Host and hostess gifts show thoughtfulness
Presents that reflect the party-thrower’s interests may well get you many return invitations
As any party or dinner guest knows, going anywhere empty-handed is a big no-no, particularly at the holidays.
While host or hostess gifts may seem like another expense at an already pricey time of year, there’s no getting away from a proper thank you.
While a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates is an easy (and typically cost-effective) option, both Amanda Douglas of Amanda Douglas Events in Winnipeg and Suzanne Cohon, principal of ASC Public Relations in Toronto, say unless your host is an oenophile or chocoholic, your gift should be more personal and reflect either his or her interests or perhaps a memory the two of you share.
Instead of a standard bouquet of flowers, consider whether your host has a green thumb or has filled her home with plants or other greenery.
If your hostess loves orchids, for example, they are easy to find at your local flower shop and can often be customized with a coloured, metal or glass pot, and other greenery and accessories, Douglas says.
Or perhaps your host likes rare or vintage Scotch. There are plenty of limited-edition bottles and gift sets at liquor stores at this time of year, some of which come with shot glasses and other add-ons and are available at a range of price points.
Another idea both women agree on is the gift of an experience, particularly one that will allow your host or hostess to indulge in a little postholiday pampering.
“Experiences are a nice touch,” Douglas says. “A lot of people already have a lot of stuff.”
A gift card for a manicure and pedicure at a favourite local salon, a massage or other indulgence that gives the recipient alone time would be most welcome over the busy holiday season.
“If they are hosting a dinner and I know they are going the extra distance, I would get a gift card for something that lets them unwind,” Cohon says.
Movie or theatre tickets, passes to a gallery or museum exhibit or a gift certificate to a favourite restaurant are other thoughtful, personal gifts that would be well-received.
Another option is to consider something that reminds your host or hostess of time you have spent together, or perhaps of an excursion you have planned for the near future. Heading to a sunny destination for the upcoming March break? Why not treat your hostess to a pair of sunglasses with a card saying how excited you are to spend more quality time together?
Finally, if you forget to get a gift or find yourself with a last-minute invitation, sending a little something over after the fact is perfectly acceptable. A lovely touch is to choose a photograph of the two of you, or your families, from the party or dinner to print and frame.
Says Cohon: “That ends up being a nice takeaway from the event.”