We all know someone who’s host extraordinaire. The one who throws unforgettable parties and soirees that set the standard for warmth, welcome, and wow factor for events big and small. They’re great at mingling and making sure everyone is entertained, well-fed, and counting down until the next get-together, and they deserve the best gifts this holiday season.

It’s easy to default to a familiar bottle of wine or a plastic-wrapped gourmet food basket, but there’s something to be said for a thoughtful present worthy of their exceptional taste and talent. Whether that’s a luxe holiday candle that begs to be lit, a globe-trekking sweets cookbook, measuring cups that double as display pieces, and even a historic game that brings out the contemplative competitor in everyone. Shop our favorite gifts for the best hosts in your social circle so you don’t show up to the party empty-handed. 

_{Prices are accurate as of November 22, 2024. Subject to change.}

Anthropologie Party Pets Dishtowel

Seeking a thoughtful hostess gift that won’t break the bank? Consider a beautiful, bright dish towel — a stylish and versatile kitchen essential that begs to be displayed and doted upon during the holidays. If you’ve ever shopped at Anthropologie, chances are you’ve been introduced to its one-of-a-kind home goods, most especially its cheeky kitchen linens. Here you’ll find an assortment of whimsical, wondrous options, which is why we can’t resist gifting this playful piece, featuring a holiday-inspired backdrop and a collection of pets in their holiday finest enjoying feasting, merrymaking, and mingling at the party of the season. This vibrant linen is sure to spark your host’s imagination and inspire them to create their own unforgettable holiday celebrations complete with you on the guaranteed guest list for buying the best gift of the season.

Vacation Royal Pine Deluxe Candle

Imagine a candle that smells like a luxury winter vacation, pine trees and all. Hard to envision? Well, Vacation, a sunscreen, fragrance, and candle brand known for its playful, vintage-style advertisements, has captured the very essence and spirit of the holidays and infused it into wick and wax. Produced from a brilliant three-pine blend, including fresh-cut balsam, Siberian pine needle accord, and imported Norwegian spruce, your recipient’s senses will have them believing they’re surrounded by snow-covered pines and the invigorating scent of Christmas trees. Aside from being a standout scent in a sea of overly saccharine, headache-inducing candles, it’s beautifully decorated with a pristine presentation that exudes from the font to the gold-rimmed green glass.

Crumbs: Cookies and Sweets from Around the World

In a growing digital age, it’s easy to overlook the joy of thumbing through a physical cookbook, filled with page after page of decadent recipes and gorgeous photography. If there’s a publisher who knows how to compile a relevant and refreshing cookbook for all those refined hosts, it’s Phaidon. The company’s latest culinary release, Crumbs: Cookies and Sweets from Around the World, is a literary indulgence that’s as delightful to read as it is to recreate in your own kitchen. In this expansive, beautiful title, your gift recipient will discover 300 recipes from across the globe like chocolate-glazed Polish gingerbread, hundreds and thousands biscuits from New Zealand (yes, that’s the official name), railroad man cookies from Austria, and much more. Even if this host is more likely to order dessert than bake it, they’ll enjoy the sheer pleasure of taking a literary gastronomic trek across the world, one delicious and adventurous crumb at a time.

Quince European Linen Scallop Edge Napkins

Some gorgeous napkins must be kept in reserve for the most special of occasions, but where’s the fun in that? Though rare, there are a few that can withstand the demands of everyday dining and elevated entertaining, and they’re not to be passed over. These scallop-edge napkins from Quince are the perfect set for daily use as well as elegant get-togethers, made with easy-to-clean, durable 100% European linen. Match them with your gift recipients’ decor style, with color choices ranging from a rich, lush Bordeaux to a soft, subdued dusty blue. No matter if they’re whipping up heavy Southern fare or offering petite finger foods, these durable and demure napkins add a touch of poise and ease to every table setting and gathering they grace.

Great Jones Beyond Measure Duo

Any host knows that the fun starts way before the guests trickle through the door. The joy of prep, from arranging a beautiful charcuterie board to mixing that oh-so-perfected cocktail, is an event in itself. That’s why it’s great to have materials and utensils on hand that spark joy and enliven the entertainment experience, which is why we can’t resist this colorful measuring cup duo from Great Jones. A stand-out from other plastic, utilitarian options out there, these vibrant glass measuring cups are not just for show — though they definitely won’t be hiding either. They’re sturdy, microwave- and dishwasher-safe with easy-to-read printed measurements in ounces, cups, and millimeters, so you’re not messing up that tried-and-true family recipe. The mid-century modern-style begs to be a fixture of any get-together, housing beverages, dressings, sauces, and more.

Year & Day Serving Fork and Spoon Set

There are some entertaining essentials that can make or break a party. You never want to be hovering over a serving bowl or dish ready to feed guests only to find yourself without the proper pristine serving tools at your disposal. And not just any everyday silicone or plastic tool will do. That’s why we love the simple yet chic design of this serving fork and spoon set from Year & Day. No matter the cuisine, whether it’s salad, casserole, or a main course, this exquisite set, which comes in four design options including gold and matte steel, is sure to impress guests and add a touch of sophistication and refinement to any event. Your fave host will love using them, and because they can withstand repeated use and cleaning without compromising shine or performance, they’ll work for festive gatherings and casual weeknight dinners.

Bombas Sunday Slippers

Sure, a host loves to entertain, but what happens when all the guests leave? Well, everyone needs to find some time to unwind. One especially great way to decompress after a long night is to indulge in a relaxing self-care routine, complete with comfy clothes and slipping their feet into a pair of soothing slippers like these sherpa ones from Bombas. The fluffy yet sturdy shoes feature a memory foam footbed and a raised back heel to keep their feet comfortable and fastened with every step. Even if your gift recipient lives and breathes in 4-inch heels, they’ll be singing the praises of these trusty slip-ons in no time at all.

Brightland Holiday Splendor Gift Set

Whether your hostess is a seasoned chef or new to the kitchen, a thoughtfully selected olive oil is certain to delight the palate and the party. This versatile provision is downright essential and the ultimate sidekick for cooking and entertaining, whether it’s searing scallops, whipping up a zesty salad dressing, or providing an aromatic dip for toasted bread. We’ve long been fans of Brightland’s exceptional and celeb-loved olive oils, and lucky for your gift recipient, it just partnered with luxury brand MacKenzie-Childs to launch a design-elevated, limited-edition Holiday Splendor Gift Set. This two-piece release features Brightland’s best-selling cold-pressed olive oil duo, Awake and Alive, that your recipient will be hard pressed to share. These fresh and flavorful oils, adorned with MacKenzie-Childs’ patterns and embellishments, pack flavor and personality into any celebration.

Yeti Rambler Pitcher

Beverages are a crucial component of entertaining, especially when you’re playing host to a crowd and want to make sure everyone stays hydrated and happy. If you’re looking to give a gift that will be the lifeline of a party, a high-quality pitcher is a thoughtful option that will get plenty of use and appreciation. Yeti’s double-walled, vacuum-insulated pitcher keeps drinks ice-cold from the first guest’s arrival and long after the party’s end. It comes in multiple colors and can withstand the miles, with Yeti’s signature kitchen-grade stainless steel that can handle more wear and tear than you’d imagine. No matter the beverage, this pitcher keeps it cool.

Oh My Mahjong Tile Set

Give the gift of strategic fun and social connection with a splurgy Mahjong set, perfect for game nights and gatherings with friends. A historic tradition that originated in China, this engaging tile game has seen a major popularity resurgence in recent years, with numerous brands releasing gorgeous, high-quality sets that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design. Of the exceptional sets, we can’t resist the beauty of Oh My Mahjong, whose astute, playful designs elevate and enliven the experience to a whole new level. The brand offers a number of colors, but our favorite has to be the soiree tiles, emboldened with playful pops of blue, green, purple, and red. You can add on key accessories like mats, racks, and pushers, or even tote bags to complete the gift, or let your recipient pick out their own finishing touches.

Featured Image Credit: Superkitina/ Unsplash