24 Great Gifts for the Holiday Host

I’m always in favor of everyday staples that are reimagined in unexpected, fun ways, and these cheeky tumblers from Ichendorf Milano are no exception. They’re handmade from borosilicate glass and available in an array of motifs, offering a prime opportunity to personalize them to your giftee’s interests.

If classic taper candles aren’t your thing (or your host’s), this whimsical alternative offers the perfect twist on tradition. This pair of asparagus taper candles is part of Happy Organic’s produce-forward collection, which also includes heirloom tomatoes, carrots, corn, citrus, and so much more. Grab a variety and create a little "veggie" basket for a statement-making gift bundle.

If you plan on bringing fresh flowers to a holiday gathering, take it a step further and pair the bouquet with a beautiful vase. Your host won’t have to worry about finding a spot for the flowers in the middle of entertaining, and they’ll have something to hang on to after the flowers have lived out their course. This textured vase from H&M costs under $40 and can double as a decorative object.

"Every host appreciates fresh new serveware, and Sabre’s Bistrot designs are my favorite," says Katherine Lewin, founder of Big Night, a shop dedicated to hosting and dinner party essentials. "I love to gift the serving set or the butter spreader—ideally alongside fancy butter."

It’s hard to go wrong with a design-forward pitcher that’s prime for entertaining plus the rest of the days in between. “The recent reissue Købenstyle pitcher from heritage homewares brand Dansk comes in poppy hues like teal and red, along with several more neutral options,” says Jen Bekman, founder of the online art company 20x200. “I love the wrapped handle and retro flair, and I’m particularly fond of gifts that someone can use and enjoy every day!”

Great presentation hardly ever goes unnoticed and a colorful stand is a creative way to elevate the dessert you’ll be toting along to your next fete—be it cookies, pies, or cake. This Mosser Glass stand is available in seven ethereal hues and in a variety of sizes, starting at $46. Take it from me: Your holiday host will be pleased to receive this one.

For designer and lifestyle expert Peter Som, gifts for holiday hosts should be simple—think of it as a token of appreciation. “A set of cloth napkins or nice kitchen hand towels are gifts that your host will appreciate because one can never have too many,” Som says. “Just make sure to think about the right color and pattern that’ll suit your host’s taste.”

There’s something to be said about splurging on the basics with the intention of elevating the everyday. Case in point: This speckled plastic cutting board can easily transition from a prep station to the dinner table. Its eye-catching composition, with the bright yellow handle, is just one reason to love it—it also happens to be quite sturdy and available in a variety of equally fun colorways.

A pie dish makes for a great gift for a home baker, according to Kaari Stannard, president of Yes Apples, a network of over 50 New York–based family farms that grow an array of apple varieties for consumers across the country. “From novice to expert, the Great Jones Sweetie Pie dish pairs utility with eye appeal,” Stannard says. “Two of my favorite attributes: Every pie comes out evenly baked. I’m not sure how they do it, but they do. And the crimped edge helps you make a perfect piecrust.”

A cheeky take on a kitchen classic offers a fun spin on the standard holiday host gift. “The bean pot mitts from Gohar World are a perfect addition to anyone’s kitchen,” says Melanie Masarin, founder of Ghia, a nonalcoholic apéritif brand. “They’re functional, timeless, and understated while still being beautiful.”

According to Anthony Mangieri, owner of the New York City–based pizzeria Una Pizza Napoletana, a bread knife is a great gift for the holiday host. Mangieri recommends this version by Tojiro for its top-notch quality, ability to cut through crusty sourdough, and the length of the blade, which makes it easy to slice large loaves.

If you want to take it to the next level, pair it with a fresh loaf of bread. Mangieri suggests Poilane’s sourdough bread, which ships from France. "It’s a delicious, beautiful artisan product with a rich history," says Mangieri. "It stays fresh for a week, so the host can use it in so many ways beyond slicing and eating—next morning’s French toast, croutons, etc."

Next time you’re headed to a party, ditch the standard box of chocolates for a healthier treat. I remember the first time I tried Rancho Meladuco dates and how floored I was by their quality. They were tender and indulgently rich, unlike the harder, saccharine versions I typically buy from the grocery store. Sourced from a date farm in California’s Coachella Valley (yes, the one and the same), they’re hand-picked, sun-ripened, and pretty sublime. 

Wine is often a go-to gift for the holiday host, but it might not last the night, and not everyone drinks, says cookbook author Kiano Moju. Instead, grab a bottle of really good olive oil—it’s one of those items people might not necessarily want to splurge on. “It’s a practical and delicious alternative that your host can enjoy over the coming weeks,” says Moju. “I like to choose an olive oil with a unique story, sourced directly from a small, independent producer. Cue this duo from Exau, which can be used as both a cooking and finishing oil. 

For more: How to Choose a Good Extra Virgin Olive Oil

For the one whose idea of a nightcap looks more like a piping hot cup of tea, this festive discovery set from Palais des Thés is not to be missed. Featuring an assortment of the brand’s bestselling teas, each box comes with nine varied blends (for a total of 54 teabags). Green tea with notes of rose and citrus, a rich South African rooibos with almond and marigold petals, and a warming combo of oolong tea with lemon and maple syrup are just a few of the popular flavors you’ll be able to sample. 

Beautiful packaging is just one reason to love these sweet confections, which come in a book-shaped box that opens to reveal six glossy, colorful domes of chocolate. The unique flavors are a bonus, including a wild strawberry that’s reminiscent of strawberry shortcake ice cream bars, and a black and white bonbon modeled after the iconic cookie that’s widely found in New York City bakeries.

For more options: Best Boxed Chocolates

According to author and chocolatier Maribel Lieberman of MarieBelle New York Chocolates, this loaded cheese basket is the ideal holiday hostess gift. It features an assortment of cow’s milk cheeses paired with cured meat, honey, salted nuts, and more, all packaged in a reusable wooden crate. “It is the perfect gift for the entertainer who loves to prepare beautiful appetizers and crudités or charcuterie boards,” says Lieberman.

For the holiday host who loves to travel, a beautifully illustrated coffee table book will surely delight. Assouline’s Mykonos Muse depicts inspired scenes from the Cyclades and beautifully curated passages from various tastemakers around the world. The tome is a visual treat and will have you dreaming of your next trip.

Here’s to a gift that will keep on giving. Equal parts festive and aesthetically pleasing, this 1,000-piece puzzle is prime for the entertainer. Featuring a vibrant tablescape filled with spirits, sweets, and celebratory motifs, it’s bound to be a hit.

Sometimes a thank you card says it best, and what better way to express your gratitude to the host with the most than with beautifully designed stationery? Ella Lim, founder of knitwear brand Verloop, recommends Moglea for stationery and cards. “I really appreciate the unexpected methods like dip dye and hand painting they use in their designs,” Lim says, adding that the unique production process makes each piece feel like a one-of-a-kind work of art.

Somewhere between form and function, you’ll find this artfully designed deck of cards. “Add a sumptuous spin on classic card games with these beautifully illustrated jumbo playing cards from L’Objet,” says Alexandra Dorda, founder of Kasama Rum. “They are the perfect gift for the hosts as they can be enjoyed with guests for years to come.”

In an evaluation of the best cocktail shakers, a CR editor designated this model as the best-looking. Its Art Deco–inspired design and luxe brass finish certainly give it flair. Made from coated stainless steel, this shiny shaker can dress up just about any bar cart and mix a mean cocktail.

For more options: Best Cocktail Makers

For anyone who has ever struggled to open a bottle of wine with a waiter’s corkscrew (present company included), here’s one gift that will keep on giving.

"I almost exclusively drink wine at home and love this electric wine opener for opening bottles," says CR writer Jodhaira Rodriguez. "I struggled to get the cork out of bottles with a manual corkscrew for a very long time before my dad introduced me to the world of electric wine openers. This was a game changer for me."

There’s a better way to preserve an open bottle of wine than by popping the cork (or a regular rubber stopper) back into it. Preventing oxidization is key to prolonging the shelf life and flavor of wine, and the Repour wine saver is one expert-recommended method. Made from recycled materials, the device is essentially a stopper that absorbs the oxygen inside a bottle.

Read more: How to Preserve an Open Bottle of Wine, According to Wine Experts

“A decanter feels very celebratory and holidaylike to me,” says Jung Lee, founder of Jung Lee NY, a home and decor shop. Lee recommends this handcrafted crystal version, which will certainly delight the holiday host. “I find it is usually something that is missing from people’s barware and an item you rarely purchase for yourself.”