Whether you’re attending a Thanksgiving dinner celebration, a Christmas party or other holiday gathering this year, be the guest your host will remember by bringing along an impressive host or hostess gift. You’ll find plenty of sales to shop for small gifts over the biggest shopping season of the year, so a little planning can help you scoop up some great deals on gourmet food, spa items and other luxury gifts.
Here are seven inexpensive hostess gift ideas for the holidays.
1. Decorative wine bottle stopper. Any wine lover will appreciate a bottle stopper for his or her favorite bottle of wine. Many decorative wine bottle stoppers come in a gift box, so all you need to do is throw it in a gift bag or gift wrap it before presenting it to your recipient. Take your pick of miniature sculptures and other eye-catching designs priced between $8 to $15 on Amazon — add a bottle of wine if you’re feeling generous.
2. Scented soap and candles. Scented hand soap, candles and diffusers in the recipient’s favorite scent or the latest scents from a luxury brand can make for a budget-friendly hostess gift. Pick up scented soap bars for under $10, and round out the gift with matching candles or a room diffuser. Have the items gift-wrapped at the store, or pick up a gift bag and tissue paper to personalize the gift.
3. Box of gourmet chocolates. A box of truffles or imported chocolate will be well-received by most. A miniature box of signature truffles from Godiva or a bag of Lindor chocolate truffles cost less than $10. Shop around for deals on larger quantity purchases — buying multiple bags or boxes of gourmet chocolate treats online or in store could help you save some money on those decadent gift items this holiday season.
4. Restaurant or grocery store gift card. If your host or hostess is a regular at a restaurant, a fan of Apple or likes to shop at your neighborhood grocery store, give a $15 to $20 gift card or gift certificate. Many restaurants and grocery stores run specials on gift cards through the holiday season where you can buy a certain amount of gift cards to earn a gift card for yourself. Consider buying a few gift cards to cash in on these types of holiday deals.
5. Homemade holiday cookie assortment. Unless you’ve been invited to a holiday potluck where bringing a dish to pass is mandatory, consider gifting a small basket or tray of homemade holiday cookies. Sugar cookies are among the most inexpensive types of cookies to make in large batches, but you can incorporate other traditional holiday cookies from this year’s baking session to make a thoughtful gift. Place the cookies in a beautiful cookie tin, or wrap them in holiday-themed bakery bags with ribbon before gifting.
6. Prepaid spa or salon service. The holiday season can be stressful for any busy hostess so consider giving the gift of relaxation. You could buy a gift card or gift certificate for a specific pampering service, such as a manicure, pedicure or hairstyling service, at a local spa or salon. Include information about the venue so the hostess knows what to expect when she indulges in a mini-retreat for a much needed break.
7. Baking mixes in a jar. An alternative to baking and gifting cookies this holiday season is to simply gift a baking mix in a glass jar, Mason jar or other clear container. You’ll find dozens of ideas on Pinterest if you search “cookie mix gift jars” and “Mason jar recipes.” These can be a great idea when you need to make more than a handful of hostess gifts for upcoming events. Layer all dry mix ingredients from your favorite cookie, brownie or blondie recipe in a glass jar or mug with a lid. Decorate the container with ribbon, holiday stickers and other holiday-themed accents. Then include a recipe card with directions for how to bake the specialty item using the ingredients in the jar.
You don’t need to spend a fortune on a hostess gift this holiday season and can even make a personalized gift if you’re feeling crafty. But you’ll stay under budget over the holidays by gifting any of these thoughtful and affordable holiday gifts.
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7 Inexpensive Hostess Gift Ideas for the Holidays originally appeared on usnews.com
