I’ve been meaning to write this post since the holidays LAST YEAR but you know how things go. After writing out What to Gift New Mamas, I thought it would be helpful to also curate some of my favorite hostess gifts to have on hand. We’re all busy and I find it nice to stock up on a few things so that I always have something to bring the host, without stressing about it last-minute. I hope you find these ideas helpful and would love if you could leave anything you like to gift in the comments.

xx Ashley

HOSTESS GIFTS TO HAVE ON HAND

CANDLE + ACCESSORY: If you know me, you know I love candles. I know scent can be a personal thing so I usually stock up on more crowd-pleasing scents that everyone seems to love like the diptyque Baies. I also usually grab candle sets when I see them on sale from brands I enjoy (like this one). To make the gift extra nice, you can bring a nice matchbox or a cloche.

HAND SOAP + LOTION: No one will complain about receiving a lux hand soap and lotion combo. These are easy to store for last-minute gifts, too!

SELF CARE PRODUCTS: I feel like this is an unexpected gift that’s another one that’s easy to store. Some of my faves to gift: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, Lux + Unfiltered Exfoliating Body Polish or Hand Cream, Watermelon Hyaluronic Mask and these Hyaluronic Under Eye Masks which are always a hit.

MARGARITA MIX + GLASSES: This has been a go-to for me ever since Austin started making a Spicy Cucumber Margarita with this mix – it’s SO good. Pairing it with my favorite ribbed glasses, which double as drinking glasses since it’s actually a carafe set and a good gift on its own, is a nice combo. In general, I think bringing a drink that can be made that night (and the ingredients) is a fun touch as well.

MORE HOSTESS IDEAS

HOME DECOR: If I know someone well, I might bring them a nice tray or some hand towels with a nice bottle of hand soap (or this amazing budget-friendly soap that smells expensive). Or maybe a cookbook if I’ve found a good one recently and know they like to cook.

FLOWERS OR POTTED PLANT: I love fresh flowers but I also like the idea of gift a plant because they tend to last longer.

FOOD: I’ve had girlfriends bring something like fresh bread and cheese or a nice chocolate bar which is always appreciated. Not even to serve that day but just as a little something to have on hand after they leave. You obviously can’t have too much of this on hand at all time but if I know I’m going to a friend’s and am stopping by a market or see something fresh/local before, I grab it to bring. It feels unique.

WINE OR PROSECCO: I usually keep a few cold bottles of prosecco in our fridge to bring last minute or a nice bottle of wine. To make it feel more thought-out, I also keep simple wine bags on hand which makes things feel more finished (vs. just grabbing what you have left over in your own fridge – though there’s nothing wrong with that!).