16 Must-Have Holiday Hostess Gifts Under $50 {2025}
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Holiday party season is here — which means it’s time to stock up on thoughtful hostess gifts that say “thank you for having me” without breaking the bank. Whether you’re headed to a cozy dinner party, a cookie exchange, or a festive cocktail night, these food and drink-inspired gift ideas are the perfect blend of affordable and unique. From novelty charcuterie earrings to a coveted Le Creuset cocotte, this list has something for every host who loves to entertain.
So, I’ve combed through all my favorite things this year and settled on these 16 Must-Have Holiday Gifts for the host or hostess in your life and they’re all under $50.
16 Must-Have Holiday Hostess Gifts Under $50 {2025}
Full of Holiday Spirit Tee – $36
I just snagged two of these Holiday Spirit Tees, one for myself and one for a friend! Is it not the cutest tee for your sister or friend who is the life of the party? If you grab it tonight, I think it will still get here by Christmas (crossing fingers). It’s the perfect tee for your Christmas Eve OOTD, but they have sweatshirts, hoodies, and long-sleeve tees too.
Gather Together Puzzle – $14.99
I’ve recently become more of a puzzle person, and I totally understand now how cathartic it is. And it’s so fun to work on one with your family and friends, especially during the holidays. If there is a puzzle out on a table, people naturally gravitate to it (instead of the TV). I love these Galison puzzles on Amazon, not only because they are affordable, but also because of the artwork. What better gift for a host or hostess than a puzzle full of people sharing food around a table?
Holiday Stanley Tumbler – $50
Now, I know this one is a bit of a splurge, but hear me out… A. Everyone loves a Stanley Tumbler, and B. The pattern is so fun! This is definitely a gift that someone will use year after year. Maybe save this one for one of your closest friends or someone who has gone above and beyond. Or treat yourself to a little pre-Christmas gift this year!
Novelty Charcuterie Earrings $10 & Martini Earrings $15
These Charcuterie Earrings and Martini Earrings are the cutest little novelty holiday gifts that I had to buy a pair for myself! They are inexpensive, so not the highest quality, but would make a fun hostess gift, secret Santa gift or stocking stuffer. Just make sure you know the hostess has pierced ears!
Double-Walled Cappuccino Mugs (2 pk) – $16.99
I can promise you that this cappuccino mug set is an excellent gift because a dear friend gifted me a set for my birthday this year, and I use them every single day. They keep your coffee hot and your hands not! They are the perfect size for cappuccinos and lattes and are super chic!
Bougie Olive Oil Set – $24.99
I love this sizzle-and-drizzle olive oil set (I use it daily), and I think it would make a great gift. It feels a little special because it might be something your host wouldn’t normally buy for themselves. An added bonus is that you can purchase refill cans, so you don’t need to rebuy the plastic bottles! Great for the home cook!
Conversation Starter Cards – $25
If you know me, you know that I love a good set of conversation cards. In fact, I have started writing out my own set of conversation cards. But my go-to brand is Tabletopics, and I love this Girl’s Night Out set. This is perfect for someone who loves to host, and they have a lot of different categories to choose from, including date nights, family gatherings and more!
Big Night Book – $19.31
Big Night is one of my new favorite hosting and entertaining books with lots of fun recipe ideas to boot. The pictures are beautiful, and the book will look great on any coffee table. Plus, there are lots of little hosting tips and tricks throughout the book. Fun fact: the author owns several brick-and-mortar Big Night shops in New York City that sell gifts, tableware and unique pantry items!
Build-a-Board Portable Charcuterie – $29.08
This portable charcuterie board is a must-have for anyone, especially those who love to host and attend their fair share of gatherings. I have the rectangle version, but I’ve got my eye on this round one as well. I love that it has different compartments and a space in the center for a dip bowl.
Initial Ice Cube Molds $9.99 ea.
I had never seen these initial ice cube molds before, and when I found them, I immediately bought one for my husband for Christmas (don’t worry, he’ll never read this!). They don’t have every letter in the alphabet, but if they have the one you’re looking for, I would definitely snag this gift. It’s a personal gift that isn’t actually personalized, and it’s a great price point.
Wine & Cheese Pairing Cards $14.48
These wine and cheese pairing cards take the guesswork out of creating a beautiful charcuterie board and what to serve with it. They are fun to have and make a unique gift. There is also just a cheeseboard deck if you don’t need the wine pairing. Also, check out Ain’t Too Proud to Meg’s charcuterie layout boards if you’re looking for something extra special! Package the cards with some yummy crackers and maybe a cheese spreader and you’ll be all set!
The Holiday Club Serving Platter $24.99
I just came across this chic holiday serving platter from H&M, and I had to have it. It’s on its way to my house as I’m typing this right now. There is also another platter in the collection that says, ‘All I Want For Christmas is Food”, along with a set of small appetizer plates, dinner plates and adorable napkins too!
Cute Swedish Dishcloths $13.99
I use my Swedish dishcloths every day, and I think every kitchen should have a few. They work great, they’re easy to clean (pop them in the dishwasher or washing machine) and come in lots of patterns. I love these cute kitchen-themed Swedish dishcloths, especially for the host who loves to cook!
Bread & Wine Book $11.07
Bread & Wine is my all-time go-to hostess gift. I love this book so, so much. Pair this with a set of hand towels, a bottle of wine, or a wine store gift card, and you’ve got the perfect gift IMO! When you pick up one to take to your next party, grab one for yourself. Seriously, though, if you’ve never read it you need to bump it up to the top of your TBR list. It makes my heart full just thinking about it!
Le Creuset Cocotte – $22
If I’m being honest, this might be the one I’m most excited about this year! Everyone knows how special Le Creuset is, no matter the piece, and this 8-oz cocotte is only $22! There is also a 14-oz. and a 24-oz. cocotte too. The 24-oz. one is on my wishlist this year, and it’s even under $50! These are perfect for appetizers like baked brie or camembert or any baked dip. I actually just added the chips and dip platter to my collection, which perfectly fits the 24-oz. cocotte in the center. See where I’m going with that… 🙂
Fancy Salt – $9.54 & Salt Cellar – $11.99
There’s something special about having a little fancy salt on hand and pinching it from a salt cellar when cooking at home. This Maldon flaky salt is my favorite, and it’s a fun way to elevate a recipe. This is also another item that someone might not buy for themselves but would make a great hostess gift, Christmas gift or stocking stuffer.
Go The Extra Mile
There are lots of easy ways to add a little something extra to accompany a small gift to make it feel even more special, like a nice bottle of wine, a yummy snack that pairs well with the gift, or a holiday ornament. As a frequent host, I also really appreciate DIY gifts. So no matter which route you take, I hope these 16 gift ideas get your gift-giving juices flowing!
So, that’s a wrap for the 2025 Must-Have Holiday Hostess Gifts! What is your favorite gift to take to a party? I’m always looking for new ideas, so I’d love to hear your affordable hostess gift ideas!
If you’re hosting this year, make sure to read my simple hacks for hosting that will help manage stress so you can actually enjoy your gathering! And here are some easy party appetizer ideas, too!
Cheers!
