24 perfect gifts to say ‘thank you’ to your host

November 11, 2021

Photo by Jill Heyer from Pixabay

Whether you’re dropping in for dinner or visiting from out of town, a little something for the host lets them know you appreciate their hospitality–and secures your spot on future guest lists. Check out our round-up of treats and treasures for the table and beyond.

Photo credit: Ty Mecham/Food52

All of these products have been hand-selected by team 6sqft. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these affiliate links. All prices reflect those at the time of publishing. 

Be the best dinner guest

In addition to a bottle of wine (or locally-brewed sake) or some fresh flowers, these covetable and creative gifts are the opposite of arriving empty-handed.


A dried foliage arrangement lasts long after the guests have gone–this one has the best subtle seasonal colors with just enough spark to stand out.

The Linum Burgundy Dried Bouquet. $135 from The Sill

Echasse Vase This of-the-moment vase gives the finest flowers and greenery an equally fine frame and makes a chic, modern addition to your host’s home.

Echasse vase by Menu, $225-$625 at Design Within Reach

This accordion-pleated shape comes to life with a cool white glow, making a beautiful centerpiece on its own or a vase for flowers or greenery.

Accordion Paper Light Vase, $85 from Uncommon Goods

This adorable infestation will have the whole table squealing with delight.

L.A. Burdick Chocolate Mice, $42-$62 from Food52
Photo credit: Ty Mecham/Food52

This bucket of goodies will score major points with the chocoholics in the house.

Chocolate Lover’s Gift Box, $75 from Dylan’s Candy Bar
Image courtesy of Dylan’s Candy Bar

Arriving with a pie is never a bad idea. The mouth-watering classics at Brooklyn’s Four & Twenty Blackbirds–Brown Butter Pumpkin, Salty Caramel, and Bittersweet Choco Pecan are just a few favorites–are perfect for every occasion.

Assorted pies, $44 each at Four & Twenty Blackbirds
Image courtesy of Four & Twenty Blackbirds.

Chocolate babka is a perennial favorite that’s both a hit of chocolate and a taste of NYC.

Russ & Daughters chocolate babka, $15 per loaf at Goldbelly 
Image courtesy of Goldbelly.

This infused olive oil sampler adds to the arsenal of any creative chef.

Terra Delyssa organic single source infused extra virgin olive oil gift set, $24.99 at Amazon

A bag of gourmet coffee beans will brighten many a morning to come.

Intelligentsia House Blend whole bean coffee, $14.49 for a 12-ounce bag at Amazon.

Don’t forget the four-legged hosts. These peanut butter treats will score you serious points with Fido.

Buddy Biscuits oven-baked healthy dog treats, $12.99 at Amazon

Of course, you’ll have to get approval from the boss–these catnip sushi toys will put you in good standing. Maybe.

Whisker City Sushi cat toys with catnip, $13.49 at Amazon

Houseguest gifts

Everybody’s favorite visitor is the one who comes bearing fabulous gifts.

This elegant salt-and-pepper set by Copenhagen-based design shop Menu is practically a requirement for lovers of minimalist design.

Salt and pepper grinders by Menu, around $95 at Amazon

Pillar Candle These unique layered pillar candles by Scandi home goods favorite Hay are almost too pretty to burn–and they add a splash of color to the table in any season.

Hay pillar candles in a range of colors, $55 from Design Within Reach

These gorgeous handmade mugs are a cavernous 15 ounces, and they’re microwave- and dishwasher-safe.

Handmade Gigante Mugs by Utility Objects, $30-$45 apiece at Food52
Photo credit: Ty Mecham/Food52

This sampler of international teas puts the world in your teacup.

Palais des Thés single estate loose teas from around the world gift box set, $55 at Food52
Photo credit: Ty Mecham/Food52

This handy brewing basket makes sure your favorite coffee or tea is just a few minutes away.

Finum reusable stainless steel coffee and tea infusing mesh brewing basket, $9.79 at Amazon

This electric pour-over kettle is as convenient to use as it is beautiful to look at. Temp control and hold functions make sure your coffee or tea is brewed just right.

Fellow Stagg EKG electric gooseneck kettle, $159 at Amazon

Give your host a hand at the bar with a coffee-table cocktail compendium

Williams Sonoma Test Kitchen Cocktails Cookbook, $19.95 at Williams Sonoma
Image courtesy of Williams Sonoma

Kaleido Set These clever trays come in a rainbow of colors and a range of stackable sizes; they’re perfect for holding bits and bobs or doing table duty.

Kaleido trays by Hay, $45 for a set of two at Design Within Reach

From Ella Fitzgerald (pictured) to Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill characters, Salvador Dali and Ziggy Stardust, these diminutive figurines honor your favorite cultural icons.

Lucie Kaas Kokeshi dolls, $60 at Amazon

This simple twisty puzzle is great for fidgeters, and it adds a cool geometric element to a coffee table or desktop.

Areaware Snake Block puzzle, small, $11.03 at Amazon

If your host has kids, this bunny alarm clock will give them a great reason to hop out of bed.

Lumipets LumiClock bunny night light and alarm clock, $39.99 at Amazon

These yummy gummy bear nightlights look good enough to eat.

Squishy Gummy Bear light, $20 at Uncommon Goods

Why should the two-legged people have all the fun? Each section conceals treats, different diffuculty levels are available.

Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound interactive dog puzzle game, $9.94 at Amazon

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