It’s the most wonderful time of the year, which ultimately means it’s time to prepare yourself for the upcoming onslaught of holiday party invitations. While most gracious hosts will tell you to just bring yourself, a good guest knows it is polite (and more festive) to participate in the spirit of giving. Hostess gifts are quite possibly the most fun gifts to purchase—they can be fun, irreverent and they don’t have to break the bank. Here is a quick round up of great gifts for every type of hostess.
For Your Coworker
Not sure what your host’s taste and style is? No problem—a beautiful set of coasters make a great, functional gift and they add just enough personality to a coffee table without intruding too much into the existing décor. This rose-quartz-inspired set from West Elm is durable and maybe the prettiest we have ever seen. Or this bright, geometric set from Domino has great pops of color and bold graphics which can really hold their own next to those perfectly placed coffee table books!
For The Consummate Hostess
An ordinary household item with an extra special twist can be perfect for your friend that loves having company and beautiful things to help them entertain. A rose gold French coffee press is glamorous even when just sitting on their counter waiting to serve the next cup.
For The Tirelessly Festive Hostess
Chances are this friend also loves glitter, sparkle and all that the holidays embody and likely has multiple trees adorning his or her home. This disco ball tree topper from CB2 is pretty much everything.
For The Fun-Loving Hostess
Here’s where you can really have some fun—select a whimsical gift for the fun-loving hostess. Ban.do’s current selection of statement earrings hit the mark ranging from colorful pom poms to metallic tassels.
For The Hostess With A Serious Sweet Tooth
Gift them a little something special to enjoy once the party is over. These 24K Gold Marshmellows are luxurious and delicious while Sugarfina's holiday sets boast the perfect packaging and price point.
For The Bookworm Hostess
Coffee table books make for an excellent hostess gift as they are substantial, satisfying and timeless. A few favorites this season include Ann Shen’s Bad Girls Throughout History which chronicles all of the women who have broken barriers and stood up for their beliefs—it's a good reminder of how far we have come. On the topic of girl power, we are also loving Leah Reena Goren’s Besties is a beautiful ode to female friendships. And finally, Humans of New York is a classic collection of stories and photographs covering all walks of life in the Big Apple—another good reminder in this season of loving and giving.
For Home-Decor Obsessed Hostess
It's definitely a splurge for a hostess gift, but this colorful, acrylic chess set is stunning and could easily inspire a future game night! It might seem like a bold move, but a one-off graphic, fun or colorful throw pillow can really add a bit of life to a couch. This winky pillow from Urban Outfitters has loads of personality and would fit in with any décor in its classic white/black color combination.
For The Music-Loving Hostess
It would be hard to go wrong with a vintage version of a classic album since records double both as home décor and entertainment. If you're short on time, West Elm actually has a selection of classics this holiday season from Michael Jackson’s Thriller to Prince’s Purple Rain that would all look great on a bookshelf and are guaranteed to get the party dancing.
For The Artsy Hostess
Get your host onboard the coloring trend with a chic coloring book and nice set of pencils. Perfect for the kid in all of us or the millennial looking for an alternative way to zone out. This #OOTD: Fashion Flat Lay coloring book from Urban Outfitters and set of colored pencils is particularly fun for the social media, fashion-forward friend.
For The Secret-Santa-Holding Hostess
Here’s where the most out-of-the-box idea can have the biggest pay off. Think fun, think random or basically anything unexpected—a puzzle for the cat lover, a set of unconventional string lights, or a light box for the host who loves to express him or herself.
For The Achingly Chic Hostess
If you walk into their home and instantly feel like you've entered a chic alternate dimension, you need to bring your A-game. Opt for a sculptural vase like this one from Mark Pavlovits that they'll be proud to display in their entryway.
