg Electric Kettle in smoke Green: This is what I use for pour overs when I make them, and this color is so cute.

  • Electric frothing wand: Likely your barista friend has a fancy frother, but this works for making cold foams, whipped cream, mixing syrups, and making the viral whipped coffee. The one I shared is rechargeable and doesn’t take batteries, which is a major plus for me.

  • Vintage Spray Bottle Atomizer: I went to a new coffee shop, and to finish off a flavored seasonal latte, they sprayed a mist of orange flavor onto it, and I was positively delighted. I have since discovered it is called an atomizer, and they also use this method for cocktails.

  • Coffee Bean Jar: A cuter way to store coffee.

  • Squeeze Ceramic Mug: I am obsessed with the shape of these mugs, which have an indentation for your thumb so it can be held more easily.

  • Ceramic Coffee Tumbler Mug: These have been selling out so quickly, but are so cute and are on my Christmas list.

The crunchiest person you know

  • Cheese making kit: I have used this kit to make mozarella, and it is so fun. They have everything you need to make a variety of cheeses.

  • Dutch Sour Dough Whisk: This is a tool that I’ve gotten by without, but would love to receive it.

  • BELOVED Bath & Body hand lotion: I have worked with BELOVED a couple of times now, and I absolutely love all of their seasonal scents. You can buy them online or in store at Target. Bonus that they are also vegan and use ethical farming practices so they are like Bath & Body for your crunchy friend.

  • Weck Tulip Canning jars: They aren’t just regular jars, they’re cute jars.

  • Kombucha starter kit: My brother gave me this gift a few years ago, and it was so fun to make my own kombucha with it. I accidentally killed my SCOBY, but I’ve been thinking about buying another one to get back into it.

    • The big book of Kombucha recipe book is so thorough and includes recipes, trouble shooting tips, and uses for the extra SCOBY

  • Red Gingham Organic Cotton Napkins: A super cute way to get in on the gingham trend.

  • Compost bin: This is the one I have, and I love it. It holds in smell, and doesn’t attract flies.

  • Farmers Market scented candle from Anecdote Candles: “Smells like long lines and tote bags”

  • Canvas Tote Bag: Speaking of tote bags, this one has pockets and comes in other colors.

Cute, Fun & Whimsical Gifts: This person would never choose an all white kitchen, and they love an element of whimsy with everything they use

The High-End Cook: For the person who seems to have it all…but do they have any of these?!

  • Brightland olive oil: High end fancy olive oil? Yes please.

  • Sculptural Ceramic Vase set: One small and one large vase that are both beautiful and timeless.

  • CFX 45 Dometic Electric Cooler: Avoid having to pick up ice for coolers with this cooler. I worked with Dometic earlier this year, and have loved how much this cooler has helped me more easily prepare for parties. It’s so nice not having to worry about getting ice to keep drinks cold, and I use it as extra fridge space when needed.

  • Organic Cotton Hand towels: These beautiful timeless towels come in a few different color combinations to refresh someones collection.

  • Ceramic fruit storage bowl by Emile Henry: Did you know cork naturally repels fruit flies? This bowl has two layers to store garlic and onions under fruit. I am dying to get my hands on this, and is on my own Christmas list.

    • Amazon Dupe Version is half the cost, and extremely similar while also still high quality (I think I’ll end up with this one). Comes in five colors.

  • Large Amber & Moss Candle from PF Candle co: Gift their signature scent in a larger version

  • Ottolenghi Simple by Yotam Ottolenghi

Rebecca Cousins
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