10 Great Gift Ideas When Visiting Friends to Thank Your Host!
Being a Good Guest is Kind of an Art Form – and These Easy But Thoughtful Gift Ideas Are a Masterpiece
Whether you’re headed to a friend’s house just across town for dinner or across the country for a weeklong visit, showing up with a gift for the host or hostess is always a classy move. But choosing the perfect gift for the occasion can be tricky, to say the least!
It’s not like buying a birthday gift or even a housewarming gift for your buddy – choosing the right gift ideas when visiting friends really comes back to the rules of etiquette… and who knows all of them these days anyway?!
Well fear not – we’ve dusted off the manners manuals so that you don’t have to. Some of the ideas definitely hold up, but others needed a modern update. And we’re breaking down the results for you right here. A quick peek at what’s on the list today:
- Classic gift ideas for your host or hostess that never go out of style
- Modern gift ideas when visiting friends that show your appreciation without being too stuffy
- Unique gifts that will make them think of you every time they pull them out
So settle in and get comfortable – we’ve got a lot to look at today!
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Now without further ado, let’s get to the list!
1. A Personalized Wine Bottle or Fancy Spirits
Send an Omaha Steaks gift card
A classic choice that never goes out of style: bring a bottle of wine, champagne, or your friend’s favorite spirit. But that’s kind of boring, isn’t it? Especially for a longer visit, why not show your friend some extra appreciation by going the extra mile?
Lots of local wine and spirit stores as well as online retailers offer the option to customize the label, so you can add your friend’s name, a special date, or a nice message. Even once the bottle is empty, it’ll be a nice memento of your stay with them.
If your friend isn’t big on wine or cocktails, consider gifting an artisanal non-alcoholic beverage instead, like sparkling water or some craft sodas. It’s a simple gesture, but it shows you know them (and their preferences for non boozy beverages).
Either way, they can either enjoy this gift during your visit or save it for another special occasion.
Did you know? When you text your friend an Omaha Steaks gift card to complete the gift, they can cash it in for prime cuts of meat and fresh seafood, and even complete the meal with sides, desserts, and wine all delivered right to their door for a no-fuss feast.
Send an Omaha Steaks gift card
2. Gourmet Food Basket
Text a Harry & David gift card
Food baskets are another classic choice when it comes to getting a gift for your host or hostess. And honestly, it’s easy to see why. They’re delicious, plus they can be customized to your friend’s exact tastes.
You can go all out and put together a gourmet basket filled with fancy cheeses, crackers, olives, and chocolates. Or keep it simple with locally made jams, honey, or baked goods from a nearby shop. And that’s before you even get into the business of themed baskets.
If your friend is a coffee lover, put together a mini coffee basket with artisan beans, a cool mug, and flavored syrups… bonus points if it’s from a cool roaster that will resonate with them, like Grounds & Hounds, Cat Rescue Coffee, or Comics on Coffee. If they’re more into tea, you could do the same with a variety of loose leaf teas and a cool infuser. If they’re a movie lover, you can make a basket with DVDs, movie candy, and popcorn. There are so many different ways to go with this one.
Text a Harry & David gift card
3. Potted Plant or Succulent
A potted plant is a great way to leave a lasting reminder of your visit, and it’s a gift that keeps on giving. Small plants, like succulents, require minimal care and add a touch of greenery to any home. You can find them at local nurseries or even grocery stores, making this an easy last-minute gift that looks thoughtful.
For a modern twist, you can gift them a subscription to a houseplant delivery service like Lively Root, Hortii, or The Sill for a couple of months. This way, they can choose plants and planters that fit their style. And if they have pets or kids around, they can even choose options that are non toxic should any fur babies or human babies get a hold of those leaves.
4. Homemade Treats
Nothing says “I’m thinking of you” like homemade goodies! If you enjoy cooking or baking, whip up a batch of your favorite cookies, brownies, or even a loaf of banana bread. Package it up nicely with some ribbon or a reusable tin, and you’ve got a personal and delicious gift that your friends will love.
If baking’s not your thing, you can always grab some treats from a local bakery or gourmet shop. Just be sure you find out about any dietary restrictions your friend might have beforehand—your gluten-free friend will definitely appreciate that extra effort to get them something they can actually enjoy!
5. A Cozy Throw Blanket
For those cooler evenings when your friends are curling up on the couch, a cozy throw blanket is a gift that’s both practical and thoughtful. Choose something that matches their home décor, like a neutral color or a stylish pattern, and go for soft materials like fleece or knitted wool.
Blankets are great because they can be used in so many ways: while watching movies, reading a book, or just lounging on a lazy Sunday. Plus, they’re the kind of gift that feels luxurious without breaking the bank, and your friends will think of you every time they snuggle up with it.
6. Scented Candle or Diffuser
Buy a Bath & Body Works gift card
When in doubt, you can never go wrong with a lovely scented candle or diffuser. They add a touch of ambiance to any room and help create a relaxing environment after a long day. Look for scents that match the season—like fresh citrus in the summer or warm vanilla and cinnamon in the winter—or go for something subtle like lavender or eucalyptus that’ll work year-round.
Candles and diffusers are also easy to personalize. If your friend loves a particular scent or brand, stick with that. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try introducing them to a new scent they might not have tried before. Either way, it’s a gift that can bring comfort and relaxation into their home.
Buy a Bath & Body Works gift card
7. Board Games or Puzzle Set
If your friends love a good game night, then a new board game or a puzzle set is a super fun gift idea. Choose something they can enjoy during your visit, like a quick-to-learn party game, or go for something more intricate that they can dig into later. Classic games like Codenames or modern hits like Exploding Kittens are crowd-pleasers, and there are plenty of options for different ages and group sizes.
8. A Unique Cookbook
Buy a Barnes & Noble gift card
For the friend who loves to cook, a new cookbook can be both an inspiring and practical gift. Whether they’re into baking, grilling, or trying out international cuisines, there’s a cookbook out there that’ll spark their culinary creativity. Look for a cookbook that aligns with their favorite type of food, or if they’ve been talking about trying something new, surprise them with a book that’ll help them expand their cooking repertoire.
Here are a few cookbooks on our wishlist to get you started:
- Joshua Weissman: An Unapologetic Cookbook by Joshua Weissman
- Salt Fat Acid Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking by Samin Nosrat
- Milkshake Monday: 80+ Frosty Treats to Make Any Day Special by Larry Canam and David Canam
You can often find great cookbooks at local bookstores, but if you’re short on time, many grocery stores also carry popular cooking books in their magazine section. Bonus points if you include a couple of key ingredients from the recipes to get them started!
Buy a Barnes & Noble gift card
9. Personalized Coasters
Help your friends protect their furniture in style with a set of personalized coasters. You can find coasters that are engraved with their initials, names, or even fun designs like maps of their favorite cities. These make a great conversation piece and are a practical gift they’ll actually use. Plus, personalized gifts always add that extra level of thoughtfulness that shows you put in effort.
You can find personalized coasters at gift shops, craft fairs, or even order them online from sellers who offer quick shipping. This is a small but meaningful gift that’s both stylish and functional.
10. Gift Card to Their Favorite Spot
Grab a GiftYa Select gift card
When in doubt, a gift card is always a safe bet, especially if it’s to one of your friend’s favorite places. Whether it’s a local coffee shop, a popular restaurant, or their go-to store for home goods, a gift card lets them treat themselves to something they really want.
Grab a GiftYa Select gift card
That’s it for gift ideas when visiting friends!
Visiting friends is always a fun occasion, and bringing along a thoughtful gift is a great way to show your appreciation. Whether it’s something homemade, personalized, or just plain practical, these awesome gift ideas should take the stress out of figuring out what to bring.
Happy gifting!
Trae Bodge
Trae Bodge is the shopping expert here at GiftYa. Trae helps people find the best deals and ideas on popular new items to purchase.
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