Our Favorite Gifts to Bring to a Holiday Party

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.

"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!”

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.

According to Anthony Mangieri, owner of Una Pizza Napoletana, a pizzeria based in New York City, a bread knife is a great gift for the holiday host. Mangieri recommends this version by Tojiro for its top-notch quality and 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. 

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. 

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.

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 oxidation 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