Show Up in Style: How to Nail the Perfect Hostess Gift

The day is just around the corner. You’ve been invited to a gorgeous manse overlooking the water for an exclusive dinner party, a long holiday weekend with your in-laws, or maybe a festive game night with fellow parents from your kids’ school. You’ve selected the perfect outfit, edited your accessories, tamed your hair, and prepped your ice breakers. 

The thing is, though, these hosts have everything. What can you bring to show them your excitement, appreciation, and attention to detail? 

Wine won’t do. Too expected, and what if they don’t drink? 

Flowers may not go with their color scheme. Plus, most bouquets require the snipping of stems. 

Your hostess gift needs to be more than a card, with a bit of local flair. If you’re looking for unforgettable hostess gifts, stick around. This is our ultimate guide to what makes a gift really land with even the most discerning of hosts—and how to add a touch of Washington they’ll love. 

There’s an art to showing up, especially with the perfect hostess gift, and we’re giving you all the tools you need to present beautifully. 

Know Your Host (And the Occasion)

Often, you know the host, but sometimes you’re just in the getting-to-know-you phase. Do not be afraid to Google them, look at their social media (they want you to see what they post!), or ask around for information about what they like. Make a list in your notes app or keep track mentally of things you see pop up—a daily coffee habit, a love of baking, their commitment to environmentally-friendly goods. 

You’ll want to match your hostess gift to the moment. A casual dinner party warrants a slightly different gift than a family holiday fête does, after all. 

Your goal is to make them feel seen, and a thoughtful hostess gift will do just that. 

Hostess Presents That Prioritize Thoughtfulness Over Price

For the hosts who have everything, it’s really not about the price tag. It’s about the thought behind the gift, the intentionality. Small, meaningful gestures beat expensive, generic items every time. 

You will not send a fruit basket unless you pack it with the specific fruits they love from farmers who really care. You know? The best hostess presents give you the opportunity to share something you genuinely care about, and your enthusiasm is contagious. We imagine you’re here because you love local, handmade, or artisan products (hello, Washington makers!), and we know your host will, too. 

We’ll get into specific products soon, but first, let’s talk a little about etiquette. 

Choose Gifts They'll Enjoy After the Party

When the counters are wiped and the garbage taken out, they’ll be able to sit back and enjoy not only the memories from the event, but the moments of gratitude their guests left behind. 

Here are some tips to ensure they know your hostess gift considered them:

• Avoid anything that creates immediate work (uncut flowers, desserts that require plating, etc.)
  
  
• Consider handing over a little luxury (or many!) they can savor once everyone leaves
  
  
• Think gourmet treats, artisan coffee, scented candles, specialty salts
  
  
• Bonus points for a bigger or longer hosting moment: Items they wouldn't splurge on themselves
  

Go Local, Go Memorable (Hostess Gifts Made In Washington)

Okay, now it’s time to get into specifics. If you’re heading to a home or venue in Washington, or if your host appreciates the care of presenting something made by a local maker, they will be blown away by your thoughtfulness when you present a Made In Washington gift. Each one comes with a story—and stories are remembered. 

Timeless Hostess Gift Ideas from Made In Washington

Here are some of our favorite picks for Washington-made hostess gifts, in no particular order:

• Gourmet foods & sweets: We’re talking hand-poured chocolates, artisan jams, specialty coffee, and smoked fish
  
• DIY drinks: Local bitters, decadent salty rims, tasty teas
  
  
• Home & ambiance: On-theme scented candles, handmade soaps, tongue-in-cheek tea towels, beautiful serving pieces
  
  
• For longer stays: Books, puzzles, a cozy throw
  
  
• Holiday-specific ideas: Seasonal treats (did Almond Roca define your holidays or just ours?), creamy cocoa, the limited-edition Made In Washington Holiday Ornament, or a birthstone ornament

Don’t Cut Corners on Presentation 

If you like to wrap gifts yourself, you’ll want to include a thoughtful detail like a pretty ribbon and a handwritten note (pssst, we sell lots of locally-designed cards in our stores). 

Your card is one of the most important elements: This is where you get to tell the story, share your gratitude, and explain why you chose this or these things for them. 

Make your gift look as intentional as it is. If you struggle with wrapping, making the time, or just want everything to arrive already wrapped in a bow, let us do it for you. Start designing your own gift box here. Or pick an already-curated gift set here.

When to Give Your Hostess Gift (Timing Matters!)

In the shuffle of arrivals and ferrying coats to hangers, your host has a lot on his or her plate. Take note of the goings on around you to decide when you want to present your hostess gift. 

• Option A: Drop it off beforehand (this works when the host lives close by)
  
  
• Option B: Bring it with you (the classic move—just make sure it’s a good time)
  
  
• Option C: Send it afterward as a thank-you (a sweet surprise and delight)
  
  

The goal with timing and hostess gift etiquette has less to do with you and more to do with ensuring your gift doesn't add stress to their hosting duties. After all, the whole point is to celebrate your host, and you want to do that when they’re available to be honored. 

The Hostess Gifts That Get Remembered Are Made In Washington

As you’ve likely gleaned, a great hostess gift says, "I see you, I appreciate you, and I'm grateful for the effort you made." It celebrates the person and the occasion. And, if you’re sourcing it from Made In Washington (we hope you do!), it connects your host not only with a Washington-based maker, but also with a moment of joy shared by all involved. 

Remember:

• Thoughtfulness, presentation, and timing trump dollar amount
  
  
• The Made In Washington website makes it easy to find—and package—the perfect gift, and our store teams are trained on local gift-giving

The ultimate win is when your host uses your gift weeks later and thinks of you. With the tips from our guide, we’re confident they will. 

Show Us Your Hostess Gift Style

We want to see how you’re celebrating your hosts with the most! Tag us on social media with your gifting wins: we’re @madeinwashington_ on Instagram and @made.in.washington on Facebook. 

We can't wait to see how you're celebrating the hosts in your life.