Do you ever find yourself scrambling for a last-minute hostess gift during the holidays? It happened to me year after year, so after a couple decades of scrambling, I got organized and pared down to a few nice gifts that can work for just about anyone. Whether it’s a neighbor, friend, teacher, party hostess, or caregiver, I try to find items that are universal and buy a dozen of them to have on hand during the holidays.
Here are my favorite hostess gifts, all of which are under $50 and can all be ordered online, just in time for the crazy time of year we all lovingly refer to as the holidays.
Write away
Handwritten notes are pretty much a lost art these days. Let’s bring them back!
Emoticons are everywhere and appeal to everyone. They’re fun and whimsical, and can also be personalized. Pretty Paper Club has a cute set that includes 8 notecards, 8 lined envelopes, emoji stickers, washi tape and a pencil for $20, along with an option to join their club for monthly delivery.
Check it out for the cutest and most current stationary I’ve seen in a long time!
Emoji Notecards Set, $20
OMG! It’s Not a Text!, the most popular stationary set at Pretty Paper Club
The same company offers a darling zip pouch filled with sweet words of encouragement. Leave them for a friend or use the cards as gift tags for all your hostess gifts this year.
Encouragement Cards include 12 inspirational quotes and a pom pom pouch for $22.
These words of encouragement inside the adorable pom pom pouch would be uplifting to anyone!
The desert is calling
I love supporting local artisans, so here are a few ideas from my home state of Arizona.
Creosote has been used for centuries by the Native Americans for its healing and medicinal properties. When it gets wet, it emits a very distinct, earthy, herbal scent. Place a bundle of it in your shower, and as the steam rises, it releases a fragrance very reminiscent of the desert after a monsoon storm.
Desert Rain Creosote Bundle $8.50
Arizona has been leading copper production in the U.S. since 1910. This copper bracelet has an adjustable leather band, and the cactus necklace is sweet and dainty, although very substantial. It looks gorgeous when worn with black.
Desert Dust Saguaro Pendant $48
Stunning gifts from Arizona, very unique and authentic
For the consummate bartender
Making cocktails is not exactly my forté, so I leave it up to the pros to help me out. Iconic Cocktail Co. has some amazing, innovative hand-crafted mixers. Just add your poison. Flavors vary by the season and are made fresh weekly.
Iconic Cocktail Co.$20 for 17oz.
Specific to your city, these wood map coaster sets highlight the major neighborhoods in your area. Made of cedar, they celebrate the cities you love and are a great conversation starter!
Neighborwoods $36 for 4
Artisan cocktail salts are never turned away by a bartender, and this pairing of sugar & thyme is such a interesting blend to add to any drink. Bonus: See Salt is the brainchild of a darling mom-daughter duo that’s killing it in the Phoenix market and their fleur de sel is hand-harvested off the coast of France. Love them!
See Salt $12.95 for 2oz. tin
Cocktails anyone? This hand crafted mixer, coaster set, and flavored salt make excellent hostess gifts
Sweet tooth heaven
Every heard of The Simple Farm’s award-winning goat’s milk caramels? These have garnered national attention, and once you try them you’ll know why. Established in 2010, The Simple Farm started as a way to grow food, then a few Nubian dairy goats arrived, and it became a confectionery in Scottsdale suburbia. Lylah and Michael Ledner have poured their heart and soul into the farm and you can taste it in their caramels.
The Simple Farm Goat Milk Caramels $10 for 3.5oz.
One of my best tricks to making store-bought cookie dough taste homemade is to sprinkle them with sea salt as they come out of the oven.
See Salt Fleur de Sel $14.95 for 4oz.
See Salt Take Along Tin $3.95
The Simple Farm Goat Milk Caramels and See Salt Fleur de Sel are perfect for friends and family with a sweet tooth
Candles and monogrammed linens
Artificial fragrances have no business in candles, which is why I love this line of hand-poured, hand-blended and 100%-soy wax candles. Small batch production with premium oils ensure a longer and cleaner burn with gorgeous, botanical scents. Their labels even have super cool quotes on them! Check out their holiday collection.
Mame Soy Candles $15 for 5.5oz
Although this last one isn’t local, I wanted to include it on my list because I personally received these as a gift one year and love them. My monogrammed linen coasters from Mark & Graham are timeless and get used over and over; they’re definitely a staple in my entertaining arsenal. Almost anything on this company’s website can be monogrammed, personalized, or initialized, from wine bags to glasses to cheeseboards, and can usually be done pretty fast if you’re in a pinch.
Mark & Graham Linen Coasters $35 for 6
Mame Soy Candles and Mark & Graham Linen Coasters make versatile holiday hostess gifts
Happy Holidays, may your hostess gifts be the most fabulous at the party!
Don’t forget to check out my Instagram for The Ultimate Hostess Giveaway which includes some of the amazing gifts featured above!!
