Great Gifts Ideas For Your Host

Do you often feel at a loss for gift ideas to thank your host when invited to a party, as a guest for dinner, or even to spend the weekend in someone’s house? When someone opens their home to you or asks you to celebrate important moments in life with them, of course you want to show your appreciation and gratitude. You’d like to let them know you are thankful for being a part of your life and including you in theirs, so what are some great ways to thank your host?

How to Thank Your Host

The typical thank you gifts presented to a host are dessert and a bottle of wine. There is nothing wrong with this, especially if your host asks you to bring one (what better way to get them something you know they’d like than to ask them?), but if they demure when you ask if you can bring something, tell you they have it all covered and just want your company, you have to rack your brain for an idea yourself. So what are some great ideas for gifts? Well, we love these unique host gift ideas:

* A basket of goodies for the host and his family to enjoy- bring enough for their entire family to have, in a pretty little basket lined with a colorful linen cloth and filled with delicious buns, muffins, cookies or chocolates. You can go all out and create an awesome pasta/sauce/cheese display with gourmet pastas, all-natural pasta sauces such as marinara, vodka and pesto, various organic cheeses, and imported olive oil, or a variety of spa products, including a deliciously scented sugar scrub, natural loofah, and high-quality lotions. This allows the family to enjoy a bit of luxury/splurging, which they deserve for their kindness. If you are staying at someone’s home for a while (a week) these would be very appropriate.

* Unique, different, and fabulous: a tea chest with an assortment of gourmet teas in a beautiful wooden case or a Godiva hot chocolate set (includes different types of hot chocolate, attractive mugs, and spicy flavorings). These are terrific because your host will think of you everytime they enjoy a cup of tea or hot chocolate. I keep refilling my tea chest with new teas, which is a beautiful way to offer tea to guests after dessert, and I love using pretty mugs, so these are gifts that keep on giving. These are a great idea for a weekend stay.

* Gift cards are a great way to thank your host. Gift cards to general stores such as Target or a large department store are preferable, as they can be used for anything the recipient needs…houseware, novelty items, books, clothes, etc. If you know that your host or hostess has a fondness for something, such as steaks or cigars or coffee, feel free to buy a gift certificate to a great shop for it. It allows the recipient to have fun shopping for themself without guilt, maybe buy themselves something they’ve been wanting but weren’t able to splurge on. Don’t forget to include a card that expresses your thanks.

* Take them out for dinner. If you are staying at someone’s home for more than a couple of days, it is very courteous to offer to take them out to dinner one evening before you leave. Someone inviting you into their home is being very gracious and welcoming (this is where their family sleeps!), so take the family out somewhere nice to show your gratitude for being taken into their home.

* An item of unique beauty- I recall a guest we had many years ago, who brought a gift of a carved jewelry box in the shape of a heart, made of pink marble and bearing an ivory rose on the top…I still have it and it’s one of my most beautiful possessions. If you know a beautiful gift for the home would be greatly appreciated (and know the taste of the host or hostess), this is also a lovely idea. Crystal candle holders, a porcelain vase, etc for a long term stay are great ideas.

Show Appreciation To Your Host For Opening Up Their Home

* Reciprocate. Show your family and friends how much they mean to you by hosting your own events and inviting them over as well, and being a gracious host. Offer them the warmth of your home for a day or evening, and entertain them with great conversation, delicious foods, and lovely company. When we have close relationships with others, the gifts we give do not compare to the quality time we spend together.