Hostess gifts are one of my passions. I am definitely in a non-accumulating era of life and I don't want more clutter in my home. I do love having beautiful, delicious and useful things though - and those are the sort of things I love to give. I’m big on giving things that can be used up and go away (food or tablets & pens) or at least have a very small footprint and are useful (kitchen essentials + tea towels).
I shouldn't even call them "hostess gifts" because I often give these gifts for no reason (or many reasons) - more like seasonal little something gifts. I give them to friends just because, teachers, neighbors, for birthdays, thank you, etc.
I've put together this guide of my go-to gifts to give. Scroll all the way to see my original Breakfast Basket idea that I posted 15 years ago. Still one of the best images.
Hostess Gift Essentials :
Baking Baskets :
These baskets are the perfect eco-friendly packaging for everything. I use them for baked goods like banana bread, but I also use them for a packaging and serving. I use them for making Charcuterie Baskets (the Flat Baskets fit perfectly in our Rectangle Windowbox for giving) and Breakfast Gifts. So many uses. I keep some in all sizes on hand.
Windowboxes :
Perfect for holding cookies, cupcakes and scones - they turn anything into a gift. We have 3 sizes - a smaller 6" square, large 9" square and a 8x11" rectangle.
Cello Bags :
They make everything beautiful - baked goods, tablets, pumpkin breads, homemade granola. Everything looks better in a cello bag tied with a bow.
