Host(ess) gifts under $15

that aren't wine or beer!

Hi there,

Have ya heard? Yesterday marked the start of the Jewish New Year (Shana Tova to all who celebrate) and with it, the onset of peak hosting and gathering season. We chatted about the hosting side of things last week, so this week, it’s only natural that we’d talk guesting. And it just so happens to be the final Monday of the month, which means it’s also time for a product recommendation situation. And, well, you read the subject line of today’s newsletter so you certainly know where I’m headed here.

Today, we’re talking host(ess) gifts.

But before we dive into the fun, product-y part of today’s missive, I must say, 1.1 million views and 600+ comments on a TikTok about host(ess) gifts later, and I’ve learned that there’s a whole lotta hand wringing when it comes to the specifics surrounding the art of the host(ess) gift—When is a host(ess) gift necessary? (never…or always, depends on who you’re talking to, but I lean toward always, just to be safe) Should it be wrapped? (I don’t think so, but I’m a notoriously inelegant gift wrapper) When should one actually give the host their gift? (I tend to hand it over as soon as I walk in my host’s door, but a gift is a gift no matter when it’s given!) How much should a host(ess) gift cost? (I really don’t think this matters. File this one under trite but true: it is the thought that counts.)—I could go on, but I won’t.

When it comes down to it, there aren’t many clear-cut right or wrong answers when it comes to host(ess) gifting, but I think the last point is by far most important. A host(ess) gift is nothing more than a little token of appreciation for the time and effort the host(ess) expended having you over. You thought about it, you gave a little gift, and that’s what counts! Don’t overthink it!

Okay, enough with the nitty gritty manners talk, let’s get into the host(ess) gifts under $15!

If you’re more of an audio-visual person, you can watch me chat through this list here and here, or just go ahead and scroll on below👇

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Gift some fancy chocolate. And huzzah, you can often find a big bar for under $10. If you feel weird just handing off a single bar of chocolate, tie a little ribbon around it to give it some gravitas.

Gift a box of status-y pasta and spark some dinner conversation with a relevant podcast recommendation. Bonus points: pair it with a jar of cult classic marinara sauce.

Gift a jar of unexpected marmalade. Take this one over the top by handing it off with a loaf of freshly baked bread and a discretely uttered, “Thank you so much for having me, here’s a little something special for you to enjoy after the festivities tomorrow morning.”

Gift some fish. Tinned fish, to be precise. I know this one may sound strange, but if you know your host is a tinned fish girlie, imagine how cute it would be if you put a fancy tin of ‘dines on top of a pretty thrifted ceramic dish and tied a little bow around it.

Gift some beautiful beeswax tapered candles. My mother in law gifted me this slightly pricier box and I cannot believe how long their burn time is.

Gift a box of handmade incense. But be careful with this one—be sure your host(ess) is a fan…these can be polarizing.

Gift a bar of fancy soap. And if you’re willing to stretch the budget a bit, you can get some designer soaps at a relatively affordable price point. To me, these are the definition of a perfect gift—I’d never buy something so elegant (and frivolously expensive, tbh) for myself but I’d be thrilled to receive one!

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Okay, I’d love to hear your thoughts on all things host(ess) gifting! Do you have any go-to host(ess) gifts? Do you keep any little gifts on hand for last minute gatherings? My mom’s always had host(ess) gifts squirreled away in a guest room closet and I’ve finally started a little stockpile of my own. Apple, tree, etc.

Alright, we’ve covered it. I hope you have a lovely, well-fed week ahead.

With love and a tip of my chef’s hat,

Erica

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