If it’s the first time you’re visiting someone’s home, then it’s a very nice gesture to bring a small gift. If you have a few extra minutes to wrap it, even if you only use tissue or a decorative bag, it adds to gesture. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive; simply consider the nature of the occasion and local custom when making your choice. Here are a few tips on what to bring when.

BBQ

No matter how casual the even, parties are A LOT of work. Thank the hard working host or hostess of your next BBQ party with a little something, and ensure an invite for the next summertime soiree. Try these hot sea salts to sprinkling on your favorite seafood, veggie, or even pizza!
A sprinkle of Campfire gives any dish that glorious smoky, cooked-outdoors aroma. Hot Steve is a sophisticated and slightly fruiting chili blend that makes your old bottle of BBQ sauce feel like a wallflower at the condiment party. Sultan Papadopoulos, an inspired blend of Greek and Turkish spices, makes a delicious dry-rub and perhaps an even more delicious Bloody Mary. Each flavor is handmade from locally grown herbs and organic spices, and comes in its own beautifully designed, old-timey 6 oz. tin. Reasonably priced and with decorative labels you won’t need much in the way of presentation.

$22 at Uncommon Goods

Dinner Party

No event calls for a hostess gift like a dinner party. It’s tradition, and let’s face it—it’s simply bad manners to show up empty handed. If you aren’t bringing a side, pack a hostess gift. Caviar might not seem like the most practical gift, and she’ll probably receive dozens of bottle of wine or champagne. Instead, try these delicious and supremely artful chocolates. Each one is hand painted to look like cocktails and caviar. Each box includes five different flavors, ranging from dark to white chocolate.

$38 at Domino

Cocktail/Wine Tasting 

This is the one occasion when a bottle of wine of bubbly is the perfect hostess gift. Your thankful host can pop an extra bottle at the party, or savor at a later date at her leisure.
As an alternative to the expected why not offer a memory instead? Give the gift of this trivet and the host or hostess can make their own memory with the corks used from the party wine. Trivet comes with 36 spikes and is surrounded by stainless steel.

$48 at Wayfair

Garden Party

Summer and garden parties go together like school time and PB&J sandwiches. Elegant or casual garden parties give us the excuse to get outdoors and meander around as we appreciate the gardens. What better hostess gift to give then the nature itself—flower seeds. Place in a small fabric pouch with a creative tag, or spend just a few dollars and place several packages in a small terracotta pot for a summer time presentation. Purchase at any hardware or garden store.

Pool Party

You’re guaranteed to attend a few pool parties this summer. Think outside of the box and bring a glam beach towel to thank your party host, because you can never have too many. These towels can be found virtually anywhere. Up the pool party gift giving with a combination of the two summer favorites (fruit and cocktails) with these tumblers. Each 13-ounce glass highlights a different fruit-watermelon, honeydew, cantaloupe, and papaya. The glass vessels are dishwasher safe too.

$45 at Uncommon Goods

Movie Party

A chic popcorn serving bowl is just one great hostess gift ideas for movie parties or binge watching events, or put together a popcorn themed container with candies and other movie treats.

$20 at Crate and Barrel

Slumber Party

The host or hostess of ANY slumber party deserves more than the average ‘thank you’. Gift them with something at drop-off as a thanks in advance for the sleepless night ahead. While one might think a bottle of wine is the perfect gift here—just remember this adult is in charge of your little one tonight—might want to rethink the vino on this one. Instead opt for a gift that promotes another way to relax—bath time! This pretty ombre “bouquet” will outlast any blooms you pick up at your local market. The 20-piece soap set features an array of bar soap that’s crafted to look just like blooming roses—a definite upgrade to the rectangular version that currently occupies her guest bathroom.

$8 at World Market

Labor Day Party

Labor Day parties are often congregate around the grill, so think grill tongs, serving platters, coolers, or ANYTHING your host might need the day of. This PFOA-free nonstick basket is surface safe for temperatures up to 660 Fahrenheit and is ideal for grilling food of different sizes. Pefect for whole fish or vegetables, this basket holds each piece securely in place while bringing it in contact with the flame for a delicious smoky flavor and uniform cooking. When it’s time to turn the food, simply flip over the basket using the long handle.

$20 at Williams Sonoma

Backyard Game Day Party

Either provide a game, bring along some eats, or pack a hostess gift. These large dominoes are a great fit for outdoors entertainment. The large wood material does well on dry lawn or cement.

$25 at Oriental Trading Company

For more hostess gifting ideas, check out the flip book version below!