5 Easy and Unique Hostess Gifts

Now that the country is starting to open up, I’m beginning to feel more comfortable about spending time with friends in small groups. While the trips might be fewer and far between this summer, there will still (hopefully!) be opportunities to enjoy weekends away with friends. If I am lucky enough I get to a friend's house for a weekend this summer, I won't show up empty handed! But, there’s something tricky about the perfect hostess gift - how much should I spend? How personal should I be? And how come whenever I’m about to hit the road I’m always scrambling to find something thoughtful? While there’s nothing wrong with bringing your fave bottle of rosé or a bouquet of flowers, I’ve rounded up my go-to hostess gifts that feel a bit more personal! 

During weekend trips, dinner plans are usually covered, but breakfast is frequently overlooked. Before leaving town, stop at your local farmers market and pick-up a few loaves of bread (I like to have a mixture of sweet and savory - like banana or blueberry, and a challah or sourdough), homemade jams, and some fresh fruit. Put it together in a cute basket with a nice card and you have yourself a cute (and useful) gift! 

Who doesn’t love a beautiful coffee table book? I like to match the book to the theme of the home I am visiting. For example - Gray Malin’s “Beaches” or “Escape” books make a great gift for a beach house! 

I don’t know about you, but I love having beach bags of all different sizes on hand. Sometimes all you need is a towel and your kindle - sometimes you need to pack a change of clothes, thirteen different snacks, half your belongings, etc. Scout bags are amazing weather-proof bags that come in a variety of sizes, price points, and designs. Throw in your fave beach towel, six-pack and sunscreen brand, and you have a thoughtful present! 

Okay bear with me - I know that gift cards aren’t entirely personal, but they’re usually appreciated because they allow the recipient to buy exactly what they want. Is there a cute boutique in your hostess’s town? Get them a gift card so they can treat themselves to a little something - like a new pair of earrings or a cover-up. Is there an artisanal cheese shop or local bakery that they love? That would be my go-to. Or if you’re staying with your friends’ parents, they’d probably appreciate a gift card to their favorite restaurant in town - and to get away from the “kids” for a night ;) Plus - I love a gift that allows the recipient to shop local. 

Let’s be real - I like nice things, but I probably wouldn't buy myself an expensive soap and lotion set - which is why it makes a luxe little gift. I love Jo Malone London’s matching hand wash and hand lotion in Lime Basil and Mandarin for the summer. Also - don’t knock a nice candle! One from Le Labo, Noted or Nest with cute matches are always my favorite and easy hostess gifts.