Gifts for party hosts
Finding a gift to bring for the host of a party can be difficult and sometimes stressful, especially if you’re looking at the last minute. What is an appropriate price range? Should I just bring flowers or wine, or is that too boring? Are other guests bringing gifts? Are gift cards too generic?
These are all questions you may be asking yourself before attending an event. And many times when you don’t know what to get, you settle on a gift card or bottle of cabernet sauvignon. While any gift is thoughtful, with this guide you’ll be able to find a gift that suits your occasion, whether you’re on a budget or looking for that extra special something.
Things to consider before buying a good gift for a host
What is an appropriate price range?
When considering what gift to buy a host, the first question may be about the acceptable price range. This depends on several factors, including how close you are to the host. If they are a close friend or relative you may be more inclined to spend more money compared to if the host is a coworker. If you’re still unsure of how much you should be spending on a host’s gift, ask some of the other guests attending the event.
Is a home-cooked meal a good idea for a host’s gift?
It may seem like you can never go wrong with bringing your party host a homemade dish. However, bringing pre-prepared food as a gift may not always be the best idea. Food allergies are a major concern, so if you’re unsure if the host has one, it’s best to go with another gift. Additionally, you may be unsure if guests are allergic so you don’t want to put them at risk too. But if you’re set on making a delicious stew, casserole or dessert, ask the host just to make sure!
Where is a unique place to buy a gift?
Figuring out where to buy a gift can be taxing, especially if you’re looking to purchase something from a non-brand name. Homemade items from websites like Etsy are always a good choice because many are customizable so you can add that personal touch. Also, try looking around your local thrift store for something unique and well-loved. You never know what gems are hiding.
Best gifts for hosts
When considering a gift to bring your host, remember to think about who they are, how you know them and how they might spend their own money.
Best gift for plant lovers
Macrame plant hanger: available at Amazon
These handmade plant hangers add the perfect touch to any room, balcony or patio and are designed to hold a variety of planter sizes and shapes. Installation is easy: simply put the macrame strings in the middle of the hanger and release. This gift is also perfect if you have pets because it keeps plants out of reach.
Best gift for bookworms
100 books scratch-off poster: available at Amazon
At a reasonable price, this scratch-off poster is ideal for bookworms as it includes the top titles from all genres. It’s great if your host is unsure what book to read next. If they have already read a book on the poster, they can scratch it off!
Best gift for wine enthusiasts
Electric wine opener set: available at Amazon
Opening a bottle of wine can sometimes be difficult. This electric, cordless wine opener can open up to 80 bottles in one full charge. It comes in a variety of sets, so you can choose the perfect gift for your host.
Best gift for spa lovers
HoMedics Shower Bliss Foot Spa with Heat Boost Power: available at Bed Bath & Beyond and Amazon
This is the ultimate DIY pedicure machine with massage jets, bubbles and heat. It’s perfect for a relaxing night in or after a hard day’s work. It also includes three pedicure attachments: a pumice stone, a cleansing brush and a massage roller.
Best gift for foodies and chefs
Dash Mini Waffle Maker: available at Bed Bath & Beyond
You can never go wrong with a waffle maker. Due to its compact size, this stainless steel and plastic maker fits perfectly on any countertop and it has a nonstick cooking surface that makes cleaning up easy. Available in six colors at a great price, breakfast has never tasted better.
Best gift for coffee drinkers
Ceramic coffee dripper: available at Amazon
If your host loves coffee, this portable device is a must. The durable, ceramic body preserves heat and ensures continual brewing temperature for a pour-over cup of joe.
Best gift for fashionistas
Scarf and tie hanger: available at Amazon
This small gift is great for people who like to keep their clothes and accessories organized. Usable as a tie or scarf organizer, this hanger comes in three colors, is non-slip and holds 28 items. It can also hold other items like sunglasses, wraps, shawls, leggings and belts.
Best gift for musicians
Wall mounting guitar amp key hanger: available at Amazon
Available in silver or black, this gift is sure to add a unique touch to a musician’s house with its glossy, modern finish. It includes four Marshall guitar plug keychains and one wall-mounting kit.
Best gift for movie buffs
Cinephile: A Card Game: available at Amazon
This trivia game will test your host’s movie knowledge. Players can choose their level of difficulty: Movie Geek (easy), Film Nerd (intermediate) or Cinephile (expert). It’s easy to transport and there are multiple ways to play, so it never gets boring.
Best gift for car fanatics
THISWORX Car Vacuum Cleaner: available at Amazon
Vehicles can get dirty easily and your host may not always have the time to make it to a car wash. This lightweight, portable vacuum will fit in any vehicle and is sure to scoop up everything from pet hair to sand and dirt. It even comes with different nozzles and a 12-volt auxiliary outlet, so you never have to worry about the battery dying.
Best gift for makeup lovers
BH Cosmetics Crystal Zodiac 12-piece Brush Set: available at Ulta Beauty
If you’re a makeup lover, this cruelty-free and vegan 12-piece brush set is perfect for smooth application. Choose from the angled, flat or fluffy shade brushes to finish your look or the pencil brush to fill in brows and add eyeliner.
Best gift for DIYers
Stanley 25-foot FATMAX Magnetic Tape Measure: available at Home Depot
For those who love building things, this tape measure reaches 14 feet and is extremely durable. It has the ability to hold onto metal studs and metallic surfaces. The extra-large numbers make it easy to read, so measurements are never off. The BladeArmor coating ensures extra protection, so the tape measure never tears, rips or leaves any crinkles. Its compact size makes it easy to transport too.
Best gift for pet owners
Custom pet keychain: available at Etsy
This is a great accessory for your keys, backpack or purse. Made of stainless steel, gift givers can personalize this pet portrait keychain for their host by choosing from various fonts and the number of keychain discs.
Best gift for teachers
Academic planner: available at Amazon
Teachers have busy schedules and need to stay organized, so you can never go wrong with a planner as a gift. This stylish 12-month planner allows teachers to stay organized every day, week and month of the school year. Monthly pages are great for long-term planning and the “Notes” pages make it easy to write quick reminders or lists. It also includes weekly lesson planning pages that teachers can reference during class.
Best gift for travelers
Samsonite Manual Luggage Scale: available at Bed Bath & Beyond and Amazon
For those who love to travel, this compact and portable luggage scale is a great gift with the ability to hold up to 80 pounds. Built with a grip handle and adjustable strap, travelers won’t have to worry about their luggage exceeding the weight requirement. It even has a tape measure to help make sure your luggage is the right size for travel.
Tessa Schaal is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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