For the person on your list who....is the host(ess) with the most(ess)

Ah yes, that moment when you're headed to a holiday party and realize you can't show up empty-handed—but your go-to bottle of wine is starting to feel like the holiday hosting equivalent of a gift card. 

For the friend who's mastered the art of hosting, we've curated the ultimate "thank you for having me" gift guide. Because let's be honest: they've spent weeks planning this gathering, and they definitely don't need another scented candle that "reminded you of them." We’ve rounded up gifts that'll actually earn a spot in their carefully curated hosting arsenal—and not a single bottle of Cabernet in sight.

Kokoro Tequila (Non-Alc Alt - ALMAVE)

You know better than to be the person who brings another bottle of wine to the soiree. As the life of the party, you need to bring something more to the table—with a hint of Charli XCX chaos but the elegance of a bottle that stands as an art piece on its own. Yea, we’re talking tequila. Kokoro’s small-batch tequila brings together traditional Mexican craftsmanship with Japanese-inspired attention to detail, creating a spirit that's as much a conversation piece as it is a delicious pour. The bright, crisp agave notes shine through in every sip, making it perfect for both sophisticated cocktails and thoughtful neat pours.

For guests abstaining from alcohol, offer the sophisticated alternative of Almave, a non-alcoholic agave spirit that captures the essence of tequila without the proof! This mindfully crafted beverage lets everyone join in the celebration while maintaining the same level of sophistication and care in their drink choice. Oh and it was started by Louis Hamilton, F1's finest!

Kosterina Chocolate balsamic

Chocolate syrup just got the gastronomic glow-up of a lifetime. This award-winning chocolate balsamic is the perfect combo of sweet and tart—the perfect accoutrement for drizzling over ice cream, baking into a sweet treat (imagine: balsamic brownies), or turning a sad bowl of berries into a culinary masterpiece. Your hostess probably has a go-to balsamic already, but this introduces an entirely new category of the stuff that they'll be—frankly—shocked you were cultured enough to discover. 

Dio Cocktails (Non-Alc alt - For Bitter or for Worse)

Not everyone can make a mean cocktail. However, Dio Cocktails transforms any gathering into an instant craft cocktail bar without the need for a professional mixologist behind the counter. Each carefully crafted can deliver the complexity and sophistication of a freshly mixed drink, proving that convenience doesn't have to compromise quality. They rank at the top of my favorite RTD cocktail brands. It’s perfect for hosts who want to spend more time mingling and less time muddling.

For Bitter For Worse transforms the ready-to-drink experience for those seeking sophisticated flavors without the spirits. These thoughtfully crafted beverages bring together complex botanical blends that make every sip feel special and intentional. Your non-booze drinking guests will appreciate that you've gone beyond the usual sodas to offer something that feels just as celebratory as its spirited counterparts.

Lata Gift Box

Hear us out: Tinned fish may be the hottest hosting gift you can give this year. We all know that tinned fish is having its moment (thanks, Fishwife) and this beautiful sample set offers your foodiest friend a full culinary adventure in a box—bringing the sophisticated flavors of Spanish conservas culture right to your table. 

Plus? If you’re lucky enough to be invited to an Italian Christmas meal, this subtle nod to the Seven Fishes tradition will earn you brownie points for the rest of your days. Thank us later.

Nomadica Boxed Wine

For those moments when you need to keep the party flowing longer than a single bottle allows, Nomadica's boxed wine should be your new go-to. While traditional boxed wines might conjure memories of college parties and questionable life choices (we're looking at you, Franzia), Nomadica has revolutionized the format with wines you'll actually be proud to serve. And yes, while we fully endorse the time-honored tradition of slapping the bag, these wines deserve to be savored as much as sipped. Nomadica is perfect for the host who knows that sometimes the best gatherings require more than just a bottle or two, but refuses to compromise on taste.

Bodum Chunky Wine Glasses

These whimsical wine glasses perfectly balance playful design with sophisticated functionality - and I'm not just saying that because I've been converted into a devoted fan after receiving my own set. What makes these MoMA-exclusive Bodum glasses truly special is how they elevate the everyday act of serving wine into an artistic statement. The chunky, color-blocked bases (in combinations like amber with rose and cobalt with moss green) add a pop of unexpected joy to your table setting while maintaining the elegant silhouette of a traditional wine glass.

Infused Slide Tin Collection

Salt has never been sexier. For the host(ess) who loves a finishing moment, this set of infused salts in perfectly portable slide tins is the gift that keeps giving. Each flavor—black garlic, rosemary, tellicherry peppercorns (whatever that means), lemon zest, and habanero—offers a unique flare to elevate any dish, drink, or dessert. 

Onyx Salt Dish + Maldon Salt tub

Every home entertainer needs two things: a beautiful way to serve finishing salt and enough of said salt to actually finish things. That's why this duo works perfectly together. The Onyx Salt Dish from Goodies LA (one of my favorite home goods stores - their pieces look high-end but the prices are refreshingly reasonable) gives your salt a proper place to shine at the table.

And because there's nothing worse than running out of finishing salt mid-dinner party, the Maldon bulk tub ensures you can be generous with your sprinkles. Whether you're finishing a steak or adding crunch to cookies, you'll have plenty of those signature salt pyramids to go around without having to ration them like precious gems (even though they kind of are).

Confetti Cheese Board + Confetti Cheese Knives

The best host(ess) knows: a charcuterie board is the star of the pre-party party. For the person on your list who’s known for their flawless fig-jam speckled cheese spread, consider adding to their craft with a stunning canvas and tools. This confetti board is made from food-grade upcycled plastic and looks utterly chic, both for charcuterie moments and as a standalone kitchen statement piece. Pair it with these gorgeous, colorful cheese knives? You win best guest of the year. No contest.

Recycled Moroccan Glassware Set

Looking for the perfect set of everyday glassware that works as hard as your favorite host(ess)? These recycled Moroccan glasses and matching pitcher are the definition of effortless entertaining. Made from 100% recycled glass with a subtle blue-green tint, they're both beautiful and practical—yes, they're dishwasher safe! They're perfect go-to for water, but also wine and cocktails. These aren't the fancy glasses you pull out twice a year—they're the ones your gift recipient will reach for daily, whether you're serving water at a dinner party or just need somewhere to put their afternoon bev.