With summer just around the corner, chances are you'll be headed to backyard cookouts, graduation parties and pool parties galore. And as etiquette expert Myka Meier from Beaumont Etiquette tells Yahoo, it's your job to thank the host. "Remember to never arrive empty-handed! It's thoughtful to bring a hostess gift whenever you're invited to someone's home for a party, dinner or overnight stay, as it shows appreciation for their hospitality," she says.
While a nice bottle of wine or fresh flowers are super easy to grab at the last minute on the way to the party, she says they're actually a little too easy and predictable. "My favorite go-to host gift is one of my homemade loaves of bread — either pumpkin or lemon, depending on the season. I also love bringing a gift for a pet if someone has one, such as a chew toy or bone with a bow around it," Meier tells Yahoo.
Need even more pointers? We’ve got you covered with a list of the best hostess gifts you can give, all of which are under $75. There are cute and cozy decor pieces, fun games to play during the event itself, and useful finds that the host will bust out at their next gathering. If you want even more options, check out our favorite gift baskets to send and some standout Amazon finds for under $50.
Update, April 25, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability and moved a few of our readers' favorites to the top of the list.
The best hostess gifts of 2025
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
Your go-to shopping guide: See all of our gift guides in one spot. We've got gift ideas for all the different people in your life — men, women, kids, you name it.
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