Today is actually a 3-in-1 gift guide!

A lot of times we have to go to a Christmas dinner party, but we also have fun gift exchange parties or game-themed parties that we can take the kiddos to, and then there’s the kind of guest that has to stay overnight. I decided to put together three mini gift guides for each kind of guest to give to their host/hostess. You’re getting all three of them in this one post!

Dinner Party Guest

1. Peppermint Bark– I’m a huge fan of any and all peppermint bark, but the best I’ve ever had is from Williams Sonoma. This is such an easy gift to give because it requires no wrapping unless you insisted on tying a ribbon around it, and the host/hostess can serve it at the dinner party at the dessert table or just set out as an after-dinner sweet. Absolutely delicious.
2. Teapot– This pretty wood-handled teapot from Crate and Barrel is such a sweet little gift that’s a little less traditional than your standard bottle of wine. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that! I love to get and give a good bottle of wine.) This would be a great gift on it’s own or paired with your favorite tea and a bottle of local honey. And if you’re feeling extra generous, this MacKenzie Childs teapot is so beautiful.
3. A Favorite Cookbook– I’ve gifted this one before, and I’d really like it for myself. (I totally cooked from it before I gave it. Shhh…) Magnolia Table isn’t just about the food but about serving your friends and family food that you’ve prepared with love. The heart and soul in everything Magnolia makes this cookbook and the whole brand super special.
4. Beautycounter Hand Wash and Hand Cream Set– In the delightful Citrus Mimosa scent, your host/hostess will surely love to add this to their kitchen or bathroom sink. It’s also a way to share some safer beauty products with a host and all of their guests.
5. Marble Tray– Whether you bring it to your host completely set up with a brilliant charcuterie spread or tied up with a pretty bow, this tray from Walmart is a very chic gift.

Bonus: Cake Stands filled with a delicious cake, of course. I like these two from Target: 1 and 2

Game Night Guest

1. Personalized Note Pads– Perfect for keeping score during games with friends. Pair with some fun (sharpened) pencils and bring as your host/hostess gift. There are so many great options on Etsy. That’s where I found these.
2. Timer Set– Usually there’s a game in your closet somewhere that’s missing the timer or the dice. Putting these together with a pack of dice, these super cool Bob Ross playing cards, notepads, and pencils would make a very cute Game Night Basket for your host. Here’s a freebie for ya: The timers are excellent when you’ve got a little one in timeout. I once had a pre-k student who could not sit for four minutes without getting up and asking me when timeout was over. I found the four minute sand timer in the closet, gave it to him and told him when the sand was in the bottom, he could bring it to me and timeout would be over. It may have been the most brilliant thing I’ve ever done as a teacher. You’re welcome.
3. A Game– Maybe you’re already scheduled to play a different game the night you head to your friend’s house, but if you’re lucky, they’ll invite you back to play the new one you give them. I’ve never played What Do You Meme?, but it sure looks fun.
4. Wine– Because my friends enjoy wine. World Market has a great variety of all wines. Pick up some of the fun party snacks that you can find there, too, and give both to your host/hostess.
5. Candle– Dyptique candles are just pretty. I love the labels, and they smell good, too.

Overnight Guest

1. Goodies to Share– If you’re from Alabama, chances are you’ve heard of Priester’s. Heck, my aunts and uncles from Florida make it a point to visit Priester’s when they come to visit. It’s widely known and loved, and they have the greatest gift sets at this time of year. It’s a treat that the family (and yourself) can enjoy while you’re staying with them this holiday season.
2. Cozy Blanket– There’s that blanket again. I know you’re sick of it, but literally everyone needs a throw blanket. And if they have a million already, they can toss one of the old ones for your new one. Here’s that cute snow leopard one, too.
3. Beautycounter Hand Wash and Hand Cream Set– Something consumable and good for your host and family. Giving the gift of safer beauty is always a good choice.
4. French Press– If your host/hostess likes coffee, gift them with a new French press. This one is so chic and would be so lovely paired with a holiday blend to enjoy together while you visit each morning.
5. A Book– This particular book is excellent for reading or just for flipping through it’s beautiful pages. Erin Gates tells her beautiful story and shares the most amazing spaces she’s designed. It’s a favorite of so many. If home decor is not your thing, give your favorite fiction or non-fiction book. Something off of Reese’s Book Club list should be just fine.

Of course, most of the gifts from either of these mini guides can be interchangeable. You know your host’s style, and if you don’t, you can’t go wrong with Peppermint Bark or a bottle of wine. What’s some of you most loved hostess gifts? I’d love to hear in the comments.

Come back tomorrow for your gift guide to teacher gifts. I’ll provide you with the practical and the indulgent. See you tomorrow!

*This post contains affiliate links. I do receive a commission when you shop through some of the links in this post.