Holiday Host Gifts: Small, Thoughtful Gestures Done Well

Have you ever heard the saying, "don’t show up empty-handed"? In the South, that’s less of a suggestion and more of an unwritten rule. If someone invites you into their home, feeds you, pours you a drink, and insists you stay a little longer, it's very courteous to arrive with a tangible "thank you."

Hosting gifts are small but mighty gestures. They’re the quiet way of saying, thank you for cooking, cleaning, hosting, and pretending this was no trouble at all. And while Southern culture may have perfected the art of hospitality, the thank-you gift that follows is just as important!

A gift that you bring for someone hosting you isn’t meant to bring stress or have you asking if something's “good enough.” I think it's less about the item and more about intention. Showing gratitude should feel easy, and I'm here to help!

These are items I LOVE giving and receiving. They are small, thoughtful, and useful. (You can shop all these items at www.kevinscatalog.com)

1. Candles

A candle is a perfect host gift during the holidays because it instantly brings warmth, comfort, and a festive feel into a home. It’s an easy way to say thank you while adding cozy ambiance. Bonus points if you bring a seasonal candle. A candle feels thoughtful without being complicated, making it a classic gift that fits right in with the spirit of the season and the joy of welcoming others in.

2. Cute Napkins

Cute cocktail napkins make a great host gift because they put the fun in functional. They add personality to a bar, coffee table, or dinner spread, and they’re something the host will actually use — not tuck away in a drawer forever. Cocktail napkins feel like a small luxury that says, I care about the details. It’s an easy way to bring charm to the home and help make the next get-together even more memorable.

3. Notecards, Notepads, or any Stationery

Notecards, notepads, and stationery make such thoughtful host gifts because they’re both personal and practical. They feel intentional without being overdone, and they’re something your host will actually use long after the gathering ends. Whether it’s jotting down a to-do list, writing a thank-you note, stationery is one of those quiet luxuries that always comes in handy.

4. Books

Maybe it's just me, but I love receiving fun cookbooks and coffee table books. A friend gifted me the book Platters and Boards, and I instantly fell in love with it. As someone who truly enjoys cooking and sharing food with others, it felt like the perfect gift. Flipping through it made me excited for the next opportunity to put together a board, and it gave me so many new ideas!

Need some other fun ideas?

• Flowers

• Gourmet chocolates, snacks, or oils

• Local honey or jam

• Soaps and/or lotions

• Tea or coffee

• Kitchen towels

To wrap it all up, no matter what gift you choose, don’t forget a handwritten note. It’s such a simple touch, but it makes the gift feel personal and lets them know just how much you appreciate their hospitality (and reminds them who it’s from!)

Merry Christmas, y'all!