We all know it’s common courtesy to not show up to any dinner, holiday, or party empty-handed. Whether it’s flowers, a dessert, or a bottle of wine, whoever’s playing host that evening will usually appreciate the small gift saying thank you.
When it comes to holidays, the host gift can get a little tricky, given the scale of the event. Even if you’re just going to a mellow Friendsgiving, you might walk in and find eight bouquets of fresh flowers scattered across the kitchen counter or dining table with only four vases in sight. If you’re heading to a friend or family member’s house for Thanksgiving this year but are unsure what to give them, we can help. We’ve rounded up 13 small gifts anyone running this year’s turkey-day dinner will appreciate.
1. St. Frank Ombré Linen Napkins, Set of 4
Anyone who enjoys hosting dinners in their home probably has a collection of table linens, but why not add a few more they’ll love? Each napkin is dyed multiple times to give it an ombré effect in a range of colors, from blush and teal to indigo and fog. The dyes are all-natural, too.
2. Vintage-Inspired Bookshelf Board Games, Set of 3
If they’re the kind of host who loves a post-dinner game, they’ll appreciate this trio of classic board games, featuring Clue, Monopoly, and Scrabble.
3. Wooden Outdoor Tumbling Timbers, $50
This one’s another favorite for a post-dinner game. And while it might technically be advertised for outdoor play, we don’t see why it can’t be enjoyed in your living room.
4. Handmade Ceramic Loop Gravy Boat
If there’s one thing we know about Thanksgiving dinner it’s that there’s going to be gravy somewhere on that table. Treat the host to this gravy boat handmade by Brooklyn-based artist Catalina Parra—it’s bound to get plenty of use at future dinners or holiday parties.
5. Hand-Blown Recycled Glass Cake Stand
If you’re showing up with a homemade dessert, consider surprising the host with this beautiful, hand-blown glass cake stand to display it on.
6. Reed & Barton Soho Cut Crystal Martini Glasses & Cocktail Picks, Set of 2
If happy hours are more of the host’s usual vibe, this martini glass set is the perfect gift. The brilliant cuts radiate upward in a subtle pattern, creating a stunning glass. The best part? Each glass comes with a metal picks perfect for your garnish of choice—whether it be a olives, cherries, or a lemon twist.
7. Wine Forest Wild Elderberry & Wild Huckleberry Shrub (2 Bottles)
Add something new to their bar cart with this elderberry and huckleberry shrub duo. You can stir it into sparkling water, mix it into cocktails, or even add it to a vinaigrette or drizzle on top of ice cream.
8. Cilindro Colored Glass Cruet
Give them a new, stylish way to display two staples every kitchen has: oil and vinegar. Thanks to its unique design and fun color options, it’s a table accessory any frequent host is bound to love.
9. High-Fired Stoneware Planters
If you’d rather bring a plant as a gift, take the hassle of potting it out of their hands with this stoneware planter. Just head to the nearest garden store or florist for the plant of choice, pot it in one of these chic vessels, and all they’ll have to worry about is finding the right spot in their home to keep it.
10. St. Frank Recycled-Glass Apothecary Vase Collection
Not sure you want to bring flowers but know other guests will? A vase from this collection is a great option and could save the day in a more-flowers-than-vases-to-hold-them holiday crisis.
