When you’re heading to a holiday gathering, showing up with a thoughtful hostess gift is always a good idea, but showing up with one they can’t wait to use (and that every other guest secretly wishes they brought)? Even better.
Whether you’re shopping for the gourmet cook, the entertainer, or the “I-just-love-pretty-things” hostess, these curated picks from Simone & Ivy will earn you instant favourite-guest status. Here are our top kitchen-inspired gifts that are festive, functional, and guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
1. Kanel Spices & Rimmers: Small But Mighty Flavor Boosters
Kanel spices make the perfect elevated stocking-sized gift, but don’t let the size fool you. Their blends are beautifully crafted, clean, and full of bold flavour. Pair a couple of best-selling varieties together, or bundle them with a wooden spoon or tea towel for a thoughtful, ready-to-use gift.
Why they make a great hostess gift:
Useful for anyone who cooks (even occasionally!). Check out our Kanel spices here.
Beautiful packaging, no wrapping required.
Easy to pair with other small kitchen items for a themed bundle.
Create the perfect cocktail to complement those seasonal rimmers. You will have an instant holiday favourite.
2. A Stylish Brie Baker: The Entertainer’s Dream
Few things say “cozy holiday night” like warm, melty brie. A ceramic brie baker is both beautiful and practical, the kind of gift a hostess will pull out again and again for spontaneous gatherings or winter movie nights.
Gifting ideas:
Include a wheel of brie and a jar of jam for a complete set. We highly recommend any of the SaltSpring jams and spreads from our kitchen section.
Add a small cheeseboard knife for an extra touch.
Pair with a bottle of wine for a gift that feels luxe with zero effort.
Why it’s a winner: It turns a simple appetizer into a wow moment, and makes entertaining feel effortless. Check out our favourite recipe here.
3. Cookbooks: The Gift of Inspiration
A well-chosen cookbook is personal, thoughtful, and something your hostess will reach for long after the holidays. Whether she loves bold flavours, easy weeknight meals, or show-stopping desserts, there’s a title for every kind of home cook.
Elevate the gift even more and add in one of our popular cookbook stands.
Pro tips: Open the book and add a handwritten note on your favourite recipe page or tuck in a pretty bookmark. It’s a meaningful detail they’ll remember. If time permits, bring your favourite dish or treat with the cookbook (i.e. showstopper cookies are always a welcome addition!)
4. Holiday Candles: Festive Ambiance in a Jar
A holiday candle is always a safe (and beloved!) option. It sets the tone, fills the home with cozy seasonal fragrance, and feels indulgent without being over the top.
Gifting ideas:
Pair with a set of matches or a candle wick trimmer.
Bundle with a mug and hot chocolate for a “cozy night in” theme.
Pair with a 10” wreath and wood stand and gift a full candle “situation”.
Choose a scent that fits your hostess’s vibe, woodsy, sweet, or fresh.
Why people love them: You don’t have to know the recipient’s style perfectly, a holiday candle always fits.
5. Holiday Mugs Filled With Your Winter Favourites
A festive mug is sweet on its own, but filling it with your favourite winter goodies turns it into a mini curated gift. Think hot cocoa packets, gourmet marshmallows, a quintessential heart spoon, tea sachets, chocolate sticks, or even a small ornament.
Why this gift shines:
Budget-friendly but thoughtful.
Fully customizable to your hostess.
Adorable presentation, set it on the counter and watch everyone peek inside.
6. A Charcuterie Board With Entertaining Essentials
Charcuterie boards are the heart of easy hosting. So gifting a beautiful board is like gifting future memories.
Why it’s the ultimate hostess present:
It’s both practical and decorative.
Perfect for the entertainer who loves hosting.
You can tailor the items to fit their style (modern, rustic, minimal). Add one of your favourite cookbooks to elevate this gift.
Pro tip: Pair it with a couple of entertaining essentials, your favourite cheese, cheese knives, mini bowls, cocktail napkins, honey, or crackers.
7. A Sweet Treat from Jacek: Chocolate Gifts That Delight
For a host present idea that hits the sweet spot quite literally, a box or bar from Jacek Chocolate Couture is an irresistible choice. Ethically-sourced and lovingly handcrafted in Alberta, Jacek Chocolates bring a touch of luxury that works whether the host loves classic milk chocolate, rich dark chocolate, or indulgent caramel and praline flavors. Simone & Ivy+2JACEK Chocolate Couture+2
Gift ideas with Jacek:
- A festive box of assorted chocolates, perfect for sharing after dinner or giving as a thoughtful treat.
- A single bar or a small selection paired with a hot cocoa mix or a cozy holiday mug for a “winter cozy night in” vibe.
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Combine chocolates with a holiday candle or a cookbook for a multi-layered hostess gift that feels curated.
Why it works: Chocolate is universally loved and when it’s premium, handcrafted, and beautifully packaged, it becomes a keepsake as much as a treat. A Jacek gift says: you’re welcome, thanks for having me, and here’s a little joy in every bite.
Thoughtful Hostess Gifts Made Simple
A hostess gift doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful, it simply needs a touch of intention.
Whether you’re choosing a cozy holiday candle, a beautifully crafted brie baker, or curating a mug filled with your winter favourites, each gift can be made personal with just a bit of thought.
The best hostess gifts feel like a warm thank-you, a little moment of delight, and a reflection of the care that goes into gathering. And if you’re ever unsure where to start, the Simone & Ivy team is always here to help you curate something thoughtful, memorable, and perfectly suited to your host.
