25 Thoughtful (and Actually Helpful) Gifts To Give Your Thanksgiving Host This Year

Photo: Stocksy /Bonninstudio
If you're like me, your go-to hostess gift is either A) a bottle of mid-priced wine or B) a safely-scented candle. From dinner parties and friendly get-togethers, to picnics and summer barbecues, the ole' bottle of wine/candle trick is tried-and-true.

But for something like hosting Thanksgiving—a time-intensive feat that only the bravest of the brave would dare to take on—a bottle of wine or candle feels a little impersonal. Will your host like it? Probably (I mean, I've never met a bottle of wine I didn't like). But does it scream, "Thank you for dedicating days of cooking prep/house work/decorating and stressing yourself out by hosting a holiday feast?" Meh. Not so much.

Leave the bottle of wine or candle home this year and say, "Thank you" with a gift any Thanksgiving host will surely appreciate. From dinner accessories they can put to use day of, to wellness treats they'll definitely appreciate when dinner is over, these are the best gifts for Thanksgiving hosts to show your gratitude this year.

Most thoughtful gifts for hard-working Thanksgiving hosts

Manni, The Oil Of Life — Holidays 2021 Limited Edition — $65.00

Every good chef should have a decadent EVOO in their pantry, like this batch from Manni. Each batch is cold-pressed from Tuscan olives grown in volcanic soil, while the gorgeous bottle doubles as kitchen decor.

The Bouqs, Orchard Bouquet — $54.00

This stunning bouquet makes for the perfect, festive centerpiece. Autumnal red hypericum berries, mini calla lilies, and orange roses will look good long after dinner is served.

Amass, Riverine Non-Alcoholic Spirit — $35.00

Nope, we’re not doing wine this year. Instead, Swap your Pinot with this zero-proof spirit that tastes just as good as real gin. It’s made from traditional gin botanicals, like juniper and coriander—without the alcohol (or hangover).

Saje, Aroma Lift Kit — Uplifting Edition — $118.00

All that holiday prep can be stressful. That’s why this aromatherapy gift from Saje is the perfect way to say thank you for any hardworking host.

Williams Sonoma, Marble & Wood Cheeseboards — $40.00

These pretty cheeseboards elevate any charcuterie. That way, the next time your host entertains, they can do it in style. There’s two sizes: a smaller board for $40, or a larger board for $60.

West Elm, Holiday Skier Tea Towel — $14.00

This minimalist holiday tea towel doesn’t overdo it on the festive front. It’s made from 100 percent cotton from the Better Cotton Initiative and makes for a cheerful accent in kitchens and dining rooms.

Lord Jones, Gumdrop Variety Trio — $90.00

Help your host chill out with this gift set of artisan CBD gumdrops. They look like a work of art, but taste even better in three delectable flavors: white peach, wild berry, and the brands original strawberry and lemon sampler.

Diptyque, Flocon Candle — $78.00

I know I said no candles, but this one is luxurious. This snowflake-inspired scent from Diptyque features a limited-edition votive that looks elegant on any mantel. Notes include white musk, iris, and mimosa.

Jcoco, Prism Gift Box — $35.00

Move over, pumpkin pie. These mouth-watering Peruvian chocolates make for a sweet gift and come in not-your-normal flavors perfect for passing around at dessert, like black fig pistachio and quinoa sesame.

Tensira, Half-Apron — $100.00

This hand-woven, hand-dyed half-apron is a no-brainer for friends who spends holidays (and every other day) in the kitchen. It provides coverage from the waist down while the deep pockets make for convenient storage. Available in grey and white or blue and black colorways.

Aesop, Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash — $39.00

Invigorate weary hosts with this woodsy hand soap from Aesop. Key ingredients include vetiver and bergamot rind, so it smells like a dream while fine pumice allows for effortless exfoliation.

Bloomscape, Philodendron Micans Velvet — $69.00

If your host isn’t too much into flowers, surprise them with a lush new houseplant. This velvety soft philodendron grows long, trailing vines that look great spread out on a bay window or hanging from a planter.

Bathing Culture, Cistus + Sage Hydrosol — $20.00

For just $20, this therapeutic mist will soothe stressed hosts in a spritz. It’s made with fresh herbs and botanicals carefully curated to center the mind and hydrate skin.

ugg
UGG Women's Tasman Slipper — $100.00

After standing all day, your host will want nothing more than to slip their feet into some cozy, comfortable slippers. We love UGG because they give you so much warmth and have good traction, so you don’t have to worry about slipping and sliding.

back massager
Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager — $42.00

The next best thing to a gift card to their favorite massage place, is an actual massager. The one really kneads into sore and overworked muscles and also heats up to really relax the back and neck.

african body butter
54 Thrones African Beauty Butter — $24.00

After a long day of repeatedly washing their hands, your host is going to need some luxurious hand cream. Try 54 Thrones African Beauty Butter—it’s salve-like, and offers the deepest and longest-lasting hydration for dry hands. Oh, and the scent is heavenly.

Lily Leedom, Seasonally Inspired Sea Salt Blends — $42.00

None one will be salty about receiving this gift (see what I did there?). It features four seasonally-themed salt seasonings, plus a jar of classic sea salt which goes good with just about anything.

Chloe & Chad, Coconut Bath Soap — $32.00

After any hectic holiday, a warm bubble bath is a must. Your host will love soaking in this rejuvenating bath soap that’s blended with coconut milk, pink sea salt, and soothing essential oils.

Pottery Barn, Tahoe Fair Isle Serving Bowl — $68.00

This stunning piece of stoneware makes an effortless gift. The wintery pattern and red-and-white combo is perfect for the holidays, something your host will surely use over and over again.

Anthropologie, Bundled Up Monogram Mug — $15.00

Anthropologie is a goldmine for monogrammed mugs. Stuff this cozy cup with some hot chocolate mix and a stirrer as an easy but thoughtful gift.

Art of Tea, Wellness Tea Sampler Set — $41.00

Or, if your host is a tea-drinker, gift them this chic wellness tea sampler set by the Art of Tea. It includes for different samples of feel-good tea leaves, including “Cleanse,””Feel Better,” “Happy Tea,” and “Sleep”.

World Market, Black & Gold Shay Cheese Knives — $20.00

Sleek and shiny, these cheese knives are holiday-party ready. For $20, they’re an affordable way to instantly elevate any cheese board.

"Cooking at Home: Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying About Recipes" Cookbook — $24.00

New from Momofuku Chef David Chang and food writer Priya Krishna, this cookbook celebrates the fastest, easiest, and most imperfect ways of cooking (which, after hosting Thanksgiving, your host might appreciate).

Uncommon Goods, Bread Warming Bag — $40.00

This lightweight warming stone and bag keeps fresh loaves and doughy rolls extra toasty. Not to mention, it makes it easy to transport coming dinnertime.

farmacy
Farmacy Clearly Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm — $34.00

Maybe your host wears makeup. Maybe they don’t. But if they do, they’ll want to melt away the day’s worth of foundation and mascara they applied right after the last guest leaves, and this hardworking formula will do the trick. Just massage into skin, watch makeup dissolve, and cleanse per usual. Your host will love this.

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