From a young age, our mothers teach us the value of Southern hospitality. Whether it's sending a thank you note to a grandparent for a Christmas gift or making sure our elbows stay off the table, our Southern manners are encouraged from the beginning. So, it's only natural that when we go into another's home for a dinner or party, we choose to bring a host or hostess gift. An inexpensive gift shows our friends that we appreciate them opening their homes. Whether you are looking for food hostess gift ideas or host gifts that both members of a couple would enjoy, we've pulled together some gracious gift ideas that will take you through the whole holiday season. Host and hostess gifts don't need to be expensive or elaborate; some of the most thoughtful gift ideas are under $25–which you'll find as some of our top picks. These gifts–everything from charming measuring spoons to tasty boxes of chocolate to fun board games–will take your party-going all the way from Thanksgiving to Christmas to New Years.
Meme Davis Custom Calligraphy Monogram Stamp
Buy It: $30; memedavis.etsy.com
It’s like having custom calligraphy at her fingertips—and an instant upgrade for notes or newsletters.
What Can I Bring?: Southern Food for Any Occasion Life Serves Up
BUY IT: $20.48; amazon.com
This book will lend your favorite hostess a helping hand when the roles reverse and she is the guest to a party.
Pastel and Brass Measuring Spoons
BUY IT: $28; anthropologie.com
This set of four gorgeous, pastel-and-brass measuring spoons bring a cheery, vintage vibe to your hostess' kitchen.
"Equal" Tea Towel
BUY IT: $24; food52.com
A sweet tea towel fits in well with any kitchen's decor, and we love that this one has a handy guide to kitchen measurement equivalencies. Stylish and functional? It's a win-win.
Apple Cake Bites Pan
BUY IT: $35; surlatable.com
This fall-inspired non-stick baking dish creates adorable apple-shaped cakes. Plus, you can frost the autumnal shapes together to make 3-D treats.
USA Marble & Wood Serving Board
BUY IT: $50; nordstrom.com
This elegant piece of marble-and-acacia-wood kitchenware is perfect for displaying appetizers or as a cheese board.
Southern-Inspired Cocktail Syrups
BUY IT: $30-45; food52.com
No dinner party is complete without a well-stocked bar, so help out your hostess with these flavorful craft cocktail syrups. Build your own set.
A Day In Tea Set
BUY IT: $27; uncommongoods.com
These four tins of French loose-leaf teas are a unique and thoughtful token for your hostess (who could likely use some relaxation). Set of four includes Big Ben, a classic English breakfast tea; Pu Erh Imperial, a dark, earthy tea perfect for after lunch; Vive le The!, an energizing green tea; and The des Songes, a low-caffeine blend with lavender to soothe.
Gold Fancy Chocolate Box
BUY IT: $25.90; sees.com
We'd like to argue that the next best thing to giving your hostess a homemade dessert is a box of chocolates. Inside, you'll find a mix of dark chocolates, milk chocolates, brittles, and caramels.
Illume Emory Jar Candle
BUY IT: $26; nordstrom.com
This soy wax candle is housed in a gorgeous glass jar, and it smells of sweet honeysuckle. (Or choose the coconut milk and mango scent for a bright, tropical fragrance.)
Pasta Cutter
BUY IT: $8; surlatable.com
Just like Mom's—except smaller. A mini (13" x 1 1/2") beechwood rolling pin that'll cut fresh sheets of pasta dough into tender strands of her favorite noodle. Choose between spaghetti, fettuccine, or tagliatelle.
Beeropoly
BUY IT: $32; uncommongoods.com
Sometimes the occasion warrants a host or hostess gifts a little more on the casual side, and this Beeropoly from UncommonGoods is perfect. Move bottle cap pieces around a beautiful pine wooden board for a night of fun with friends.
Saddle Leather Catchall
BUY IT: $29; potterybarn.com
A distressed leather catchall is a thoughtful gift that both men and women will enjoy. A monogram adds a little something special to the accessory.
Pineapple Tumbler
BUY IT: $35; uncommongoods.com
Pineapples are a traditional symbol for hosting and hospitality, so it's only natural to hand your hostess a charming, brass-plated pineapple tumbler.
Southern Living Powder-Coated Metal Cake Carrier
BUY IT: $40; dillards.com
Gift your hostess this charming and practical Southern Living cake carrier to transport her favorite cakes to potlucks (or, to parties that she doesn't have to host!).
Cast Iron Oyster Pan
BUY IT: $39.95; surlatable.com
Your hosts will love making fresh seafood in this cast iron oyster pan, which doubles as a serving vessel for the table. The pan contains 12 depressions for oysters on the half shell or fully shucked, and can be used on the grill or in the oven.
Monogrammed Swizzle Sticks
BUY IT: $29.50; etsy.com
These spirited stirrers from Audrey Durden come in a set of six. Choose between a variety of colors and monogram styles.
Acrylic Holder And Loose Notes
BUY IT: $28; lillypulitzer.com
These bright, flowery loose notes are a quirky way to keep your to-do list in order. Each set comes with a stylish acrylic note holder.
Printed Scarf
BUY IT: $16.99; oldnavy.com
A stylish scarf is great for a hostess who's got everything. Pick between countless fun, seasonal looks.
The Classics Tea Sampler
BUY IT: $30; teavana.com
Warm the cockles of her heart with rich, flavorful tea. This set has all of Teavana's crowd-pleasing classics, just in time for the wintry season.
Host: A Modern Guide To Eating, Drinking and Feeding Your Friends
BUY IT: $35; amazon.com
For the entertaining foodie, this mix of large-scale and intimate gathering tips (and recipes) from W&P Design co-founders Eric Prum and Josh Williams has something for everyone.
Benjamin Plaid Throw
BUY IT: $39; potterybarn.com
This warm plaid throw with a hand-knotted fringe is a fall favorite, and you always have the option to get it monogrammed.
Nécessaire Best Of Atelier Cologne Set
BUY IT: $25; sephora.com
If your host loves beauty products, try gifting this elegant set of travel-size perfumes.
Modern White Cake Plate
BUY IT: $27; minted.com
This sleek serving vessel is a Southern staple, so your hostess will appreciate adding it to her collection of kitchenware. The ceramic cake plate is chip-proof, so party-ready, and can be put in the dishwasher following the festivities.
Totally Bamboo Pineapple Serving Board
BUY IT: $14.99; amazon.com
A charming pineapple-shaped cutting board serves double-duty as an adorable serving plate for party appetizers.
Mason Jar Cocktail Shaker
BUY IT: $29; surlatable.com
This W&P Design Mason Jar Shaker adds Southern flair to your hosts' bar cart. It's perfect for shaking up a batch of mint juleps. Includes cocktail shaker and 3-piece strainer.
Olive Wood Slotted Turner
BUY IT: $20; dillards.com
A pretty turner made from olive wood (and part of the Southern Living Collection) will fit in perfectly at an alfresco dinner or porch party.
Southern Living 50 Years: A Celebration of People, Places, and Culture
BUY IT: $27.19; amazon.com
If she's a lifetime subscriber to SL this can't miss collection of photos, covers, stories, and recipes will be a treasured keepsake that she'll pore over time and again. But, if she's brand new to the region, she can consider this tome her official welcome to the neighborhood.
S'Well Resort Bottle
BUY IT: $35; urbanoutfitters.com
If your hostess is always on the go, she'll love this colorful 17-ounce S'Well bottle. It'll keep liquids cold for 24 hours or hot for 12 with double-walled steel, plus it fits in a standard cup holder. Yes, please!
Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking by Samin Nosrat
BUY IT: $35; amazon.com
Gift your hostess the most talked-about kitchen book of the year.
Frango Assorted Chocolates
BUY IT: $21; macys.com
A box of luxurious chocolates is always a great gift option when you're not sure what your hosts like.
Leather Sunglasses Case
BUY IT: $59; markandgraham.com
Your hostess can keep her sunglasses safe in this elegant case.
Styled by Emily Henderson
BUY IT: $32.50; amazon.com
Borrow top designer Emily Henderson's best tips for putting together a gorgeous room thanks to her beloved design book, Styled.
Marshmallow Twig Roaster
BUY IT: $18; shopterrain.com
No more fighting over the first s'mores. This 48-inch twig-shaped tool can toast up to 10 marshmallows at once.
