32 Hostess Gifts That'll Make You The Number One Guest
Show your appreciation and secure an invite to all their future parties with one of these gems. From your BFF’s impromptu hangout to a coworker’s formal dinner party, there’s something for everyone.
We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, BuzzFeed may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.
1. A set of very modern looking geometric trays that they can use to serve (and thoroughly impress) guests with.
Much like the food storage containers, these also look like they've come straight out of a Pinterest post.
Get them from Amazon for $7.99.
2. A roasted garlic aioli that overly enthusiastic condiment lovers (aka us here at BuzzFeed) all swear by. This could easily make for a great dipping sauce when served with snacks.
3. A pack of super-strong magnets, which will keep their beer/soda cold and handy for whenever the homies raid their fridge.
Promising review: "Of all the things I have bought that I didn't need, this is one of my favorites. Beer is hard to get out of the cardboard carrier in the top of my fridge. While just taking them out and sitting them on the shelf would have solved this problem as well. This solution is more fun. They float and technically it does make a tiny bit of extra space under the beer for small things like cheese or something." —AbbyValentine
Get a set of two strips (six magnets) from Amazon for $29.99.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. A three-tier bamboo storage box for the gourmet salt enthusiast.
If you're looking for some fancy salt to go with this container, this one is a great choice!
Promising review: "This would make a nice gift with some fancy kitchen salts. Terrific hostess gift if you don't want to take a bottle of wine. I bought several six-ounce containers of specialty salts, and that is a perfect amount. Would also be lovely with bath salts." —R. Ulrich
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in 10 styles).
7. 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.
8. 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).
9. An aerator set to make young wines taste smooth in a matter of minutes.
Promising review: "If you're like me and drink a lot of young 'table wine,' this is something you should have. Unlike traditional decanters that take time to soften your wine, this decanter softens the wine very quickly. If you've ever used a Vinturi, then you'll understand this decanter. The top of the decanter is very similar to the Vinturi devices and aerates the wine as it's being poured. It has a sediment filter which is very nice. I never realized just how much sediment was in my wine." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $23.76.
10. 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.
11. A sturdy, stainless steel cheese slicer because slicing cheese for a party of 10+ is tiring as heck.
Promising review: "I was actually surprised by the quality of this cheese slicer. It is very heavy and durable. I have bought many slicers for even more than the cost of this slicer that aren’t even half as good as this one. Love that you can adjust the thickness of the slice and that if the wire breaks, it comes with a replacement." —Iceprincess
Get it from Amazon for $11.
12. 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.
13. 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).
14. An Instax camera for a great way to document each party — everyone can take home photos as a keepsake (and the rest the hostess 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 $63 (available in five colors).
15. 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.
16. 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 $14.99.
17. A gorgeous pack of playing cards featuring illustrations of famous musicians they'll want to show off to all their guests. People might be too intrigued by the actual cards to focus on a game of poker, though.
Here's all you need to know about these cards: Pop = Hearts; Rock 'n' Roll = Spades; Folk and Country = Diamonds; Soul, Blues, and R&B = Clubs.
Get it from Amazon for $10.34. Also available in an artist edition.
18. A mini popcorn machine to take their movie nights to the next level.
Promising review: "We love popcorn, but this makes popcorn fun, healthy, and enjoyable. So fresh and tasty without any mess. Popcorn pops in the same amount of time it would take to microwave a bag, and you never have to worry about burning it. The best part is this unit is so compact, it takes up very little counter space, so you can leave it out and you are always ready for a healthy snack." —PunkPacoKeith
Get it from Amazon for $27.34 (available in three colors).
19. 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 $18.54.
20. 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 $14.99+ (available in five colors and four finishes).
21. A bamboo cutting board with interchangeable, color-coded cutting mats so food prep will be a breeze.
22. A pair of ~paw-some~ cotton oven mitts that won't just protect their hands, they'll look cute hanging in the kitchen.
Promising review: "These oven mitts are durable and I love the design. They hang nicely next to the oven and are roomy enough for man hands but not so bulky and huge that a lady can't have good control while using them. Better quality than what I find a lot of places. I’ve had these for nearly six years. (How is that possible? Where has my life gone?) They’re holding up great! I bought another set to try something different and used them once. These bad boys are a favorite and a quality my mom would approve of. I expect I’ll get another six years out of them! Machine wash, hang dry." —Spinny86
Get them from Amazon for $15.99 (available in 14 patterns).
23. 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 $22.78.
24. 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.
25. 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).
26. A small but mighty knife sharpener because if your hostess is preparing a meal for everyone, the least you could do is make sure they have sharp, fast knives!
One BuzzFeed editor swears by this knife sharpener, read her review!
Get it from Amazon for $10.95.
27. A pour-over coffee maker even the pickiest caffeine addict 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).
28. 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.
29. 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).
30. A pair of alpaca cookie cutters any baker ~wool~ be obsessed with. The best part is you'll get to enjoy the finished product when they invite you over for afternoon tea.
Promising review: "I have several metal cookie cutters from various companies, and they are either too rigid or too flimsy, making getting the cut cookie out difficult. I found these to have the perfect amount of flex to release a cookie nicely, even the ears on the llama. I will definitely make a purchase in the future." —Amazon Customer
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $7.99.
31. 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.
32. 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!
When they open your very thoughtful gift:
Reviews here have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Still searching for the perfect present? It might be in one of these:
29 Products That Really And Truly Make Great Gifts
30 Cool Gifts You'll Probably End Up Keeping For Yourself (And You Should)
20 Gifts Under $10 That Are Actually Pretty Impressive
29 Last-Minute Gifts From Amazon That'll Seem More Thoughtful Than They Are
Looking for the perfect gift for any occasion? Check out all of BuzzFeed’s gift guides!
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.