Gifts for the holiday party hostess with the mostest
As Thingtesting's Head of Community and Curation, my job is rooted in sourcing new and interesting brands. That said, I’m constantly on the lookout for things that are both beautiful and functional. People have enough knickknacks, I always like to gift the party host something they can actually use in their everyday life and think of me every single time.
All products featured on Thingtesting are independently recommended by our writers. When you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
When my parents got married they registered at a local shop that carried almost exclusively Alessi homewares which made them very smart and me a loyalist of the brand since birth. I love gifting the brand’s products to friends for all occasions– the quality is seriously good, while the designs are both functional and playful. Besides, every host needs a wine opener that can function as a tabletop accessory.
Binu Binu, Blue Marble Soap Dish
There’s nothing worse than trying to pry a sticky bar of soap off the edge of the bathroom sink. This marble soap tray from Binu Binu is an underrated gift for your friend who probably also has an eclectic rotation of soaps.
Ossa, Baroque Pearl Ballchain Wristlet
As a frequent host myself, I’m often misplacing my phone, missing texts from my friends asking which street they can park on, and unable to press ‘skip’ when Gwen Stefani’s Sweet Escape comes on for the fourth time. I would say this pearl phone wristlet is the only appropriate solution.
Acca Kappa, Tortoise Shell Tooth Brush
I don’t know if this is a weird gift, but it’s the chicest toothbrush I’ve ever seen and checks the box on function so I think it’s a win-win.
Crying Clover Candles, Candle Tower
I love these candles because they remind me of crayons and are a lot more sculpturally interesting than your typical candle. You can’t go wrong with any of the colorways, they’ll go well on every coffee table.
Laundry Day, Stainless Steel Ashtray
This ashtray designed by Alvaro Ucha Rodriguez is a nice way to bring in stainless steel to the home without being cold, thanks to the pop of orange.
The Wax Apple, Rabbit Buffalo Horn Gua Sha
For unwinding after the after party. I don’t guasha, but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t give someone else the gift of lymphatic drainage by way of this perfect little bunny.
Autumn Sonata, Monika Bath Towel
Similar to the toothbrush, you might be like why would I gift someone a bath towel? It’s an intimate and personal taste item, I know. For that reason, I’d suggest snooping around your friend’s linen closet before pulling the trigger on this item to be sure, but I think it makes a lovely gift.
London Borough of Jam, Rhubarb and Cardamom Jam
Nothing says “Thanks for having me in your home” like a jar of small-batch jam made in England. Warm, cozy, perfect.
