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39 Unique Hostess Gift Ideas from Our Editors

39 Unique Hostess Gift Ideas from Our Editors

Updated November 19, 2020

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Credit: Courtesy of Big Island Bees

Giving one of these great gifts essentially makes you the guest of honor.

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Credit: Courtesy of Big Island Bees

It's an age-old adage: Attending a party? You bring your hostess a gift. The tenet even holds true this year, which has brought entertaining to a standstill due to the coronavirus pandemic—small, immediate family-only gatherings have become the norm. Here's the thing: Even a tiny gathering has a hostess, and it is still important to treat her to an item (or two) that she'll actually like. While her go-to bottle of wine will definitely be appreciated, we think you could do even better—that's exactly where we come in.

Ahead, you'll find a roster of curated selections chosen with your hostess in mind: She's a natural entertainer, one who is not just the source of the party, but the heartbeat of it, too. To show your gratitude—and guarantee an invite back to next year's celebration—present her with one of these thoughtful gifts. From entertaining-centric options, like cake and cookie books (courtesy of Martha, of course!), the best-possible chef's knife, and a chestnut roasting pan (so seasonal!), to elevated just-for-her presents (think hand-cut soaps from Marseille, France, or a chic, modern vase), there are plenty of guaranteed winners in the slides ahead.

We're particularly fond of the gifts that err on the side of the unexpected. She likely didn't know that she needed a candle snuffer, for example, but she won't know how or why she lived without one before you introduced her to the handy object. As for our other favorite didn't-see-that-coming options? Date nectar (a vegan option to honey!) and delicious caramels are all fun and unique ideas (ones she and her family will definitely enjoy). Ahead, more inspired, elevated, and delicious gifts for your very own hostess.

Art direction by Laura Lutz; Prop styling by Tanya Graff; Soft styling by Claire Tedaldi at Halley Resources.

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Cake Perfection

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

She's already mastered the art of cake baking—but keep her inspired with plenty of confection recipes, courtesy of Martha's newest book.

Shop Now: Martha Stewart's Cake Perfection, $25.99, amazon.com.

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Roasting Pan

Credit: Courtesy of Terrain

This carbon steel chestnut roasting pan has an extra-long handle that can be held over a roaring fire or her stovetop.

Shop Now: Terrain Chestnut Roasting Pan, $46, shopterrain.com.

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Stone Moisturizier

Credit: Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

She's never seen a moisturizer quite like this. All she needs to do is glide this package-free "stone" formula over her skin post-shower for immediate hydration.

Shop Now: Kate McLeod Sleep Stone Moisturizer, $45, saksfifthavenue.com.

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Flavorful Tequila

Credit: Courtesy of the Reserve Bar

After 44 months in oak barrels, this Avión Reserva 44 Extra Añejo Tequila is left with strong scents of agave, vanilla, and lemon zest. Plus, the flavors of dried fruits, cinnamon, and eucalyptus give this drink a long and rich finish any hostess will want to add to her menu. Simply add a custom engraved message to the bottle for an even more personal gift.

Shop Now: Avión Reserva 44 Extra Añejo Tequila, $169, reservebar.com.

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Entertaining Beautifully

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Inspire the celebrations she'll plan when she's able to with this new entertaining guide, courtesy of Aerin Lauder.

Shop Now: Entertaining Beautifully by Aerin Lauder, $49.50, amazon.com.

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English Garden Puzzle

Credit: Courtesy of Rifle Paper Co.

Even the most eagle-eyed will want to take their sweet time with this 500-piece, illustrated puzzle of an 18th-century farmhouse in Gascony, France.

Shop Now: Rifle Paper Co. Camont Jigsaw Puzzle, $34, riflepaperco.com.

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Candle Holders

Credit: Johnny Miller

Here's a glowing recommendation: Light up her life with an American-made, hand-turned wooden Lostine candle-holder or two, and drip-free dipped tapers by The Floral Society.

Shop Now: Lostine Candle Holders in Maple, Cherry, and Walnut, from $63 each, lostine.com; The Floral Society Taper Candles, from $13, thefloralsociety.com.

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Chef's Knife

Credit: Kirsten Francis

Anyone can cut, dice, and slice like a pro with Thomas Keller's powdered-steel chef's knife.

Shop Now: Cangshan Thomas Keller Chef's Knife, from $199.95, williams-sonoma.com.

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Classic Dishware

Credit: David Chow

With its delicate curves and gold trim, the Martha Stewart Collection Baroque platter takes dinner in an entirely elegant direction.

Shop Now: Martha Stewart Collection Baroque Platter, from $50, macys.com.

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Honey

Credit: Courtesy of Big Island Bees

Foodies will buzz about this rare, organic honey from a local Hawaii maker long after the holidays are over.

Shop Now: Big Island Bees Ohi'a Lehua Blossom Honey, from $36, bigislandbees.com.

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Elevated Hand Wash and Lotion

Credit: Peter Ardito

This luxurious handwash and lotion duo will transport a lucky someone to a vibrant spring garden, whatever the season.

Shop Now: Byredo "Tulipmania" Hand Wash, $65, www.nordstrom.com; and Hand Lotion, $70, www.nordstrom.com.

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Cote d'Azur Incense

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Obsessed with Oribe's signature fragrance? Now the same scent is infused in these chic incense sticks crafted by renowned incense makers in Japan.

Shop Now: Oribe Cote D'Azur Incense, $65 for 50 sticks, amazon.com.

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Unique Pillow

Credit: Courtesy of Bolé Road

Is her home filled with neutrals? Gift her a pillow, like one of these from Bolé Road, that walks the line between organic and statement-making for balance.

Shop Now: Bolé Road Aman Pillow in Dusty Rose, $325, boleroadtextiles.com.

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Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Credit: Courtesy of March

Dress a salad or finish a soup with March Pantry's organic extra-virgin olive oil, or pour some into the shop's hand-painted Italian ceramic oil and vinegar bowl for dipping crusty bread.

Shop Now: March Pantry Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, $20, marchsf.com; March Ceramic Splatterware Bowl, $20, marchsf.com.

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Seedling Essentials

Credit: Courtesy of Bloomist

Bless a budding gardener with a kit to get her growing. Bloomist's paper-pot press will help her start seeds, and the company's twine stand with cutter and extra-sharp scissors make it a snap to tie a trellis or bundle fresh herbs.

Shop Now: Bloomist Paper Pot Press, $36, bloomist.com; Bloomist Twine Stand with Cutter, $48, bloomist.com; Bloomist Scissors in Recycled Leather Pouch, $28, bloomist.com.

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Mixing Glass

Credit: Courtesy of Cocktail Kingdom

If she's more of a stirred, not shaken person, she'll appreciate this berry-hued mixing glass, which is perfect for swirling together her signature cocktails.

Shop Now: Cocktail Kingdom Berry Wall Footed Mixing Glass, $49.99, cocktailkingdom.com

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Barspoon

Credit: Courtesy of Cocktail Kingdom

This bar spoon helps with said swirling.

Shop Now: Cocktail Kingdom Teardrop Bar Spoon, $29.99, cocktailkingdom.com.

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Amber Carafe

Credit: Courtesy of H&M

A handsome carafe—which she'll use on any and every occasion—plays double duty as a vase.

Shop Now: H&M Home Glass Carafe in Brown, $7.99, hm.com.

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Candle Snuffer

Credit: Peter Ardito

This handy tool extinguishes candles with ease (no flying wax!) and will have your host asking, "How did I live without this?"

Shop Now: West Elm Brass Finished Snuffer, $11.20, westelm.com.

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Ultimate Apron

Credit: Courtesy of Food52

Tricked out with built-in pot holders, pockets to spare, and a handy conversion chart tucked into one style, this apron has it all. Your resident chef will never have to scramble to look up how many fluid ounces are in a pint.

Shop Now: Five Two Ultimate Apron, $45, food52.com.

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Martha's Cookie Book

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Gift her all the holiday cookie—and beyond—inspiration she needs with this beloved Martha recipe collection.

Shop Now: Martha Stewart's Cookie Perfection: 100+ Recipes to Take Your Sweet Treats to the Next Level, $18.29, amazon.com.

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Pitcher

Credit: Courtesy of Georg Jensen

Scandi design icon Georg Jensen's stainless steel, art deco-inspired pitcher lends sleek glamour to any setting.

Shop Now: Georg Jensen "Bernadotte" Pitcher, $149, georgjensen.com.

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Cake Stand

Credit: Courtesy of Estelle

Have your cake and display it beautifully, too, on this handblown glass Estelle stand, which comes in 10 colors.

Shop Now: Estelle Cake Stand, $225, estellecoloredglass.com.

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Butter Dish

Credit: Courtesy of Quail Ceramics

The foxy fellow on this butter dish adds whimsy to the breakfast table and a wink to her morning toast.

Shop Now: Quail Ceramics Woodland Animal Butter Dish, $40, nickeykehoe.com.

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Martha-Approved Gift Baskets

Credit: Courtesy of iGourmet

Martha personally curated each gift basket in her iGourmet collection, sourcing high-quality food items and ingredients from her favorite purveyors. Luckily, there are a myriad of options to choose from, from Italian themed boxes to a Spanish tapas collection.

Shop Now: Martha Stewart iGourmet Gift Baskets, from $49.99, igourmet.com.

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Round Vase

Credit: Courtesy of Hidden Gem NY

Add a modern touch to her floral arrangements with these footed, orb-like vases.

Shop Now: Hidden Gem NY Aspire Round Vase, $65, hiddengemny.com.

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Rosy Glassware

Credit: Courtesy of At Land

She'll enjoy sipping natural wine out of these handblown glasses.

Shop Now: R+D.Lab Luisa Tinto Aqua Glass in Cameo Pink, $112, at.land.

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Infused Honeys

Credit: Kirsten Francis

Nicolas Vahé honeys, infused with orange peel or walnuts, take her yogurt, toast, and cheese trays to euphoric levels.

Shop Now: Nicolas Vahe Honeys, $22 each,

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39 Unique Hostess Gift Ideas from Our Editors

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Cake Perfection

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Roasting Pan

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Stone Moisturizier

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Flavorful Tequila

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Entertaining Beautifully

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English Garden Puzzle

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Candle Holders

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Chef's Knife

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Classic Dishware

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Honey

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Elevated Hand Wash and Lotion

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Cote d'Azur Incense

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Unique Pillow

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Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

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Seedling Essentials

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Mixing Glass

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Barspoon

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Amber Carafe

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Candle Snuffer

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Ultimate Apron

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Martha's Cookie Book

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Pitcher

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Cake Stand

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Butter Dish

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Martha-Approved Gift Baskets

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