Ahead, find my top picks for the best hosting gifts to bring to your next gathering. 

Gifts That Will Make You the Life of the Party

1. Homesick Candles

When you don’t want to show up empty-handed but are stuck on what to bring, a candle is always an excellent idea. Homesick Candles is one of my go-to gift ideas because they have fresh and delicious-smelling scents, chic packaging, and lots of personality. For a housewarming, I love the idea of gifting the Barbie’s Dreamhouse Candle (or, for the “Friends” fan, the Monica’s Apartment Candle). The brand also has an impressive fall collection for occasions such as Thanksgiving.

Homesick Candles

Price: $29.95

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2. FreshCut Paper Plants

As much as I love houseplants, I don’t always think they’re a great gift idea since many recipients don’t feel equipped to care for them. Instead of giving your host another responsibility, consider gifting a FreshCut Paper Plant. These pop-up plants are technically cards and a fun way to thank your host. The company carries all sorts of designs, including floral arrangements, but I’m a big fan of the Orchid Oasis and Prayer Plant, as well as the Christmas Tree or Winter Joy Wreath for the holiday season. I’ve gifted several of these, and they’re always a hit.

FreshCut Paper Plants

Price: $20.00

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3. Quince European Linen Napkins

A stunning set of linen napkins is one of those things your host will love but likely wouldn’t buy for themselves — which makes them a fantastic gift idea. For a high-quality set that won’t break the bank, consider the Quince European Linen Napkins. These napkins come in a set of four for $30, eight for $55, and 12 for $70, and are constructed of 100% European flax linen that looks gorgeous on any tablescape in any season.

Quince European Linen Napkins

Price: $29.90

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4. See’s Candies Assorted Chocolates

If your host insists the dinner party isn’t a potluck, but you still want to bring something for everyone to enjoy, a box of See’s Candies Assorted Chocolates is an easy and appreciated gift idea. You won’t step on any toes with a box of chocolates but will still feel like you contributed in a meaningful way.

See’s Candies Assorted Chocolates

Price: $39.49

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5. Branch Basics Cleaning Essentials Kit in Glass

Cleaning supplies may not seem like the best host gifts, but hear me out. I love gifting functional items, and Branch Basics cleaning supplies are some of the best formulas I’ve ever tried. The Branch Basics Cleaning Essentials Kit in Glass is a wonderful gift idea for a housewarming party — and it ups the ante with nice glass bottles, making the gift feel more elevated. Add these to a basket with cellophane wrap and a bow, and you have a gorgeous and thoughtful gift.

Branch Basics Cleaning Essentials Kit in Glass

Price: $89.00

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6. ONEHOPE Winery Single Bottle Wood Gift Box

Wine is a popular host gift, for good reason. While I’m not opposed to running out to Trader Joe’s at the last minute to pick up a bottle, I love the presentation of a well-packaged wine gift. The One Hope Winery Single Bottle Wood Gift Box is an excellent choice for any and all occasions. And if you’re shopping for the holiday season, the winery also has some fun seasonal bottles, like the “It’s Giving” glittery Thanksgiving bottle and the shimmering New Year’s 2025 bottle.

ONEHOPE Winery Single Bottle Wood Gift Box

Price: $47.00

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7. DAVIDsTEA Feel Good Faves Sachet Tea Wheel

If your host doesn’t drink alcohol but you still want to bring something for them to sip on, you can’t go wrong with a box of DAVIDsTEA. I love the company’s tea wheels because they’re beautifully packaged and similar to a box of chocolates — but for tea. The DAVIDsTEA Feel Good Faves Sachet Tea Wheel features an assortment of 12 teas, many of them organic, that are designed to help you rest and recharge.

DAVIDsTEA Feel Good Faves Sachet Tea Wheel

Price: $64.99

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8. Umbra Stax 4 in a Row

This is a bit unconventional, but I love the idea of gifting a game — especially one that doubles as decor. The Umbra Stax 4 in a Row is a fun gift to give because it’s a classic game that guests can play. It also boasts a stunning design that looks beautiful on a shelf or coffee table. Plus, it’s not as pricey as some of the other decorative games out there (like this incredible Pigeon and Poodle Windsor Tic Tac Toe Game Set). If your host isn’t into games, you can opt for a fun puzzle such as the Piecework Sugarplum Cookie Tin Puzzle or the Galison The Art of Pasta Puzzle.

Umbra Stax 4 in a Row

Price: $50.00

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9. Rifle Paper Co. Embroidered Guest Book

A guest book is a classic gift idea, especially for occasions such as weddings or housewarming parties. While there are many to choose from, I love the look of a high-end fabric notebook with stunning embroidery details — and Rifle Paper Co. does it best. The Rifle Paper Co. Embroidered Guest Book puts a modern and fresh spin on this timeless tradition, and it’s one of my favorite gifts to give a host.

Rifle Paper Co. Embroidered Guest Book

Price: $50.00

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Linen and cotton dinner napkins are not only beautiful, adding color and sometimes pattern to your tablescape, but are also a utilitarian part of polite dining. Napkins show that you, the host with the most, know the art of table setting isn’t lost.

To elevate your dinner table to another level of elegance, all you need to learn is a simple napkin folding technique, no napkin ring necessary. You don’t need origami skills, either. An easy three-pocket napkin fold adds a touch of formality that will undoubtedly impress your guests.

Learn the Three-Pocket Napkin Fold

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a three-pocket napkin fold that’s simple yet sophisticated.

Step 1: Grab a dinner napkin, ideally something between 18 and 24 inches square, and lay it on a flat surface. Fold the napkin in half, left to right.

Step 2: Fold the napkin in half again, bottom to top. This should create a square.

Step 3: Fold the top right corner down diagonally, grabbing only the top layer of fabric.

Step 4: Fold down the next layer and tuck it behind the first, leaving about an inch of the second layer visible.

Step 5: Fold down the third layer and tuck it underneath the second, ensuring both layers are the same width.

Step 6: Carefully flip the napkin over, then fold it in thirds vertically, starting with the left side.

Step 7: Fold the right third over the left third. Tuck the bottom right corner of the napkin into the triangular pocket on the lower left side to keep everything in place. Then flip the napkin over again to add your flatware.

Step 8: Tuck the spoon into the bottom pocket, followed by the fork, and then the knife. Remember to always set the knife with the blade facing to the left. If you’re still feeling lost, here’s a helpful tutorial by TikTok creator @cookwithmanuela.

15 Thoughtful Gifts for Homebodies

1. Galison Sensing Colors Puzzle

Puzzling is the ultimate homebody activity. This 1,000-piece Galison option is an affordable gift for anyone on your list, and you can all but guarantee that the dreamy watercolor design is unlike anything else in their puzzle collection.

Galison Sensing Colors Puzzle

Price: $17.99

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2. Quince Organic Airy Gauze Napkins

If your favorite homebody doubles as a host with the most, they’ll love a fresh set of dinner napkins. This gauzy design from Quince is available in an array of elegant colors, as well as sets of four, eight, or 12. Fingers crossed this gift will earn you an invite to their next dinner party.

Quince Organic Airy Gauze Napkins

Price: $29.90

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3. Cozy Earth Modern Crew Socks

Socks may seem like a snooze of a stocking stuffer, but this trio from Cozy Earth (a brand that routinely ends up on Oprah’s list of must-haves) isn’t any ol’ set of socks. The cushy design, which comes in a three-pack of various color combinations, will keep your recipient’s feet warm all year long, especially when they begrudgingly venture out of the house. If they’re good enough for Oprah …

Cozy Earth Modern Crew Socks

Price: $36.00

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4. Bearaby Dreamer Weighted Eye Mask

Give the gift of beauty sleep with this weighted eye mask from Bearaby. Not only does it block out the light from early sunrises, but it also cradles pressure points that aid in a good night’s sleep.

Bearaby Dreamer Weighted Eye Mask

Price: $49.00

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5. Corpus Nº Green Natural Body Wash

Elevate their everything showers with this all-natural body wash from Corpus. All of the available scents are lovely, but Nº Green — an intoxicating blend of bergamot, pink lemon, orange blossom, and cardamom — is a sure winner.

Corpus Nº Green Natural Body Wash

Price: $27.00

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6. BloomsyBox Farm-Fresh Bouquet

You can’t go wrong with fresh flowers. That’s especially true when the bouquets are as vivid and dynamic as an arrangement from BloomsyBox, which delivers the freshest of fresh flowers straight to your recipient’s doorstep. Want to really impress? Gift them a three-month subscription.

BloomsyBox Farm-Fresh Bouquet

Price: $59.99

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7. P.F. Candle Co. Amber & Moss Soy Wax Candle

When in doubt, stock up on giftable candles, especially for anyone who loves little luxuries. P.F. Candle Co.’s fan-favorite scents, including amber and moss, as well as sandalwood rose, are just as classic as their amber glass jars, which fit in with any decor style.

P.F. Candle Co. Amber & Moss Soy Wax Candle

Price: $27.00

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8. Tineco iFLOOR 3 Breeze Complete Wet Dry Vacuum

Afraid cleaning tools aren’t a good gift? Think again. This Tineco two-in-one floor washer, which vacuums and mops at the same time, is a game changer for any tidy homebody. It saves time and consolidates their cleaning closet.

Tineco iFLOOR 3 Breeze Complete Wet Dry Vacuum

Price: $259.99

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9. Urban Outfitters Rattan Bed Tray

Homebodies welcome any reason to stay in bed a little longer. This bed tray, which features a side pocket for books or snacks, makes reading on a slow Saturday morning or working from home extra comfortable.

Rattan Bed Tray

Price: $99.00

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10. Heraclea Organic Extra-Virgin Infused Olive Oil Set

Home chefs can never get enough olive oil. This gift set of infused cold-pressed extra-virgin Turkish olive oil would be a welcome addition to their pantry.

Heraclea Organic Extra-Virgin Infused Olive Oil Set

Price: $60.00

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11. easyplant Dracaena Marginata

For all the plant parents in your life, consider an easyplant. The company’s planters include a reservoir for water, so the plant drinks only as needed and your gift recipient won’t have to worry about missing watering day.

easyplant Dracaena Marginata

Price: $49.00

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12. The Love of Home by Kate Marker

Designer Kate Marker knows that home is not only where the heart is, but where life happens. Her new page-turner of a coffee-table book may spark some inspiration to make their house even homier.

The Love of Home by Kate Marker

Price: $33.72

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13. Walden Bouclé Meditation Cushion and Mat Set

The Zen homebody would surely appreciate this upscale meditation cushion and mat. It’s a bit of a splurge but can assist in their meditation practice and doubles as a versatile way to add more seating for guests. Win-win.

Walden Bouclé Meditation Cushion and Mat Set

Price: $238.00

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14. Sonos Roam Speaker

Get the party started with a Sonos speaker, like this petite portable design that’s ideal for backyard hangouts — or, if we’re being honest, to help your homebody drift off to sleep while listening to a white noise playlist.

Sonos Roam Speaker

Price: $198.00

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15. LSA International Set of Four Cocktail Saucers

Wine glasses are nice, but cocktail glasses are unexpected. This LSA International set may look and feel delicate but is actually dishwasher-safe. Cheers to that!

LSA International Set of Four Cocktail Saucers

Price: $65.00

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With this in mind, we’ve come up with a definitive list of essentials for a welcoming guest room, omitting superfluous items such as fresh flowers and a matching robe and slipper set. (But who are we to stop you if you’re an above-and-beyond type of person?)

Bedroom Must-Haves

Furniture

First things first, you need a comfortable bed or, if you’re working with a small space, a convertible sofa bed. Start with a sturdy bed frame — preferably something with a headboard, but go with what your budget allows — and a plush mattress. In my own guest room, I paired an inexpensive ZINUS Abel platform bed frame with an upholstered headboard that I attached to the wall for stability. I topped it off with a Kin by Tuft & Needle mattress that rakes in compliments from overnight guests.

Consider adding a pair of nightstands or end tables so your guests can keep their phones, reading materials, or water glasses nearby. A small table lamp is often appreciated and can help visitors find their way to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Another necessity is storage space, whether you reserve a few drawers in a dresser or a portion of a closet for your guests’ clothes. A luggage rack is a nice-to-have item, too, as it keeps suitcases off the ground and easily accessible. Finally, installing a full-length mirror or, at the very least, offering a tabletop makeup mirror is a must for any guest bedroom.

Linens

Dress the bed with seasonally appropriate bedding. If you’re entertaining during warmer weather, that could mean a breathable sheet set and a light blanket or quilt. During the colder months, consider a duvet insert or comforter and a warm and cozy sheet set. It’s always a good idea to give your guests options by leaving out extra linens that vary in weight and warmth. 

Don’t skimp on pillows — there’s nothing worse than sleeping on a single, well-worn pillow with mystery stains and stray feathers. I have two sets of these Beckham Hotel Collection bed pillows in my guest bedroom and love how well they hold their shape. They’re also fairly easy to clean.

Miscellaneous Items

Provide your guests with the WiFi password without them having to nag you for it. Etsy touts hundreds of customizable signs, but you could just as easily download a free printable, add your network name and password, print it out, and pop it in a thrifted frame. A wireless charging station is another useful item to have on hand, as they are compatible with a variety of devices.

Many people struggle to get a good night’s sleep when they’re away from home, but you can help your guests drift off by outfitting your space with a water carafe and cup, portable fan, sound machine, facial tissues, and blackout curtains. Don’t forget to leave some spare clothes hangers in the closet or on a hook, and consider a portable garment steamer to avoid lugging out an ironing board at your guest’s request.

Bathroom Basics

In a perfect world, we would all have a spare bathroom for our guests’ exclusive use, complete with a hair dryer in an embroidered bag and travel-size versions of their favorite toiletries. Unfortunately, that’s not always possible, but there are tweaks you can make to a shared bathroom to make it more welcoming for guests.

Provide a set of towels for each guest, including a bath towel, hand towel, and wash cloth. As a person who wears makeup, I love to see a black washcloth that I can use to remove my foundation and mascara without the fear of staining. A basket containing basic toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss is yet another welcoming touch. Bonus points if you display cotton swabs, cotton rounds, and hand soap in coordinating containers.

Avoid causing your guests any bathroom embarrassment by supplying extra toilet paper, a plunger, toilet brush, covered wastebasket, feminine hygiene products, and air freshener or toilet spray. If your toilet or shower has any weird quirks (“Hold the handle down for five seconds; trigger the rain showerhead by turning the knob to the left … ”) be sure to leave a note for your guests.

Host Like a Pro

Hosting overnight guests doesn’t have to be a stressful, budget-busting experience. I start by shopping my house for items I already own, like that spare end table stowed in the basement or the skin care minis I recently received in a subscription box. Your guests will be grateful for your hospitality — they won’t care that your bath towels are mismatched or your gift wrapping supplies are shoved under the bed. Do what you can to make your guests feel at home, but don’t go overboard with unnecessary extras.