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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Break out the paints, pastels and pretty papers—because it’s time for a whole new round of Valentine’s box ideas. Your kiddo needs to prep for their school’s holiday party (they’re back!), and we’ve got ideas that include everything from a unicorn valentine box to heart-printed paper. So go ahead and break out the cardboard shoe boxes you’ve been saving all year, it’s time to get crafty. See our favorites below.
With a printable template in hand and a roll of your kiddo’s fave patterned wrapping paper, you can create this adorable unicorn valentine box from hello, Wonderful!
Head to your local Dollar store, pick up a white swivel-top trash can and you're halfway to making this simple R2D2 Valentine Box. Joys of Boys Blogger (and mother of FOUR boys!) Kara Lewis has the instructions here. Bonus: If your Star Wars fanatic wants to send some Force-ful Valentine cards, check out her free Star Wars Valentine printables.
We are in love with the bright colors and adorable graphics in this whimsical unicorn Valentine's Day box created by Alice & Lois for Oriental Trading Co. The best part? All you need to do is supply the paper.
It's a little bit traditional, a little shabby chic—this Valentine Box from Punkin Patterns lets you put your own special stamp on your project by wrapping a carefully folded cereal box with whatever scrapbook paper fits your kiddo's personal style.
Your Valentine will be ready to pack up and head out with this easy project that makes a suitcase-style Valentine box. What's more, the case is just a repurposed cereal box (with a whole lot of decorations on top). Kids will love collecting their loot and then whisking their box away by the handles when the end-of-the-day bell rings. Get the instructions at Plaid Online.
Forget about the plain holiday wrapping paper everyone else uses. Your child can get creative crafting their print for a stand-out Valentine’s Day box. Celebrate the winter season and use snow-like cotton balls to paint print heart shapes onto red or pink paper. Wait for the paint to dry and wrap a reused shoebox.
Let's be honest: Not all parents have it in them to pull off a Pinterest-worthy project every time their kids have a special occasion. For moms and dads who don't have a lot of time (or money) to prep their kids' projects, this Valentine box is uber-simple (with a free printable!) and totally adorable. Head to One Creative Mommy to get the instructions.
For kids who want to get noticed, this "Feed Me" Valentine box is sure to do the trick. Your little ones will love seeing their silly faces magnified for this mailbox craft that uses your kids' wide-open mouths as the letter slots. Find out more from the crafty Mamas at Small Fry Blog.
Sometimes, the best Valentine's mailbox is simply, just... a mailbox. This Little Pink Mailbox project may take a little bit of thrift-store scouring to score the perfect mini mailbox, but once you find it, all you need is a fresh coat of paint to make it Valentine-ready. Plus, this little beauty can be used all year long (because, really, any day is a good day for a love note!). Get some inspiration from Kami at Make and Takes.
Your kids will love the real postal box look of this "You've Got Mail(box)" created by southern mama Gina Cleminson at Camp Clem. The faux USPS box may look complicated, but it's all made with a shoebox, some carefully cut slabs of cardboard, and a printed logo.
If your holiday mantra is always “more peppermint, please!” then you’re in luck. We’ve gathered festive recipes that up the ante when it comes to everyone’s fave seasonal flavor. From peppermint bark recipes to peppermint cheesecake and a legit peppermint patty, scroll down to discover peppermint treats that all your little elves will love.
Peppermint Patty
You won't ever want to buy a York Peppermint Patty again after tasting this homemade version we spotted over at House of Yumm. Using real dark chocolate, this will be a go-to recipe for years to come. Get it here.
We’re loving the wow-factor of these cookies from Well Plated. They’re a peppermint version of Mexican Wedding Cookies, meaning they’re melt-in-your-mouth and totally irresistible. Get the recipe here.
Everyone’s fave holiday candy gets a delicious cookie twist, thanks to The Kitchen is My Playground. Not only are these almond sugar cookies a classic treat— they’re also easy to make and sprinkled with crushed candy canes and sugar. Get the recipe here.
Grab a cuppa and gather ‘round for peppermint hot chocolate that’s festive, comforting, and vegan, too! Lauren Caris Cooks is the genius behind this rich and creamy treat and you can snag her recipe here.
Get ready for your newest snack addiction, courtesy of The Hopeless Housewife. It’s a combination of popcorn, peppermint bark, crushed candy canes, and utter deliciousness. Get the recipe here.
Magical Candy Kisses
Leah Singer
Who doesn’t love a surprise— especially when it’s a candy cane Hershey’s Kiss? Red Tricycle’s own SPOKE Network Editor Leah makes these cookies on a yearly basis and the hidden candies are always a hit with kids. Get the recipe here.
Peppermint for breakfast? Yep, it’s a (delicious) reality. Closet Cooking shares how to kickstart your holiday mornings with extra festive scones. Get the recipe here.
Who knew that peppermint bark could be so cute? Not only has It’s Always Autumn come up with an oh-so-adorable holiday candy— she also has an easy-to-follow video so you’ll make the perfect bark every time. Get the recipe here.
When you need a little bite of dessert to get you in the holiday spirit, A Taste of Madness has you covered. These sweet little brownies are just the right size for little hands and pack a punch of peppermint flavor. Get the recipe here.
We all scream for candy cane ice cream! This wintery ice cream pie from Boulder Locavore is super simple to make and it’s covered in chocolate ganache. (Enough said.) Get the recipe here.
‘Tis the season for peppermint ice cream! If you can’t get enough of this cool treat, Almost Supermom has a refreshing solution. This ice cream is magically easy to make and doesn’t require an ice cream maker. Get the recipe here.
On the first day of December ALDI brought to me…tons of great finds! We have the inside scoop on what to expect at your local ALDI for the ultimate holiday month. Including a premade charcuterie board kit and gingerbread mulled wine!
Starting Dec. 1, you’ll be able to snag Three Mills Gingerbread Mulled Wine for only $5. You’ll also find some gems in the baking department: Mama Cozzi’s Pizza Kitchen Holiday Tree or Star Pizza ($2.50), Baker’s Corner Jumbo Christmas Cookie Kit ($5) and Elf on the Shelf Baking Kits ($3.50). Don’t forget the Nestle Morsels in Peppermint Hot Cocoa and Funfetti Flavors!
Later on, look for Sundae Shoppe Snowflake Cones, a raspberry and cream flavored treat with chocolate coating and sugar sprinkles ($3.50 on Dec. 8). Grab some cute Gouda Trees the same weekend that are perfect for your holiday boards ($4). And speaking of charcuterie, don’t forget the Specially Selected Charcuterie Board Kit ($10) that’s available on Dec. 15 and makes your board prep a snap.
Finally, we’re super excited about the Sparkling Wine calendar that counts down to the New Year. You’ll have seven bottles to open and it’s available for $30 on Dec. 1. Don’t forget ALDI’s version of the Grouch Tree! At $8 each, you’ll want to buy a few when they release on Dec. 8. ‘Tis the season for shopping merriment at ALDI!
And the award for cutest winter cake goes to…Baskin-Robbins! The ice cream company’s latest confection celebrates the season with an adorable Brrr the Snowman Cake. It playfully conjures up a scene from Frosty and it’s delicious, too!
The cake sits on a bed of “melting snow” icing and has an icing carrot nose and scarf. Its branch arms, buttons and smile are all made out of fudge and it’s topped with a cake cone and “melted” ice cream. You can customize the playful snowman with your choice of cake and ice cream flavors, but you’ll have to act fast next month before it melts for good!
Want to get this festive creation for free? Baskin-Robbins is giving away 1,000 free snowman cakes starting at 1 p.m. ET on Black Friday. Order online using the code SNOWMAN to try your luck. You can also enjoy 20% off online cake orders through Cyber Monday with the code HOLIDAY.
Finally, make sure you try the newest seasonal ice cream flavor, Gingerbread House. The December Flavor of the Month features gingerbread ice cream full of gingerbread cookie bites and classic peppermint pieces. Don’t forget the confetti drizzle!
There’s no better excuse than the hustle and bustle of the holiday season to treat yourself and the delightful return of Frozen Peppermint Hot Chocolate Ice Cream from Breyers is just the thing.
The limited edition holiday flavor is back in stores and will have you ready to deck the halls and kick off the season of sweets and treats. Frozen Peppermint Hot Chocolate features dark chocolate and peppermint ice cream mixed with chocolate chips.
photo: Courtesy of Breyers
Made with cocoa and peppermint, you won’t want to miss this limited edition flavor that’s been spotted at Kroger and Walmart already.
The day is finally here! Halloween is behind us and the holiday season has officially arrived—made official by the fact that Starbucks just announced the return of its iconic holiday drink lineup. Who wants to hit the drive-thru ASAP?!
This year is extra festive, since Starbucks is celebrating 25 years of its iconic holiday cups. To celebrate, the coffee chain is bringing back some of its most beloved designs, which are sure to look familiar to coffee fans all over the world.
And starting today, you can officially grab your favorite festive drinks at any U.S. Starbucks location. This year’s offerings include familiar favorites like the Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, and Chestnut Praline Latte. There’s also a cold brew option for those of us who think iced coffee should be a year-round staple. And always inclusive, Starbucks brought back their first non-dairy holiday latte that debuted last holiday season.
Tis the season to be properly caffeinated. Here’s what’s on offer at Starbucks, starting today.
Peppermint Mocha
One of the most-loved drinks on Starbucks' holiday menu, the Peppermint Mocha is turning 20 years old this year!
Caramel Brulée Latte
Caramel Brulée sauce and topping combine with steamed milk and whipped cream to make this decadent drink.
Chestnut Praline Latte
A beloved holiday favorite, this drink features flavors of caramelized chestnuts and crumbled pralines.
Toasted White Chocolate Mocha
Topped with holiday sugar sprinkles and white pearls, this toasty, chocolatey drink might be the prettiest one on the Starbucks holiday menu.
Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
For those who don't drink dairy, Starbucks brought back the Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte, the first-ever non-dairy holiday drink that debuted last year.
Irish Cream Cold Brew
For anyone who thinks cold brew is a year-round drink, Starbucks has a holiday menu entry just for you: the festive Irish Cream Cold Brew.
Alongside all the holiday drinks, Starbucks also brought back festive snacks and treats.
Chocolate Pistachio Swirl
New this year is the Chocolate Pistachio Swirl, which features a creamy filling swirled into buttery brioche dough.
You can also still snack on all your classic holiday favorites, like Snowman Cookies, Reindeer Cake Pops, Sugar Plum Cheese Danishes, and Cranberry Bliss Bars.
Chilly weather, sweaters and hot coffee are the stuff winter dreams are made of. To welcome the chilly season, Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company (the official speciality coffee of Disney!) is dropping two new limited edition blends.
The holiday-inspired coffees both showcase Mickey and Minnie Mouse partaking in festive activities in red and green colorways. And bonus: the Minnie Mouse Merry Mint bag is the first to feature the main gal on her own.
Both flavors are available for a limited time only. You can find them at joffreys.com, Amazon and at the Joffrey’s location at Disney Springs® The Landing.
Why just watch this year’s showing of It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, when you can do it next to this amazing Halloween tree, too? Inspired by the 60’s film, this 13-inch decorative tree takes your Halloween decor to the next level.
The Bradford Exchange’s It’s the Great Pumpkin Halloween Tabletop Tree ($135) is a sight to behold, with handcrafted figurines of the entire gang. You’ll spy Charlie, Snoopy, Peppermint Patty, Linus, Lucy, Sally and more as they rest on the intricately designed tree.
photo: Amazon
The pre-lit tree comes full assembled, so all you need to do is plug it in and pop on the film to start enjoying your Halloween, stat.
The kids are ready to color eggs, gearing up for a backyard egg/candy hunt and so much more. This means you’re on the lookout for ways to keep the Easter cheer going. Now you can stream a sweet story with a classic Easter message!
Charlie Brown and the whole gang are back—on Apple TV+. The streaming service recently released one of your kiddo’s fave holiday specials in a partnership with WildBrain—It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown.
photo courtesy of Apple TV+
The animated holiday treat features some of the most iconic Peanuts characters, including Peppermint Patty, Marcie, Linus, Sally and of course the “Easter beagle” himself, Snoopy.
In case you’re not up on your Peanuts holiday specials, Peppermint Patty attempts to teach Marcie how to create Easter eggs in It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown. Along with the egg decorating story-line, Snoopy gets Woodstock a birdhouse and Linus tries to make Sally believe the Easter beagle will deliver eggs, making it totally unnecessary for her to dye her own.
How can your fam watch It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown? The adorable Easter animated special starts streaming Friday, Mar. 26 globally on Apple TV+!