Holiday Gift Guide for the Host

Hosting season is upon us, and there’s no better way to be a gracious guest (and ensure future invitations) than with a thoughtful gift for the holiday host. There’s so many ways to show appreciation for your host’s hospitality, a hand written card goes a long way too. Whether you’re going to be a houseguest for a few days or you’re headed to a holiday party, any of these gift ideas will leave your host feeling appreciated.

One. Tea Towels

Nice tea towels is one of those things I always love to have in my kitchen but won’t necessarily buy for myself. Terrain has one of the best selections and it’s also a creative way to sustainably wrap a small gift like a nice hand soap, candle or this cute set of non-toxic products (use code JESSANNKIRBY15 for 15% off at Follain-sets excluded).

Two. Servers (currently on sale)

These servers along with this bowl are one of my go-to host/thank you gifts. They’re great quality (I have them as well) and particularly for anyone that likes to entertain they make any dish look fancy, even a simple chopped kale ceasar salad which just so happens to be one of my standby dishes to bring to a party.

Three. Serving Bowl

I have the large version of this serving bowl and it’s great for salads, pasta dishes or to keep on the counter as a fruit bowl. I purchased a bunch of the Old Havana dinnerware for our everyday plates and bowls and they’re gorgeous and hold up well in the dishwasher.

Four. Essential Oil Diffuser

This essential oil diffuser is so nice looking and affordable, and it doesn’t require heat to release fragrance. You just add a few drops of essential oil to the surface of the diffuser and it has a space to store an essential oil bottle at the base of the diffuser so it’s great for a small space.

Five. Custom Address Stamp

I can’t take credit for this gift idea but I think it’s a great one. My friend Victoria told me about this Etsy shop that makes custom return address stamps, which makes the perfect gift for newlyweds or new homeowners. She said the shop owner is great too.

Six. Non-Toxic Candle (use code jessannkirby15 for 15% off)

Follain candles are one of my go-to gifts for pretty much any occasion. They look nice, they smell great and they are non-toxic.

Seven. Non-Toxic Soap (USE CODE JESSANNKIRBY15 FOR 15% OFF)

When I asked Tara, founder of Follain, about some of the most important product swaps to make when switching to clean, soap was her first recommendation. I keep Follain’s Refillable Everything Soap at every sink in our house. Both scents, the lemongrass and the lavender smell so nice and it’s gentle and toxic so you can use it for everything, yes even to give the dog a bath.

Eight. Non-Toxic Hand & Body Lotion (USE CODE JESSANNKIRBY15 FOR 15% OFF)

Another non-toxic favorite from Follain, the hand and body lotion. It’s super moisturizing and fast absorbing, the perfect gift for a holiday host with dry hands from all that cleaning and washing dishes. This set is a great option too (excluded from discount).

Nine. Cozy Faux Fur Blanket

This is everyone’s favorite blanket in our house, we love it so much I bought two. Even better, it’s now Oeko-Tek certified. It comes in beautiful colors and it is machine washable (the directions say dry clean only but I’ve had them for at least two years and wash/dry regularly). The only problem, everyone will be fighting over who gets to curl up in it.

Ten. Nothing Fancy Cookbook

Alison Roman’s new cookbook has been celebrated since it’s release for the simple, approachable and delicious ingredients. Her recipes are unpretentious and easy to execute, because it’s not entertaining, it’s having people over.

Eleven. Love & Lemons Cookbook

This is one of my absolute favorite cookbooks (alongside HBH and HBH Simple of course). It’s the perfect gift for a plant-based host (or anyone that loves cooking with lots of fresh ingredients). It’s organized alphabetically by ingredient, and the recipes are so delicious yet healthy and accessible. It’s also one of the most gorgeous cookbooks out there, the pictures alone will inspire you to get in the kitchen and start cooking.

Twelve. Herbivore Rose Hibiscus Set

A really nice gift set particularly as we go into winter. The Herbivore Rose Hibiscus face mist is one of my favorite clean beauty products, and along with the body polish and lip conditioner it’s a luxurious little clean beauty trio that’s hydrating and beautifully packaged.