43 last-minute hostess gifts to make party planning much easier
Whether you're watching a big game, throwing an elaborate cocktail gathering or simply having some couples over for dinner, it takes a lot of work to host a great party. So, when it comes to showing your favorite host or hostess some love, why settle on flowers or that basic bottle of wine?
Lifestyle expert Jenn Falik joined TODAY to show us a whole bundle of last-minute hostess gifts that will make throwing any get-togethers much simpler. Find everything from Oprah-approved products to custom photo books — all items that will have party guests talking for weeks.
The below list has gifts by category, to quickly jump to the category you're looking for click on the links below:
When we release our 2020 gift guides, we make sure all prices are current. But prices change frequently, so there’s a chance the prices are now different than they were the day of publication.
Last-minute hostess gifts on TODAY
1. Create-Your-Own Cooking "Kit"
'Mastering the Art of French Cooking' (2 Volume Set) by Julia Child
'Mastering the Art of French Cooking' (2 Volume Set) by Julia Child, $99.95, Shop now
Sometimes, those DIY gifts are the ones that are the most memorable. Find some cookbooks or cooking magazines around the house, pick up a few necessary ingredients, and bundle everything together for a fun-filled cooking kit!
2. Truff White Truffle Hot Sauce
TRUFF White Truffle Hot Sauce
TRUFF White Truffle Hot Sauce, $34.99, Shop now
This bestselling hot sauce made it on Oprah's Favorite Things for 2019. It is made with ripe chili peppers, organic agave nectar, organic coriander and white truffles.
3. Truff Hot Sauce
Truff Hot Sauce
Truff Hot Sauce, $17.98, Shop now
The original Truff Hot Sauce is loved by over 2,500 buyers on Amazon and makes for the perfect addition to a holiday meal.
4. Truff Hotter Sauce
Truff Hotter Sauce
Truff Hotter Sauce, $22.00, Shop now
If the original version isn't spicy enough for you, you'll want to take a look at the hotter version. This one is currently out of stock due to popularity, but we recommend you keep an eye on the site to snag it the moment they restock!
5. Organic Gourmet Herb Collection
Organic Gourmet Herb Collection
Organic Gourmet Herb Collection, $28.99, Shop now
Wanting to create a unique and useful gift for the person who always hosts the best parties? Order a few pots of organic herbs, grab some plastic bases and wrap them in burlap for a rustic look.
6. Same-Day Photo Book
Same-Day Photo Book
Same-Day Photo Book, $29.99, Shop now
Give the gift of memories with a photo book that is sure to keep guests entertained. This one can be ordered with a "same-day delivery" option.
7. Sharper Image Electric S'Mores Maker
Sharper Image Electric S'Mores Maker
Sharper Image Electric S'Mores Maker, $79.99, Shop now
Really wow guests with this electric s'mores maker. It comes with four stainless steel roasting sticks, four tray compartments and a housing and top cover.
8. Warmies Slippers
Warmies Slippers
Warmies Slippers, $19.99, Shop now
This Oprah-approved gift is flying off the shelves this year. The Warmies Slippers will keep your toes warm when the temps drop — all you need to do is pop them in the microwave!
9. Letter Board
Letter Board - Hearth & Hand? with Magnolia
Letter Board - Hearth & Hand? with Magnolia, $29.99, Shop now
Gift a unique letter board that will allow the host to welcome guests with a creative message.
10. That Was Awkward Game
That Was Awkward Game
That Was Awkward Game, $35.00, Shop now
If you're in need of some comic relief you'll want to add this game to your cart. It requires players to perform tasks to earn points — just try to avoid total embarrassment.
11. Password The Original Word Association Game
Password The Original Word Association Game
Password The Original Word Association Game, $16.99, Shop now
This word association game will test everyone's knowledge during any party. Players will square off to see who can guess the secret password first. The fewer the clues, the higher the points!
12. Everybody Knows! Trivia Card Game
Everybody Knows! Trivia Card Game
Everybody Knows! Trivia Card Game, $19.98, Shop now
This trivia game will bring laughter, conversation and fun competition into the room! It has a 4.3-star rating on Amazon and buyers say it's perfect for all generations.
13. Family Feud After Hours Game
Family Feud After Hours Game
Family Feud After Hours Game, $17.48, Shop now
Bring the popular show to your home with this fun Family Feud game! It has 400 hilarious pop culture references and it can be played with three or more people.
14. Wheel Of Fortune Card Game
Wheel Of Fortune Card Game
Wheel Of Fortune Card Game, $20.00, Shop now
Made for two, three or four players, this game will give your holiday get-together just the right around of excitement. This set comes with 88 cards and a list of instructions.
Our bestselling hostess gifts
1. Create Your Own Playing Cards
Create Your Own Playing Cards
Create Your Own Playing Cards, $9.95, Shop now
For your favorite card shark, personalize this deck with a photo of your host — you can even add a monogram.
2. Umbra Casa Tissue Box Cover
Umbra Casa Tissue Cover
Umbra Casa Tissue Cover, $11.95, Shop now
Home is where your tissue is. This modern take on a tissue-box cover will be a fabulous addition to your host's powder room.
3. HanZá Bath Bomb Gift Set
HanZá Bath Bomb Gift Set
HanZá Bath Bomb Gift Set, $19.99, Shop now
This is a gift that pampers! Your host will love a little well deserved R & R with vegan bath bombs. This gift has a great "wow" factor with its pretty and colorful presentation.
4. Three Dog Bakery Classic Cremes Baked Dog Treats
Three Dog Bakery Classic Cremes Baked Dog Treats
Three Dog Bakery Classic Cremes Baked Dog Treats, $6.64, Shop now
Don't forget the four-legged hosts! It never hurts to get in good with the pups, and these dog cookies will do the trick.
5. Feel Good Memory Jar
Feel Good Memory Jar
Feel Good Memory Jar, $27.99, Shop now
This is such a thoughtful and unique gift that your hostess is sure to use and appreciate for years to come.
Our top hostess gifts
1. RSVP White Marble Cheese Board & Knife
RSVP White Marble Cheese Board & Knife
RSVP White Marble Cheese Board & Knife, $21.95, Shop now
This marble cheese board makes a perfect serving piece for cheeses and charcuterie. It's one of those gifts that is appropriate for every kind of host.
2. La Jolie Muse Rabbit Cupcake Stand
La Jolie Muse Rabbit Cupcake Stand
La Jolie Muse Rabbit Cupcake Stand, $22.99, Shop now
Talk about cute! This bunny holds cupcakes, cookies and sweets on a plate held up by his little feet. And who doesn't love that?
3. Soap Sampler Set
Soap Sampler Set
Soap Sampler Set, $19.99, Shop now
Trying out some fancy soap is always a luxury! Your host will love being able to try all these different fragrances.
Personalized hostess gifts
1. Wooden Monogram Letters
Wooden Monogram Letters
Wooden Monogram Letters, $14.99, Shop now
For an unexpected and thoughtful gift, we love these wood monogram cutouts. Your host will now be able to proudly hang his or her initials on a wall, door or mantel.
2. Wall-Mounted State Bottle Opener
Wall Mounted State Bottle Opener
Wall Mounted State Bottle Opener, $22.00, Shop now
Match your host with his or her home state for a big score in the gift department. Whether shaped like New York or Florida, these wall-mounted bottle openers will make cracking open a cold one that much more fun.
3. Personalized Cutting Board
Personalized Cutting Board
Personalized Cutting Board, $40.00, Shop now
This personalized cutting board is the perfect thank you gift for any hostess. You can even emboss an important date in your host's life (like their wedding anniversary) onto the board.
Hostess gifts for the kitchen
1. O Meyer Lemon Olive Oil
O Meyer Lemon Olive Oil
O Meyer Lemon Olive Oil, $19.00, Shop now
This tangy and decadent Meyer Lemon Olive Oil makes everything taste divinely delicious — from bread to veggies and more. This is a gift any foodie host will fall in love with.
2. Moscow Mule Hammered Copper Drinking Mug
Moscow Mule Hammered Copper Drinking Mug
Moscow Mule Hammered Copper Drinking Mug, $24.99, Shop now
Four hammered copper mugs beckoning for a frosty Moscow mule? Sign us up! This classic gift is a slam dunk for the entertainer.
3. Herb Grow Gardens Kit
Herb Grow Garden Kit
Herb Grow Garden Kit, $12.00, Shop now
This cute little patio gardening kit provides everything you need to grow herbs. It's a gift that keeps on giving long after you go home.
4. Now Designs Bamboo Utensils
Now Designs Bamboo Utensils
Now Designs Bamboo Utensils, $14.90, Shop now
Style and substance! These cool and colorful hand-dipped bamboo kitchen utensils are so good-looking your host will want to display them proudly.
5. Baker Stripe Dish Towels
Baker Stripe Dish Towels
Baker Stripe Dish Towels, $20.00, Shop now
What host wouldn't love this set of sassy striped dishtowels? As an added bonus, you can even offer to do the dishes.
6. Banana Leaf Print Place Mats
Banana Leaf Print Place Mats
Banana Leaf Print Place Mats, $13.99, Shop now
Jazz up your host's table with a bold pattern and color. These green and white banana leaf placemats make any meal a party
7. Wrapables Ruffles and Roses Canvas Apron
Wrapables Ruffles and Roses Apron
Wrapables Ruffles and Roses Apron, $16.82, Shop now
A casserole always tastes better when the cook wears ruffles. This fashion-forward apron boasts florals and fun.
8. "Cravings: Hungry for More" by Chrissy Teigen
"Cravings: Hungry for More" by Chrissy Teigen
"Cravings: Hungry for More" by Chrissy Teigen, $20.69, Shop now
Chrissy Teigen's cookbook is filled with tons of decadent recipes to serve a crowd.
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Fun and unique hostess gifts
1. Cards Against Humanity
Cards Against Humanity
Cards Against Humanity, $25.00, Shop now
There's nothing like a little Cards Against Humanity to get an evening rolling. This game is like a secret weapon when you need instant entertainment.
2. Brown Eggs Design Ceramic Succulent Planters
Brown Eggs Design Ceramic Succulent Planters
Brown Eggs Design Ceramic Succulent Planters, $12.99, Shop now
Add a few succulent plants to these cute egg-shaped planters to present your host with a little magic garden.
3. SoundBot Water-Resistant Bluetooth Speaker
SoundBot Water-Resistant Bluetooth Speaker
SoundBot Water-Resistant Bluetooth Speaker, $19.99, Shop now
With this waterproof speaker, spills won't ruin the party! It's a great gift for the music lover.
4. Mini Donkey Pinatas
Mini Donkey Pinatas
Mini Donkey Pinatas, $14.99, Shop now
Set the tone with these festive pi?atas. Skip dessert and string them up after dinner for some fun for the entire family.
5. Go Away Doormat
Go Away Doormat
Go Away Doormat, $19.95, Shop now
This is funny! And though it may not convey your host's true feelings about guests, it'll be sure to get a laugh
6. Klutz Friendship Bracelets Craft Kit
Klutz Friendship Bracelet Craft Kit
Klutz Friendship Bracelet Craft Kit, $17.68, Shop now
Don't forget the kids! If your host has a couple of young ones running around, this DIY friendship bracelet kit is sure to delight. They'll thank you for the hours of quiet time this gift provides as the younger set gets busy with a good old-fashioned crafternoon.
7. Henry Googly Eye Planter
Henry Googly Eye Planter
Henry Googly Eye Planter, $8.00, Shop now
These googly-eyed planters are adorable. Your host can put them in a kitchen window to grow fresh herbs.
8. Jenga
Jenga
Jenga, $9.99, Shop now
No matter how old you are, a good game of Jenga is always a welcome gift.
Relaxing hostess gifts
1. Herbivore Botanicals Calm Dead Sea Bath Salts
Herbivore Botanicals Calm Dead Sea Bath Salts
Herbivore Botanicals Calm Dead Sea Bath Salts, $18.00, Shop now
Give the gift of calm. Herbivore makes wonderfully luxurious (and great-looking) products. A favorite of ours is their Dead Sea bath salts. Your host will never want to get out of the tub.
2. Warm and Cozy Reed Diffuser
Warm and Cozy Reed Diffuser
Warm and Cozy Reed Diffuser, $19.99, Shop now
This reed diffuser will send warm, inviting scents throughout the house with very little effort.
Finding the perfect present can be a challenge, but Shop TODAY's up to the task. Try our interactive gift finder to sort gifts by price, person and interest. And no matter who you're looking for, we've got gift guides for everyone on your list, including:
This gift guide was originally published on Nov. 8, 2016.