Spud GIFT GUIDE: GIFTS FOR HOSTS

December 2, 2016

We have officially entered the season of dinner parties and holiday gatherings. And while there is every reason for you to be ecstatic about attending a party, don’t forget what your mother always used to say, “Never show up empty-handed.” No, there’s no need to empty the wallet to find the perfect gift for your host, but your gift should be thoughtful and specific to them whether it’s homemade or store-bought. Whether your gift for hosts is of long-term use or maybe a food product that could be added to the party, make sure it’s something special that your host will like.

1. Candles

Let’s be honest. If your host is brave and festive enough to throw a holiday dinner party, then chances are he or she probably loves home decor items. And who doesn’t love candles? But don’t bring the cheap, chemical-filled candles to your host. Either make your own, or opt for a candle made with natural ingredients with their favourite scent.

Light up your holidays.

2. Honey

Maybe not the first thing to pop into your head, but many people use honey as a sweetener in place of sugar. And chances are, they’re always buying more. Not to mention it’s super easy to find honey in luxurious packaging. It makes for a quick and thoughtful gift that still looks lavish.

Catch more flies with honey.

3. Drink Mixes

Going to a holiday party with cocktails? Bring your favourite drink mixes! Whether it’s a gourmet Caesar mix, some pickled asparagus, pickled carrots, or even mulling spices, there is a high chance that your host may at some point need some restocking throughout the party as more and more people show up.

Be your own mixologist.

4. Hot Sauce

You probably didn’t expect to see this on the list, but you have to agree a delicious, gourmet hot sauce is not easy to find, especially one that really caters to your palate. Find a couple of your favourites and bring it to the party!

Spice up your life.

5. Herb Bouquet

Forget flowers. Herbs are what everyone really needs during the holiday party season. Seriously, which holiday dish doesn’t have herbs in it? Find sprigs of rosemary, sage, thyme, and basil, and tie them with a ribbon. Pop them in a small-mouthed mason jar to make it decorative.

Keep fresh with herbs.

6. Bar Soap

Whether it’s body soap or hand soap, this is a daily essential that gets replaced constantly. Share the love and joy by gifting the host your favourite soap vendor and scent. There’s something classy about bar soaps. They look terrific as individual gifts and can make a washroom look the part!

Show ‘em you clean up well.

7. Essential Oils

Is your host a lover of nebulizers? A bath enthusiast? Get him or her essential oils! Essential oils come in such a wide range of scents that everyone is bound to have a favourite. Find out what your host’s favourite essential oil is and surprise them at their party.

Clear your mind with your favourite scent.

8. Chocolate

There is never a shortage of local chocolatiers, and finding good ones is always an adventure. You just never really know! Find a few chocolates with unique flavours from your favourite local chocolatier, and bring it to the party. Let your host revel in an adventure of trying new flavours of delicious chocolate.

Fuel the chocoholism.

9. Cheese

Can you really have a party without a charcuterie board? And what’s a charcuterie board without cheese? Cheese is something you can’t go wrong with, and it definitely has enough gourmet esteem to pass as the perfect gift for hosts. You don’t have to be a turophile to appreciate cheese. Your host will love you for it.

Be the turophile you’re meant to be.

Do you have any gift ideas for hosts? Share with us any successful items you’ve gifted in the past. Hosting a big party is no easy feat. Our hosts deserve the love.

Daniel Huang

Daniel is a Digital Marketing and Content Strategist at SPUD. He graduated from UBC with a degree in English and International Relations with a focus on environmental topics. A wordsmith by day and a bookman by night, he's a self-proclaimed gastronomic snob, a buck-a-shuck addict, a sub-par skier, and a devoted kingsguard of the oxford comma. He also frequents the dog park with a schnauzer named Duke. | Instagram: @dannnyellow