35 creative and thoughtful host and hostess gifts that are even better than a bottle of wine

Cookie House Mug Buddies, available at Uncommon Goods, $24

These mini gingerbread houses are too cute not to gift your host or hostess with. They're baked to fit on the edge of a mug and serve as both decoration and a little treat to go with their tea, coffee, or cocoa.

Wordle: The Party Game, available at Amazon and Target, $19.99

A perfect way to spend time with your hosts, this board game version of Wordle is a great gift to bring with you. 

Bambüsi Cheese Board Set with Cheese Knives and Utensils, available at Amazon, Walmart and Target, from $27.74

For the host who truly loves hosting, a charcuterie board will be used all the time. It comes with three cheese labels and chalk markers to write with, as well as four cheese knives, all tucked away in a hidden drawer. This is the best charcuterie board we've found, so we know your host will appreciate it. 

Silpat Silicon Muffin Mold, available at Amazon, Wayfair and Williams Sonoma, from $48.52

I personally use this muffin mold, and I love it so much that I threw out my metal one. Muffins and cupcakes come out perfectly every time with absolutely no sticking — and cleanup in the dishwasher is an absolute breeze.

Read our review on Silpat's baking molds here.

Traditional Bread Warming Set, available at Uncommon Goods, from $34

This natural bread warming set is probably something they don't have but could definitely use. Terracotta stone lines a natural grass basket to keep a freshly baked bread loaf warm out of the oven.

Honeycomb Coasters (Set of 4), available at Williams Sonoma, $39.95

Brandished with a cute gold bee, these sleek coasters are a nice, classic gift that will go with almost any table setup.

Williams Sonoma Goldtouch Pro Cookie Sheet, available at Williams Sonoma, $34.95

Any baker knows the struggle of removing delicate cookies from a baking sheet. This rimless baking sheet solves that problem, allowing you to slide cookies or parchment paper off without precarious lifting. Plus, this sheet bakes more evenly than other cookie sheets we've tested, which is why it's a top pick in our buying guide and one of our top 100 products. 

Celebration Ice Bucket, available at Mark & Graham, $79

Chances are, even if they have an ice bucket, it's probably not monogrammed with their initials. You can choose from gold or silver finishes and add the optional personalization for $12.50.

Hand-Carved Heart Serving Spoon, available at Uncommon Goods, $20

Every home cook could use more serving spoons and kitchen utensils, and this heart-shaped one adds a special, sweet touch.

Single Wine Tote Bag, available at Amazon and Walmart, from $13.99

Wine is a classic host gift, but sometimes it doesn't quite feel like enough. Wrap a bottle in one of these totes and you've got a complete gift for your party host.

And if you're looking for an easy way to order wine online for an upcoming party or the holidays, we've got you covered with this list.

Vahdam Chai Tea Trio, available at Amazon, Macy's, and Bloomingdale's, from $24.99

This tea trio made Oprah's Favorite Things list in 2019 for the second year in a row, so if it's good enough for her, it's good enough for your host. We've actually tried some of Vahdam's teas and were particularly impressed by its beautiful packaging.

Gourmet Oil Dipping Spice Kit, available at Uncommon Goods, $42

For fans of classic snacks like fresh bread dipped in olive oil, this set of spices is designed to have your giftees mix and match different spice blend to create their ideal oil. It comes with recipes they can whip up in a flash or they can just use these spices however they choose.

Highland Dunes Cavanagh Dogs Melamine Salad Plate, available at Amazon, Home Depot, and Bed Bath & Beyond, from $12.23

With quite a few options to choose from, you can gift them one or a whole set of these salad plates adorned by arguably the most ideal image: Dogs sipping cocktails on the beach.

The Mini Essentials Vinegar and Olive Oil Sampler, available at Brightland, $70

Brightland makes some of our favorite olive oil, and this sampler set gives them a taste of four different oils and vinegars.

Year & Day Big Bowls (Set of 4), available at Year & Day, $64

Clean dishes go fast during a party, so your host will be grateful for a set of these dishwasher and microwave-safe bowls. They come in four semi-matte colors that fit seamlessly into any dish collection. These bowls are among our top 100 products because of their craftsmanship and pleasant heft. 

Little Flower Snack Bowls (Set of 6), available at Uncommon Goods, $20

These sweet little bowls can be used to portion off snacks or even hold things like keys or jewelry, if they'd prefer. It comes in a set of six, and because the bowls are so tiny, won't take up much space in their home.

Molcajete, available at Williams Sonoma, from $49.95

Whether they want to use it for making fresh guacamole or grinding up spices, this mortar and pestle set will be a wonderful addition to their kitchen.

Fifth and Cherry The 14 End-Grain Cutting Board, available at Fifth and Cherry, $299

If you want to celebrate a major milestone or just want to splurge for your host, Fifth and Cherry End-Grain Cutting Boards are visually striking and come with a lifetime warranty. It feels great to cut on this board and it hardly retains any scent. Even the packaging feels luxurious, with the cutting board nestled in a black velvet insert.

"Chinatown Pretty: Fashion and Wisdom from Chinatown's Most Stylish Seniors" by Andria Lo and Valerie Luu, available at Amazon, Bookshop, and Barnes & Noble, from $18.99

Your host doesn't have to be a big reader to appreciate a beautiful coffee table book. There are tons of options, from DIY guides to a catalog of their favorite artist. "Chinatown Pretty" is a particularly striking example, offering advice on life and fashion from Chinatown's senior population.

Find the rest of our favorite coffee table books here, including some of the best by Black authors and artists. 

Dapper Animal Planter, available at West Elm, from $29

These animal-shaped planters are great for hosts with quirky decorating tastes (or who would just appreciate a truly unique pot for their plant). You can pick from an owl, fox, or rabbit, or get them as a set of three.

Rifle Paper Co. for Anthropologie Travel Plate, available at Anthropologie, $18

With options for six major cities like New York, Paris, and Tokyo, these vibrant plates are perfect for a host with a favorite place (or just one who loves to travel the world).

Embroidered Thank You Tote, available at Uncommon Goods, $38

Upon first inspection, you may think we're recommending you just bring some flowers inside a crappy single-use plastic bag. But this embroidered canvas version of a takeout staple is a sweet way to thank them for having you over. They'll be happy to use it on their next farmer's market run.

Vinetto Wine Aerator, available on Amazon and Walmart, $9.99

Wine drinkers will almost certainly enjoy the benefits of this inexpensive tool that can improve the taste of even the cheapest bottle. All they need to do is pop the gadget into the top of the bottle and pour themselves a glass, then they can put the cork or a bottle stop back in to preserve it.

Kiehl's Creme de Corps (8.4 oz.), available at Nordstrom, Sephora, and Ulta, $32

If you ask us, Kiehl's makes the best body lotion out there. It's a classic gift for their bathroom — who could say no to softer skin?

Jacobsen Salt Vials, available on Amazon, Williams Sonoma, and Jacobsen Salt Co., from $34.95

Jacobsen's flaky salt is prized by Michelin-starred chefs the world over, and we're positive your host will love to cook with them. This set includes flavored finishing salt they can use to elevate any dish.

Georgie Cozy Knitted Throw Blanket, available at Anthropologie, $118

One can never have too many throw blankets, especially ones as cute, warm, and ultra-soft as this one.

Custom One Pet Portrait, available at West & Willow, from $67

If your host or hostess happens to be obsessed with their pet, you can treat them to a custom portrait of their furry friend. This one is a realistic rendering of their dog or cat, but you can also find more options here.

Peppermint Bark Cookies, available at Williams Sonoma, from $32.95

Williams Sonoma's peppermint bark is a staple for a reason, and these cookies add a fun twist to the ever-popular dessert. Give the treat they can't get enough of, complete with a reusable tin they can pack with goodies to gift someone else.

Candles, available at Otherland, from $36

Otherland's candles offer the most beautiful unboxing and gifting experience. They're both a joy to give and a joy to get. You can choose candles from the newest limited-edition collection called Manor House Weekend, or go for the company's five base candles that are carried year-round.

Read our full review of Otherland candles here.

Agate Cake Slicer and Knife Set, available at Anthropologie, $49

With handles made of rugged agate, this gold cake slicer and knife are pretty and truly original kitchen accessories.

Claudia Pearson City Tea Towels, available at West Elm, $24

With lots of US cities to choose from, these tea towels feature aspects of your host or hostess's favorite place and are a nice, lowkey token of thanks.

Rifle Paper Co. Recipe Tin, available at Amazon and Rifle Paper Co, from $28.80

This recipe tin was one of the sweetest gifts I've ever received. If your host loves to cook or bake, give them a special place to store the recipes they keep closest to their hearts.

Philodendron Green, available at The Sill, from $38

The Sill is a relatively new startup that's making the process of choosing and buying house plants much easier. Your order will be delivered straight to them, so you won't have to worry about stopping to pick up flowers on your way there. 

Bay Stripe Oven Mitt + Potholder Set, available at Williams Sonoma, from $24.95

Especially if your host is new to their own home and may not have everything yet, this set is the perfect practical gift.

Grafomaps, starting at $32

If your host is someone you know well or have lots of memories with, this gift will speak volumes to them. Map out the place you went to college together, the most memorable vacation you took together, the place you met — even a place you have no connection to but know they feel strongly about. The options are pretty much endless.