40 Host Gifts That'll Help Make You The Number One Guest
A bottle of wine is always reliable but these gifts will probably make you their favorite person.
BuzzFeed Staff
BuzzFeed Staff
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1. A Hand of the King bottle opener for the GoT fan who drinks and knows things (and invites you over to drink with them).
Promising review: "I bought this opener for my girlfriend who loves lagers just as much as I do. She absolutely adores it. This seriously makes the perfect gift for any Game of Thrones enthusiast who is also enthused to throw some cold ones down the hatch. If you or your good friend love Daenerys, cannot open your Heineken with your teeth, and you do not buy this bottle opener, then 'you know nothing, Jon Snow.'" —Luke Shray
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
2. A bottle of Mike's Hot Honey they'll instantly get hooked on (so feel free to bring two).
Promising review: "This is now a staple for my kitchen. How I cooked without it before, I'll never know. Makes the best vinaigrette ever, quick pan sauces for pork, unexpected zip in dozens of dishes. Does it come in gallons? Have given it as hostess gifts several times and everyone gets hooked." —Martha Ronemus
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
3. A marble crock that'll not only keep the wine cool but will also look attractive on any table. Bonus: it can also be an elegant utensil holder for the non-wine drinker.
4. A literary cocktail book so they're never out of clever drink ideas, from Romeo and Julep to The Pitcher of Dorian Grey Goose.
Promising review: "Clever cocktails that are equally as delicious. I've mixed about half of them since buying this and have yet to be disappointed. The materials are good quality, and the cover design is aesthetically pleasing. I leave it visible when company comes because it has been such an effective conversation starter." —Emily Jones
Get it from Amazon for $7.39.
5. A small but mighty knife sharpener, because if your host is preparing a meal for everyone, the least you could do is make sure they have sharp, fast knives!
Read our full review of the KitchenIQ knife sharpener!
Promising review: "Wow, this little gadget is pretty amazing! I have some old (expensive) non-serrated knives that are supposed to never need sharpening but unfortunately, lost their sharp edge long ago. I saw this gadget and decided to try it. I set the bottom of this gadget on the edge of the counter and ran one of the knives through the side labeled 'Coarse' about 10 times, then ran it through the side labeled 'Fine' another 8-10 times. Bingo! The knife was transformed back to its former high-dollar cutlery glory. I could hardly believe how effectively it had sharpened the knife, which I had been ready to throw away a week before. I've been happily sharpening all our knives and trying to add up in my head how much money I've saved by NOT having to buy another set of expensive knives. I don't know where else you can spend $6 and get this return for the money. Great score!" —Schelly L. Wagoner
Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in three colors).
6. A copy of Magnolia Table (by interior design whiz Joanna Gaines) to give them plenty of tasty ideas for the next dinner party.
Promising review: "This is probably the prettiest cookbook I have ever gotten. I received one as a gift, and I ordered this one to give as a gift. It makes the perfect housewarming or hostess gift. The recipes are not fussy and easy to prepare as well as delicious. It has everything from appetizers, brunch, entrees, and desserts. The pictures are beautiful. I don’t like things on my counter but this is so pretty I made an exception. My husband loves to cook and is using it. It even won him over. I highly recommend this cookbook." —Elle J
Get it from Amazon for $16.59.
7. A luxe throw blanket that'll look great draped over their couch. And because they could always use an extra blanket for overnight guests.
Promising review: "This blanket is amazing! I was a little skeptical because of the cost. But it's heavy and so soft AND I can throw it in the wash. After washing a couple of times the quality has not changed. I think I'll order another one!" —JESSICA PICARDI
Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in two sizes and three colors).
8. A bathroom guest book so visitors can leave funny messages for the host to peruse later.
Promising review: "We’ve bought a couple of these books. One for our downstairs guest bathroom and we’ve given a few as hostess gifts when traveling. They are very nice guest books and always amusing for people to find. Never know what you’ll find written in there after your neighbors have had a few cocktails...lol. It is a nice looking book with pages that your guests can fill out and be entertained by when using the restroom." —R A.
Get it from Amazon for $15.00.
9. A beautiful bohemian print candle gift set so they can set the mood for the dinner party or enjoy the sweet smelling aromas as they wind down from the festivities. Each set comes with a spring, lavender, lemon, and fig candle made from soy wax and plant extracts.
Promising review: "Product was purchased as a gift therefore I was not able to actually comment on candles themselves. However, they were given to someone with very discerning taste who loved everything about them. This made me happy as I searched Amazon for that hard to please affordable gift and was successful in my choice." —A. Betar
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in three different styles).
10. Or, a candle with location-based scents to remind them of their hometown. Bonus: it'll get people talking about their own hometowns.
The burn time is approx. 60–80 hours.
Promising review: "This candle smells beautiful! It smells like springtime in Missouri. Just like the flowering trees that we had in my backyard when I was growing up. My father just passed away, and this is just what I needed to remind me of home now that I live thousands of miles away." —La Lola
Get it from Amazon for $54.78 (available in states, cities, and countries).
11. A mini cacao coffee scrub that's almost as great as their morning cup of Joe. This baby is packed with antioxidants, smells like sweet chocolate, anddddd leaves your skin smooth and silky — hmm, you might just want to save this for yourself...
Promising review: "I received this as a gift from a friend. It is AMAZING! It smells incredible, rubs into my skin without being too abrasive but still getting the job done, slowly “melts” as it sits on skin for a few minutes, and then washes down the drain leaving my skin smooth, moisturized and hydrated all day long. I don’t even need to use lotion. I absolutely love this product and will try others by Frank Body as a result. I have a rough tile shower and was concerned that the coffee bits would get stuck in the tile, but it does not and washes away with no remnants. Very well designed product." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $18.95 (available in 11 other scents).
12. Or! A bath bomb steamer set so they can get a well-deserved super relaxing soak that fills the room with a pleasant scent.
Each set comes with six scented bath bombs: Lavender, Menthol/Eucalyptus, Vanilla, Watermelon, Grapefruit and Peppermint.
Promising review: "I love these shower bombs. They exceed being well worth the price for quality and quantity. As soon as I open the package I can smell them so nice and fresh. Making me feel so relaxing and less stressful from a long day of working when using it. Also come with really nice package. It can be a gift for any occasion." —Tanya
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
13. A set of diamond pens they can use to jot down details for the next ~glamorous~ get-together.
Promising review: "So pretty!!! I bought as a gift for a friend and couldn’t help but to buy myself a set, too. I’m glad I did! These pens are adorable! They have a good weight but aren’t top-heavy. I touched the gem to my teeth, and it feels like glass. I was worried the gems would be a little cloudy when I saw them in person, but when I got them, I was super impressed at how clear and firey they are! The ink is black, and they write smooth. I’d say a medium ballpoint. They come in three NICE clear snap-open boxes which are then sealed in cellophane. They’re gift-worthy straight from the mail. I would TOTALLY buy as gifts for more ladies, and I WILL! Very impressed for the price!" —Pickles
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $8.99.
14. A whiskey decanter and glass set hand crafted to give off an amazing diamond-like shine for years. They can officially do away with the red cups, plus it's dishwasher-safe and sturdy enough to withstand a couple of drops.
Promising Review: "I have been a wanna-be' whiskey connoisseur and wanted to add an extra little splash of class to my living room. This set was found as serendipity and it turns to be a perfect choice. The decanter is made with a great level of classical sophistication and well-assured materials. The glass was like shining, and even more shining with whiskey inside. The package was great too, good as a gift box itself. If you also like whiskey and just want to treat yourself to a gorgeously elegant and completely practical gift, this set was AMAZING and I definitely recommend." —AtlasWang
Get it from Amazon for $66.99.
15. A sturdy cheese slicer, because slicing cheese for a party of 10+ is tiring as heck.
16. An infusion pitcher so they'll always have a refreshing fruit-flavored drink in the fridge ready for guests.
Promising review: "This is the BOMB for my lemon-infused water and green tea. It looks pretty, too. You can also try a variety of fruits, herbs (like mint), or cucumber — like the St. Regis spa has. This also makes the perfect hostess gift. It's thoughtful, healthy, and at a perfect price point. Everyone should order four of these to keep on hand for little gift occasions that come up." —Sandy B.
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
17. Jenga, truly a party favorite that everyone can enjoy and can even be played solo. This classic wooden block stacking game will keep them laser focused and grinning from ear to ear with each move. The set comes with 54 blocks, simple instructions, and a convenient box so they'll never lose any pieces.
Promising review: "Simple. Basic. Wood. Fun. That's it, just an old-school distraction from the global connectedness of everyday life. Caution: use of this product may enable an increased sense of connection with those participating in the activity along with you. You may laugh together and then carry on a real, meaningful conversation as a result of your proximity and participation in the shared experience. Simple pleasures." —John R.
Get it from Amazon for $16.99.
18. A set of woven cotton coasters that'll actually absorb condensation and protect their expensive wood table from watermarks. They'll also double as pot holders and trivets.
Promising review: "How many times has someone put something super hot on my wood table and created a hot spot? I wanted something functional and pretty to leave on my table so that this wouldn't happen again! These pot holders are the perfect solution for my farmhouse-style kitchen. They are perfect for protecting your wood table and look great, too! A win-win!!!" —DLVB
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $9.98 (available in four colors).
19. An Instax camera for a great way to document each party — everyone can take home photos as a keepsake (and the rest the host can keep and make into an album).
Promising review: "Instant cameras are making a comeback and the Instax is a great little camera to buy. Great for parties, weddings, and other social occasions. I’ve bought this as a gift for parents and friends. The novelty of it is a lot of fun! Easy to load and start using right away. It’ll give you the lo-fi, saturated, vintage look people try to accomplish through filters on Instagram at the click of a button. Polaroid has even brought back their one-step design but for the price, Instax is the way to go." —Evahnsan
Get it from Amazon for $62 (available in five colors).
20. A ~bouquet~ of wine charms so each guest can pick their own flower and no one will accidentally drink someone else's merlot. Unlike a real bouquet, it'll last forever.
21. Uno splash cards made from plastic so their cards remain ~unbowed, unbent, and unbroken.~ If they get a little dirty, they can just wash the waterproof cards off! The laminate even has a built in hole so they can hook them to the included clip! Presenting their next problem to solve: whether or not stacking +4 cards is cheating.
Promising review: "THESE. CARDS. ARE. AMAZING. I originally had an Uno card game set in paper form from last Christmas, and they are already showing wear and tear after frequent use. With these, even after 10 games, they are still in immaculate condition. Keep in mind that I play with my baby brothers and cousins! Makes a perfect game for socializing, interacting with family, or stimulating your brain!" —Alex Lebroski
Get it from Amazon for $6.99.
22. A set of metallic cocktail spoons that'll make a perfect addition to their bar cart.
These are dishwasher-safe.
Promising review: "Love the colors of these spoons. I make lots of sangria in the summer and use these spoons to mix the fruit and the drink. I serve sangria in beautiful glass containers with the spoons so my guests can scoop out the fruit. They look great and it's fun to have multiple colors." —Yana Rodin-Tracy
Get a four-pack from Amazon for $16.99.
23. Replace with silicone popcorn maker ---- A silicone popcorn maker to take their movie nights to the next level. They can abandon store-bought packets and enjoy fresh, movie theater–quality popcorn (with little to no oil needed).
Promising review: "This is awesome! I love popcorn. I worked at a movie theatre as a teen and loved perfecting the popcorn, oil, salt ratio. But now that I'm grown and I don't have access to a commercial popcorn machine, I am always sad I can't have yummy popcorn. My sweet husband bought this for my birthday and I love, love, love it!!! I will be buying this for all future gifts until all of my family members have one. It's just that awesome. No need for a bulky popcorn maker, and the box will tell you how to make the popcorn. I used a bit of melted butter instead of oil and some Flavocal for the salt. So good! And the box has a link for more recipes for yummy popcorn. This is one happy girl now that my popcorn drought is over. It's just so nice to find a cool product that is actually legit and not some gimmick that doesn't even work. If you're thinking about buying it, do it!" —Drake Chappell
Get it from Amazon for $13.97+ (available in eight colors).
24. A box of literary-themed postcards so they can stay in touch with long-distance friends who couldn't make it to the party.
Promising review: "I purchase postcards frequently, and these are some of the best I've ever bought. The cards are thick and sturdy, the finish is glossy, and the illustrations are phenomenal. The quotations also aren't the typical ones used for each author, I love the originality. I also love that there are two sets of 50 designs — I didn't realize it initially and didn't want to send any out! But now I can share with my friends and still keep a set for myself. Love this!" —Nancy Gu
Get it from Amazon for $18.84.
25. A modern brass-finish photo frame they'll be glad to display on the mantel or console table.
Promising review: "Beautifully unique frame! This frame really gave our dull mantel a pop with the dimension and color! It was extremely easy to put the picture in and little did I know you can also hang it from the wall screws included! Great gift for others or yourself. :) Lightweight but heavy enough not to worry about it falling over." —Lindsay Thornburg
Get it from Amazon for $11.51+ (available in four sizes and five colors).
26. LED light saber chopsticks so they can show off their most impressive Jedi food tricks, like making an entire sushi roll disappear in under 60 seconds.
Promising review: "I know what you're thinking: will this be funny and cool and quirky or lame and cheap? It is perfect. These things lit up for years. They are functional, easy to clean, and look great. Not cheap at all. Big hit as a gift. Cannot beat the price."—paula
Get it from Amazon for $17.97.
27. A quirky dish towel for the host who is a great cook and has a sassy sense of humor. (They're probably also your best friend.)
Promising review: "Colors are as pictured and the cotton fabric is quality. And by the way, it’s hilarious!" —Kathy Johnson
Get it from Amazon for $13.99.
28. A bamboo cutting board with interchangeable, color-coded cutting mats so food prep will be a breeze.
29. A murder mystery game guaranteed to yield a night of fun. It includes instructions, recipes, character profiles, costume ideas, and more.
Reviewers say it takes about four hours to complete the mystery.
Promising review: "What a thrilling dinner party! A Taste for Wine is set in Napa Valley, California, at the Underwood Winery. The kit includes everything you need for an evening of drama and accusation. Invitations, character booklets, secret clues, party planning guide, and place cards help set the stage. And the character names are hilarious! A CD is included with an account of the opening scene (murder!), along with summaries of each round of dialog. Finally, Bridget Bordeaux wraps up the event by naming the killer. We only used the CD for the beginning and end, after sharing our best guess of the murderer's identity. Wonderful fun!" —Teachezwell
Get it from Amazon for $16.15.
30. A pack of wine markers for labeling anything from glasses to cheese plates.
Write and let dry for three to five minutes and the ink won't smear throughout the party. Don't worry — the ink washes off later with warm soapy water so clean-up won't be a headache.
Promising review: "They write clearly and do not smudge or come off when fingers are placed over the writing. They also wash off easily when finished with the wine glass. Cannot wait to order these for stocking stuffers and hostess gifts. I would highly recommend these!!!" —Mary C
Get a seven-pack from Amazon for $6.99.
31. A card deck with though provoking questions to inspire some fun talks during their Zoom parties. Some of the conversation starters include "What do you worry about most?" and "Where do you feel most comfortable in the world?" Reviewers say it's an easy way to make difficult conversations meaningful and enjoyable.
Promising review: "I purchased this product for a family trip. I wanted something for us to do on a long drive other than watching a movie or listening to podcasts/music. This was a great conversation starter and we actually break out the cards at dinner as well. The questions are all great and very age appropriate for all members of the family from the smallest to the oldest. Each card usually makes us reflect on each other’s answer and I would say has helped us grow closer as a family. Definitely something I recommend for families and I will be purchasing more of the other series so we can use them when friends and family are over for the holidays." —ChadP
Get it from Amazon for $18.95.
32. A Bluetooth speaker so they can move the background music from room to room without worrying about wires.
Promising review: "I love this little speaker! I also have a Bose SoundLink Color speaker which does have better bass than this Anker speaker, BUT the battery on this Anker speaker more than makes up for that; I would say it's just as loud as the Bose and clearer. I have had this speaker for almost six months now and I'm not exaggerating when I say that I have charged it twice! I have people over for dinner parties and go to the beach for five hours at a time, and somehow it never drains? I don't quite understand it but it's amazing, and highly recommended!" —Chad Brown
Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in three colors).
33. A pour-over coffee maker even the pickiest caffeine lover can appreciate.
Promising review: "Super easy to use, makes a mean cup of joe, and is nowhere near the price of a Chemex. I use mine on a daily basis and would absolutely recommend this product to any of my coffee loving friends." —Brad Lemons
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in four sizes and four colors).
34. A set of whiskey cubes that'll chill their liquor without diluting it.
Promising review: "These work so great! I hate it when my whiskey gets watered down because I like to keep it chilled, and these fixed all of my problems! Plus, when my guests come over they are always intrigued and impressed by the chic design! Definitely makes my bar seem more sophisticated!" —Courtney Gray
Get an eight-pack from Amazon for $16.99.
35. A box of conversation topic cards to help strangers break the ice and old friends learn new things about each other.
Promising review: "I bought this set after having received the 'dinner party' edition as a gift. It is a great icebreaker at any gathering. I took my 'dinner party' set to a holiday gathering to share some fun conversations. It was an instant hit. So I have purchased this original set for our hostess on that evening. The nice thing is that it isn't a game that demands scoring or a specific time. It is simply conversation starters." —Teej
Get it from Amazon for $25 (check out all the editions).
36. A chicken herb infuser for the jokester that can also whip up a delicious stew or soup. This is made from food-safe silicone and can be used in temperatures up to 450 degrees!
37. A pair of shredder claws so they can shred meat faster than Wolverine shreds villains. These claws are dishwasher-safe, melt proof (up to 450 degrees), and BPA-free.
Promising Review: "I like to make chicken, but hate the process of shredding it with two forks. I couldn't bear (haha) it any longer because I bent my forks, and it took FOREVER! Well, no more! I've got these now, and I love 'em! They're effective, fun, and incredibly sharp. (As in don't get too carried away in the joy of shredding and accidentally shred your hand!) I definitely don't recommend these for giving a back massage, but they work wonders on meat in the crockpot!" —erinchilada
Get it from Amazon for $12.95.
38. A cast iron skillet that'll come in handy for both brunch and dinner.
Promising review: "I own just about every make of cast iron out there, and this is the BEST piece I have ever used. Pretty well-seasoned from the factory, nice smooth cooking surface. I love the longer curved handle and oversized pour spouts (they actually pour the liquid, not spill it out of the pan). This has quickly become my favorite piece of cast iron and will be buying more." —Will
Get the 10-inch option from Amazon for $24.99 (available in six sizes).
This is our pick for the best mid-priced cast iron skillet on BuzzFeed Reviews!
39. A colorful knife set that's so pretty, it basically doubles as decor. This will brighten their kitchen *and* their meal prepping process.
This 12-piece set comes with six knives (paring knife, utility knife, Santoku knife, carving knife, chef’s knife, and bread knife) and six knife covers.
Promising Review: "LOVE LOVE LOVE these knives! Got rid of my whole knife block after using these! The colors are fun and they work really well! They are hand-wash only which may be a deterrent for some people but it just helps me keep them clean immediately after use. I would 10/10 recommend to a friend!" —GP2012
Get it from Amazon for $16.49.
40. A hilariously absurd cat-and-unicorn kitchen apron – it may get more compliments than their food.
Promising Review: "I love my apron! It’s funny and safe. You can also adjust its length so it fits everyone. You can machine wash and dry it too." —Fernanda de Mattos
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
When they open your very thoughtful gift:
Reviews here have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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