These hostess gift ideas will make them feel so appreciated
Whether you’re heading to a holiday party or invited for a weekend visit, you’ll want to make sure you don’t show up empty-handed. Hostess gifts may be a little old-fashioned, but that’s because they really are a classic move that will never go out of style. Thanking your hostess (or host, of course) for their hospitality and any work they’ve put into making you, their guest, feel welcome, is always considerate. Although the sentiment has never gotten old, the gift itself changes from decade to decade. So, you’ll need some hostess gift ideas, especially with the upcoming holiday season.
These carefully curated gifts will please any hosts, even your hard-to-shop-for-sister-in-law. They’ll be welcome additions to their home, pantry, and every day, plus many of them actually make their next event that much easier to put together. Scroll down for our favorite hostess gift ideas for 2023.
TBH Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
A bottle of wine is always a good idea when it comes to a hostess gift. This wonderful Pinot Noir is made from 100% estate-grown organic grapes from Small Vines on the Sonoma Coast and is a full-bodied wine with hints of cherries, a floral scent, and a lovely lingering flavor.
Goat milk is known for its moisturizing qualities. We love gifting this soap and lotion set especially since its fragrance-free and includes a counter caddy.
Glassware with a city map in 22-carat gold leaf is sure to endear your host to you even when your kid locks themselves in the bathroom in the middle of the party. Choose from 22 popular cities.
San Francisco mom Samira Khoshnood created Superstitchous while on maternity leave after the birth of her first child. We love gifting these cozy blankets to pretty much anyone. Especially with a variety of charming prints and sizes, you can't go wrong.
Made of long-lasting soy wax and hand-poured in California, these are a chic-meets-cheeky offering. There are a bunch of different single and bundle options to fit your favorite hostess's personality.
The perfect gift wrap for that bouquet of flowers you can grab on your way over; use a recycled jar, a can or a simple vase and make it dressy. Coated paper stock in lots of different color choices.
A perfect trio of cheese from one of the country's best cheesemakers. Includes a decadent triple cream Mt Tam, funky and buttery Red Hawk, and versatile aged Wagon Wheel.
Filter out sulfites with this simple wine filter and say goodbye to wine headaches. Simply add one to each glass you pour and in 3 minutes, you'll have a clean-tasting filtered glass of your favorite grapes.
—Kate Loweth, Amber Guetebier, Gabby Cullen, & Kate Cartia
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These are the newborn baby gifts that parents will love, too
Baby’s first holiday season is pure magic, and we’ve got the best newborn baby gifts to make it extra special for all the 0 to 6-month-olds on your list. You’ll find tummy-time faves, educational toys, keepsakes, and cuddly stuffies to love on. Shopping for lots of littles? Check out our gift guides for one-year-olds and 18- to 24-month-olds.
Gund My Little Food Truck Play Set
We love a gift that grows with your baby! Infants will love holding the little sensory toys (like a crinkly taco and a squeaky burger) and putting them in and out of their plush case; when they’re older they can transition to imaginative games where they’re serving food from a food truck.
A first doll perfect for six-month-olds, this snuggly little baby comes in their own peapod home. Little hands will love taking their super-soft pal in and out of her pod. Since we’re sure it’ll be love at first sight, you might want to give two of these cuties (in case one goes missing *shudder*).
How beautiful is this? Babies will put just about anything in their mouths, so why not give them a teether or two that are soothing and aesthetically pleasing for parents, too. This Mushie option also comes in calming blue, beige, and sand. *adds to cart*
From the stroller to their car seat, babies will love this clip-on vibrating pull toy. As they get to know each of the four ice cream scoops and sensory tags and teethers, you’ll be able to get some stuff done. Definitely one of the best newborn baby gifts this year.
Tummy time can be such a drag, but your newborn’s sure to be entertained by this multifaceted gift. Your tot can have a tummy party with themselves thanks to the mirror, make some new animal friends on the soft pages, squish the crinkly paper and play with other textures, and attack the gummy orange teether.
Weighted with buckwheat that you can warm up in the microwave, this super soft woodland stuffie is the soothing companion your baby doesn’t know how to ask for. Just be sure to keep an eye on their snuggles so they don’t get too close. Hot tip: Foxy makes a great heating pad, too.
Give the babes on your list a little STEM action with this foursome of plush cubes each boasting a different sound, color combination, and texture. The best part? They’re machine washable, so spit-up and drool are no match for this toy.
Lull your baby to sleep with a bedtime rendition of "Over the Rainbow," played on this hand-painted, wooden music box. Twist the sun to hear up to three minutes of this favorite melody.
This activity gym does triple duty as your newborn grows. Tinies can bat at the rattles and teethers on their back while older babies love the mirror and singing watering can for tummy time. Once you’ve got a crawler, convert the mat into a little fort that also makes a great tunnel. Baby’s first clubhouse!
Each of these adorable tumbling balls stimulates a different sense—red is touch, with its fluffy stuffing; blue is sound, thanks to three clanking balls; and with a mirror hiding inside, yellow is sight. And baby? Well, baby is endlessly entertained.
Buttery soft cotton muslin lined in satin makes this the softest security blanket around, and we love that you get a set of two off the bat (always, always, always have a backup). Your baby’s not going to want to put these down!
This a baby gift hat trick for the six-month-olds on your list! Expect plenty of fine motor skills and sensory development as your bebe holds and gums the links, spins their rainbow reel (hello, high chair entertainment!), and learns to stack the colorful magnetic pals.
If you live far away from the newborn on your gift list, record a special rendition of this sweet story just for them so they can always hear your voice. The beautiful illustrations are a bonus.
This is the coziest newborn baby gift by far! Transform your babe into a little bear cub with an adorable sherpa set that’s sure to keep their tiny hands and heads warm all winter long.
The best baby gifts can be used in lots of different ways to keep baby endlessly entertained. Take that longer-than-you-expected checkout line! This plush cube has six sides to explore, from crinkle paper and a textured teething ring to the elephant’s fun bungee trunk.
Once they’re past the newborn phase and teething is in full swing, this easy-to-grasp toy and teether is a parent’s dream. The textured silicone outer cube soothes tender gums while the black-and-white inner rattle cube is a sensory delight.
We’re smitten by the safari print on this luxuriously soft swaddle, perfect for keeping baby cozy while they sleep, acting as a light blanket in their stroller, or—dare we say—mopping up the odd puddle of spit up.
An absolute classic newborn baby gift, this board book by award-winning photographer Tana Hoban folds out entirely and is sturdy enough to stand on its own during tummy time. Littles love the high-contrast black-and-white images, which help to develop their eyesight.
This is one of the least annoying musical baby toys out there, which is why it’s been a staple on baby gift lists for a decade. Infants 3 months and older delight in pressing the colorful buttons to start the music and spinning the beads on the handle, and it’s easy to throw in your bag for on-the-go entertainment.
This is truly a gift for first-time parents Googling “How to entertain a two-month-old” at 3 a.m. The convenient flip guide developed by pediatricians takes parents through games and activities that contribute to five different areas of a baby’s development, from birth to one year.
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
All images courtesy of retailers.
Your little one’s style doesn’t have to stop at baby crib sheets.
Dress up your nursery with baby crib sheets that offer a soft place to sleep and a fabulous spot for Instagram photos. There are so many options that don’t have anything to do with ducks or teddy bears. These are crib sheets for trendy babes who already serve up serious style. Read on for organic options, silk sheets that are gentle on hair, and the cutest prints you’ve ever seen.
Primary Crib Sheets
Primary
Beloved kids clothing brand Primary has now come out with bedding in its signature prints and colors. The crib sheet comes in white with rainbow stars, stripes or hearts, plain white, and white with a navy stripe. There's also a coordinating baby quilt ($78) in white with a navy star, rainbow stripe or rainbow heart. White & Rainbow Stars ($23.50)—Buy Here!
Coco Beans Silk Crib Sheets
Say goodbye to tangled hair! These 100% silk sheets from Coco Beans are more gentle on textured and curly hair, preventing the dry, frizzy locks and bald spots that can develop on cotton sheets. Silk is naturally hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin; plus, it's breathable, moisture-wicking and helps regulate temperature. Coco Beans Silk Crib Sheets ($108.00)—Buy Here!
Partner
Solly Baby Crib Sheets
Solly Baby
You love the brand's lightweight and soft, silky baby wraps, and the Solly Baby crib sheets are just as cozy and comfortable. Sized to fit a standard crib mattress, these luxurious sheets are fitted and come in florals, stripes, dots and solid colors. Solly Baby Crib Sheets ($38.00)—Buy Here!
Luvsy Printed Crib Sheets
Luvsy
Fancy up your crib photos with Luvsy's festive crib sheets. Each "scene" transfers baby to a new place—the beach, park, outer space and even surfing big waves. Start your fun photography journey from day one. Luvsy Printed Crib Sheets ($29.99)—Buy Here!
Copper Pearl Premium Knit Fitted Sheet
Copper Pearl
Your baby will feel, and look, downright dreamy on Copper Pearl premium fitted crib sheets. The sheets are made from a lightweight and breathable knit fabric and are designed to snugly and safely fit all standard baby mattresses, with high-quality elastic to keep it in place. Patterns include this sweet peach print, as well as flowers, stripes, checks, hearts, and animals. Copper Pearl Premium Knit Fitted Sheet ($39.95)—Buy Here!
Target's Cloud Island
Affordable and adorable, the Pink Floral fitted crib sheet from Cloud Island is as pretty as a painting for your little one’s nursery. It plays nicely with any pastel- or sherbet-hued decor and can lean traditional or modern all depending upon your style. Made with smooth 100% cotton, this fitted sheet is free from harmful levels of chemical substances. Target's Cloud Island Crib Sheets ($9.99)—Buy Here!
Iviebaby Crib Sheets
Going for a gender-neutral nursery? Check out Iviebaby on Etsy for tons of options to choose from. Another great gift idea for a mama-to-be with a distinct sense of style. Iviebaby Crib Sheets ($95.00)—Buy Here!
Lewis Organic Crib Sheets
Lewis
Not every nursery has to shout “baby!” For a more sophisticated look, turn to Lewis, where you’ll find 100% organic cotton goods with patterns that are more Brooklyn-hip than cutesy. Lewis Organic Crib Sheets ($38.00)—Buy Here!
This warm burnt orange is having a moment right now, and what nursery doesn't need safari animals? These stain- and fade-resistant super-soft sheets come in a two pack (and some other designs, too). Sorrel + Fern Safari Adventure ($29.99)—Buy Here!
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
Grab your sled and snow tube because these city hills and nearby resorts are the best spots for your family’s next downhill adventure
One of life’s simplest thrills is soaring down a snowy hill on a cold winter day. Whether you prefer a toboggan, a snow tube, or a simple sled, the rush of a steep slope can be enjoyed by nearly everyone. Better yet: if you’ve got sledding enthusiasts in your house, you don’t have to wait for it to snow to hit the hills! We found the best nearby resorts for all-winter fun, two indoor spots where you can sled all day no matter the weather, and—for when it actually does snow—the top-rated hills in the city. From a winter road trip to the largest snow tubing track in the country to the steepest hill in the city (as well as our favorite gentle slope), here are the best places to toboggan, sled, and snow tube near Washington, DC.
When it snows, the West Lawn welcomes sledders from dawn to dusk. The AOC (Architects of the Capitol) offer a list of tips to make sure your snowy adventure is a safe one. At times, sledding on Capitol Grounds may be restricted for a number of reasons, including construction and heightened security. Please check the Capitol website before you go
Battery Kemble Park is one of the city's best kept, tourist-free secrets. This small patch of undeveloped land sits neatly tucked away in a residential area. Coast down a Civil War battery used by Union Soldiers for an afternoon of fresh-air fun!
Located in Georgetown, this steep slope attracts (a huge number of) enthusiastic sledders looking for high-speed thrills. If you've got little ones in tow, we suggested skipping this park that requires maneuvering around trees, bushes and crowds. If you've got experienced sledders, enjoy!
This famous hill offers a gradual slope for pint sized sledders. While not a popular at the Capitol Grounds, it does offer a gentle ride for new sledders. If it's not fast enough for your little ones, walk up to the Capitol for more speed.
2 15th St NW National Mall Online. nps.gov
Fort Reno Park
Climb Fort Reno's hill and you've reached the highest natural point in DC! This slope is known for it's longer-than-usual ride. While this is a popular spot to sled, sledders can usually space out for a safe experience. Tenleytown is a quick walk from the park; warm up at Steak n' Eggs diner with a hot chocolate and all-day breakfast.
Suit up in a blue parka to explore this exhibit chilled to a freezing 9 degrees Fahrenheit. Over 2 million pounds of brightly colored ice is hand-carved to depict larger-than-life scenes from the beloved holiday movie, A Christmas Story. Famous scenes from the movie are reimagined as ice carvings, including the famous department store Santa scene. Your parka acts as a wearable sled while you zip down this slide made completely of ice.
Rip down Snow Flow Mountain at thrilling speeds on bumper-safe icy terrain. At Gaylord National Harbor, you can hop in a tube and safely race down an entirely ice-covered hill where, if you pick up enough momentum, a cushy bumper will end your ride. You must be at least 42-inches to ride and tubers are single occupant lanes only. Purchase a ticket and go with the flow (of snow!) all day!
Liberty Mountain is one of the closest slopes to DC, and the lodge provides shuttle buses straight from the parking lot to the tube track so you don't have to waste energy trekking to the mountain. Bubly Tube Park has 15 lanes available for visitors to shoot down. Translation? Long lines are non-existent. And if you're lucky, you and the fam will have a slide all to yourselves! Younger families can head over to the Kiddie Tubing area where kids smaller than 41" can tube safely.
Located just over the border in PA, Whitetail Resort is a great place for first time snow tubing adventures. Families with children over five-years-old can make the runs down the hill together and for those with littler tubers, Whitetail’s kiddie section is smaller and less scary than the big hill. Sessions are first-come, first served and sold in two hour time slots online.
13805 Blairs Valley Rd. Mercersburg, PA Online: skiwhitetail.com
Roundtop Mountain Resort
This family-friendly mountain features 800' runs with an 80' ft vertical drop. If that's too much zip for your little, they can cruise at a slower speed on the kiddie hill. Thanks to the snow makers, you can always bet on snow at this mountain!
Just a two hour drive from downtown DC can have you and your family on the Bryce Resort tubing track for some fast paced fun. Tubers over 4-years-can spend 90 minutes zipping down these slopes; kids over 8 can hit the tubing track alone while mom and dad catch some quality time by the fire at the resorts Copper Kettle or the Fireside Grill restaurants.
Just a quick 2 hr. and 28 minute from downtown DC, Massanutten Resort has earned a reputation as one of the best tubing spots near DC with its 900 ft. hill and 120 ft. vertical drop. Due to its popularity, this tubing spot has been known to sell out on weekends and holidays. Go mid-week to skip the crowds and score discounted tickets. New this year: a conveyor belt that transports guests quickly up the hill for more downhill action.
With over 40 lanes to tube down, Camelback Resort wins the "biggest snowtubing park" award in the country! A Magic Carpet whisks you up the steep side of this mountain so you can enjoy 2 fun-filled hours of tubing. Nab tickets for an evening slot and the snow is aglow with vibrant colors for a Galactic experience. Kids must be 44" tall to ride alone. When you've had enough of the winter weather, head indoors for America's #1 rated indoor waterpark.
Penguin Slides Tubing Park at The Omni Homestead Resort
Make a weekend out of winter activities at The Omni Homestead Resort. Reservations for one-hour time slots on the Penguin Slides Tubing Park hill must be made in advance (must be 5 & up and over 48" tall). This Park makes tubing a relaxing activity; a conveyor belt transports guests back up the hill so they don't have to exhaust themselves on the climb. Other resort activities include mini snowmobiles JUST for kids (ages 6-12), ice skating and (for beginners) there is the 9-trail mountain for budding skiers.
7696 Sam Snead Hwy. Hot Springs, VA 24445 Online:omnihotels.com
Blue Mountain Resort
If you're looking for a change of scenery, head to the PA for winter thrills. There are over 10 resorts to tube (and ski) in the Pocono Mountains. and Blue Mountain offers the fastest and longest lanes in the region—and the state! This resort has 46 lanes, so you never have to wait long for another run (fun fact: they are now the largest snow tubing park in the country!). And 3 running lifts means you spend more time sledding than toting that tube back up the hill (and with over 1,000 feet of sledding, you're not going to want to walk). Stay at near-by Woodloch Resort and snow tubing—while not as "extreme" as the Blue Mountain experience—is complimentary with your stay.
Cost: $20 Dates: TBD
1660 Blue Mountain Dr. Palmerton, PA Online:skibluemt.com
Sweep up those needles one last time! We’ve got your Portland tree-cycling options outlined here
Even though the season has come and gone, the spirit of gratitude and giving is still with us. So this year we’re taking the famous Marie Kondo’s approach to getting rid of our trees by first thanking it for the joy it brought us and then properly recycling it. Curious about Christmas tree recycling in Portland? Check out the four easiest ways to repurpose and recycle your tree along with pro-tips on Christmas tree recycling locally.
Recycling Your Christmas Tree in Portland: Where to Start
If you are interested in recycling your Christmas tree in Portland, the following are four ways to get the job done.
1. Recycle it at home with your curbside or yard debris collection service. 2. Recycle it through a nonprofit. 3. Take it to a recycling center. 4. Repurpose it in your own backyard.
Pro Tree-cycle Tip: Prep your tree for recycling by stripping it of all ornaments and lights. Most trees are turned into wood chips, and these items may damage the chipping machine. If you have a flocked or artificially-colored tree, check our listings below, as not all recyclers accept these.
1. Curbside or Yard Debris Christmas Tree Collection Service
One of the easiest options for Christmas tree recycling is your area’s waste collection team on a regular pick-up day. Where you live depends on how to prep, where you can put it, and what they’ll take. Generally, trees that are cut up and fit completely inside the curbside compost roll cart are good to go. Whole trees can be placed next to the composting cart, however, there may be a charge. If a tree is over 6 feet, it must be cut in half. For details, call your local solid waste and recycling office. Flocked trees are not accepted for recycling curbside.
Insider Tip: Make sure to not overfill or stuff down the tree material.
For a small donation, Boy Scout Troop 150 (and others in your area) will collect Christmas trees and wreaths for recycling. You can also drop them off a the designated spot. Register your address, and number of trees, and make a donation at the link below. You’ll be doing something good for the planet and helping these scouts earn badges throughout the year.
Requirements may vary and fees may apply, and we found just the resources to help. Have questions about these options? Reach out to Portland Metro or search for recycling centers online. This site offers a recycle center name, distance from your entered location, and if they pick up and or drop off.
If you’re not up for curbside or drop-off options, consider these intentional backyard alternatives. The American Forest Society has some great ideas for putting your tree to good use in your own yard, from a bird feeder to coasters.
Have a few strands of holiday lights that aren’t working? Or maybe you consolidated your working lights this year? There are different ways to get them off your hands in an environmentally friendly way.
Make someone else's Christmas bright next year by donating your lights to Goodwill or other donation centers.
String lights can be recycled for the copper inside them at your local recycling center (just make sure you don't put them in your home bin). Many centers, like Metro’s, will take them free of charge.
Hardware and home-improvement stores generally accept Christmas lights for recycling and even for coupons or other incentives. Bigger stores encourage donors to opt for LEDs by offering to take incandescent lights. Just swing by the customer service counter to learn more.
Dedicated to reducing waste, the folks at Ridwell will pick up your holiday lights and recycle the electronic bits and the glass as well for those who subscribe to this additional Portland recycling service. Check out Ridwell for all sorts of other recycling needs that can help your family keep items out of the landfill.
If you’re ready to add a little whimsy to your beauty routine, you’ll love this new line from HipDot! The popular cosmetics company that’s known for its unexpected collaborations has partnered with Hasbro for a fun new game-based line. Whether you want to add a Monopoly money hue for your next business pitch or a Play-Doh neon pop for your next night out, these products are sure to please.
You have three different eyeshadow palettes to choose from: Monopoly Money Moves, Ouija or Play-Doh Super Color. Each comes in a case that riffs off the design of the actual games, including a mini Monopoly board! The palettes feature mattes and shimmers, with the addition of foils and glitters in the Monopoly set and satins and duochromes in the Ouija set.
The names of the colors might be the best part. Take Luxury Tax in the Monopoly set, which is a money green with sparkle pigment. Bubble Gum Pink is a medium pink satin in the Play-Doh set. And Seance is a reddish copper shimmer in the Oujia set.
If you can’t decide which one to buy, you can also buy all three for $74. They’re available now on Hipdot.com. All of the company’s products are vegan and cruelty-free, in addition to super fun. But if you’re interested, you might want to pull out your (real) bills because this new line is in high demand!
Say it with us: Butterbeer Bar. If your travel plans include New York this summer, you’re in luck, because the first official Butterbeer Bar is scheduled to open soon at the flagship Harry Potter Store.
Just as it sounds, this bar features only one product in all its glory, butterbeer. You can drink it on draft, in bottles, or even enjoy it in ice cream form. Your frothy, butterscotch beverage comes poured in a souvenir tankard or in a bottle with an exclusive collectible label. The bottle is only available in-store and the label is designed by MinaLima, the duo behind the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series.
There’s much more to love about your trip to the Butterbeer Bar. Once you step inside, you’ll be greeted by a giant cascade of glowing Butterbeer bottles. As you walk to the bar, the bottles will appear to ‘float’ as Butterbeer transports magically through copper pipes. And the bar is part of Harry Potter New York, the world’s only official Harry Potter flagship store.
The store and bar open on June 3 and are sure to be must-stops for the wizards and Muggles in your life. You’ll find exclusive products, interactive elements and an eye-catching design from top to bottom—three floors, to be exact. At over 21,000 square feet, the store will hold the largest collection of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beast products anywhere. Start plotting your trip now, because what’s life without a little magic!
—Sarah Shebek
All photos: Courtesy of Harry Potter Flagship Store New York
Raise your hand if you’re ready for spring! In celebration of all things pastel and pretty, Starbucks just dropped their newest lineup of tumblers, cups and mugs and they’re beyond fit for the impending warm weather.
In addition to the 50th Anniversary Copper Tumblers that are a collector’s dream, the coffee purveyor shared the newest collection of reusable cups that are all about spring. The six-pack comes in blue, pink, purple, coral, mint and dark blue with Easter-inspired prints.
We spied the set at our local Starbucks inside Target for a cool $14.95. Each set comes with fun designs that include Easter eggs, florals, bunnies and more designs to get you excited for winter to be over.
The variety packs include six 16-ounce cups with lids and is dishwasher safe. You can find them at Starbucks, Starbucks inside Target and even on the Starbucks app when you place your order (if your local store carries them).
If cheese tops your holiday wish list, then you are in luck. Sam’s Club just dropped two amazing products that any cheese lover would want for their upcoming festive celebrations. The warehouse club is offering an advent calendar and a cheese flight which will make your season’s bright.
The Cheese Advent Calendar features 24 days of cheese.The selection includes Jarlsberg, Ilchester, and Applewood varieties. With this countdown to Christmas you get much more than cheese. Each day has a cheesy joke included too.
Grab this fun gift in the refrigerated cheese section of the club for just $16.98.
While you are in the refrigerated cheese section you can also check out this exclusive cheese flight. Included are three cheeses – Copper Kettle Parmesan, Altu Alpine and Tuscan Rubbed Fontal for only $7.48. This selection is perfect for easy charcuterie boards or to enjoy all on your own.
Due to rising COVID-19 cases in Florida, Disney World has delayed the reopening of some of its resort hotels and is keeping others closed that were scheduled to reopen. Many Disney resort hotels reopened in June, but others remained closed as the theme park reopened on Jul. 11. The update was posted on the Disney World website.
The following Disney Resort hotels are now open and accepting new reservations:
The Polynesian Village Resort will reopen on Oct. 4 and the Art of Animation Resort will reopen on Nov. 1. Previously, both resorts were scheduled to reopen on Aug. 12. Disney’s Beach Club Resort and BoardWalk Inn, which were supposed to reopen on Aug. 24 and Oct. 1 will remain closed until further notice.
Future reopening dates are subject to change and Guests’ reservations could still be modified to other Disney Resort hotels if needed.
All four Walt Disney World theme parks are open and welcoming Guests. Check the website for further information.