Function vs Frivolous
I love the idea of Hostess Gifts! However, I do not need to give or receive another candle or lotion set. This season as you’re flitting from holiday party to the next, ditch the candles and lotion and consider a simple and helpful hostess gift sure to bring a smile to your hostess’ face (because she will actually USE it)!
History of the Tradition
It’s been customary to bring a hostess gift in our country pretty much since the inception. Even in Plymouth, when the colonists went to visit Massasoit or the Pokonoket visited the colonists, they brought gifts. Their gifts were usually food but sometimes a coat or jewelry. They were beautiful and practical for the time. In that spirit, I give you some modern practical ideas for hostess gifts.
Treemote
I love this thing! It’s a remote control for all my holiday lights. I keep the remote on the table by the door where the keys go. Now when I walk into the house I automatically hit the button (or my daughter does) and we walk into a festively lit up house. AND (added bonus) she doesn’t turn on every single light in the house as she’s running in! Seriously, this little gadget has made coming home each day such a warm experience! haha who knew?
100 + I phone tricks
Unless your hostess is a tech genius who works on phones for a living and knows all this already, this is a fun and helpful gift I guarantee she will find SOMEthing useful in it! There are tips immediately applicable to all ages. Personally, I’ve already implemented a new way to locate my ‘misplaced’ car in a shopping mall parking lot (which I am kind famous for doing) and I’m applying some tips on emergency SOS and safety apps for my daughter’s phone (which she doesn’t know she’s getting for Christmas). Shh don’t tell her!
Old Fashioned Kitchen Remedies
These little porcelain and ceramic guys have done favors for cooks for decades! The pot saver sits in the bottom of a pan and prevents messy boil overs. The brown sugar keeper keeps brown sugar from getting hard and turning into rocks. The bread saver keeps bread fresher longer and the bread warmer keeps bread warm through a meal! Environmentally friendly, reusable, and useful!!!! It like having little kitchen elves (but you don’t have to feed them)!!!
Coffee
Coffee is always in good taste, especially for a hostess who is likely involved in more then one holiday get together. I like gifts like these because it allows the person receiving it to try different kinds of coffee so it’s a gift that keeps giving. I’ve found some great coffees this way and I like sharing them with other people too.
I have never seen those kitchen remedies but they are so cute and useful! Thanks for the tips 🙂
Great ideas for useful gifts.
I love the Christmas tree remote! And the tricks and tips and the labels. Way better than a candle.
Isn’t it cool? One of those things you didn’t realize you needed until you had it. I love it!
Very interesting and thoughtful gift ideas! Thanks so much for sharing my friend!
Thank you for taking the time to read! 🙂 Happiest of holidays to you!!!
Useful gifts are always appreciated. Coffee and tea always work!
…always… 🙂
Good suggestions. I’m realizing too, that people often give clues. Eg, yesterday a friend mentioned how much she likes maple syrup but how expensive it is. Guess what she’s getting for her Xmas party? Also the area I live in has many events where local artisans sell their wares. Always a good bet for finding something unusual, and at the same time helping keep it local.
Good insight Katherine! I love supporting local!! It’s twice as special that way!