With the holiday season fast approaching, it feels like there’s always another gathering to attend. And as much as I love the festive fun, I’ve found myself struggling to come up with the perfect gift to bring to each event. With so many parties on the calendar, I’ve been on the hunt for holiday DIY host gifts that are both budget-friendly and sure to be a hit. After plenty of searching, I think I’ve found some winners! Keep reading for my top picks for hostess gifts that are sure to impress this holiday season!
carving board | glass jars | brown ribbon | blue ribbon | ornaments | twine | gift tag | similar greenery
the perfect hostess gift
christmas tree board | cheese utensils | holiday towel | ornaments |
similar greenery | star ornament
When it comes to holiday hostess gifts, striking the perfect balance is key. You want something that is holiday-themed and thoughtful, but also practical enough that your host will actually use it. The trick is to choose gifts that incorporate a holiday touch—think seasonal patterns, shapes, and accents—while still being functional. Whether it’s a chic serving dish or a holiday towel, the goal is to give something that blends holiday cheer with everyday utility. That way, your gift won’t only be admired—it’ll be enjoyed long after the season ends.
a holiday touch
holiday towel | twine | ornaments | star ornament | similar greenery
A simple yet beautiful way to elevate any gift is by adding a bow! For this one, I chose a holiday-themed tea towel to bring a touch of seasonal spirit to the package, while also making it functional. I know bows can be tricky to get just right, but here’s a foolproof method anyone can follow. Start by folding your tea towel(you can also use a ribbon) to your desired width. Lay it flat and fold the ends inward to overlap, as shown in the image above. Then, take a cute piece of string or thread and tie it tightly in the center to secure the bow. And just like that, you have a beautiful, polished touch to complete your gift!
christmas charcuterie essentials
christmas tree board | cheese utensils | neutral bag | holiday towel | twine | similar greenery | ornaments | star ornament
I came across this beautiful Christmas tree-shaped charcuterie board and instantly knew this gift would revolve around it. To complement the board, I added these cheese board utensils as a thoughtful accessory. I placed them in a simple, neutral-colored bag and attached both the bag and the bow to the tree, giving the whole setup a effortless, holiday feel.
an easy holiday present
marble tray | holiday towel | soap dispensers | similar greenery | ornaments | gift tags
When choosing a hostess gift, I like to start with one standout piece that can serve as the foundation for the rest of the gift. For this one, I selected a neutral marble tray as the base. I then paired it with a Christmas dish towel and a set of minimalist soap dispensers. While these individual items might not seem extravagant on their own, together they create a thoughtful and practical gift that’s both cute and useful for any host!
tying the look together
marble tray | holiday towel | soap dispensers | scrubbing brush | twine | similar greenery | ornaments | gift tags
To add a little flair to this DIY host gift, I included a simple scrubbing brush and finished it off with a simple twine bow. These extra touches gave the gift a more polished, visually pleasing look—without breaking the bank! What I love most about this gift is that it’s something everyone can use (because, let’s face it, we all have to tackle the dishes!).
marble tray | holiday towel | soap dispensers | scrubbing brush | twine | similar greenery | ornaments | gift tags
This DIY gift idea is wonderfully easy to recreate, making it the perfect solution for those last-minute gifting moments. If you’re pressed for time and need something meaningful yet effortless, this option is ideal! The beauty of it is that all the items are easy to find, and the assembly can be done quickly, even in a hurry. It’s the perfect choice for anyone seeking both convenience and a personal touch, without compromising on style.
a frosty board
snowman board | similar greenery | vintage bells
One of my absolute favorite finds on this search is this snowman marble slab. It adds some uniqueness to any holiday gift. Whether used to serve appetizers, desserts, or as a decorative piece, this gift combines both practicality and holiday cheer. This is such a thoughtful way to spread Christmas joy while offering something your host will use for years to come.
add a tasty element
snowman board | bread bag | similar greenery | vintage bells
Adding something edible to your DIY host gift is always an amazing idea! To pair with my marble snowman tray, a warm loaf of bread seemed like the perfect choice. The similar shapes of the tray and the loaf complemented each other beautifully. I wrapped the bread in a minimalist bread bag that fit this aesthetic perfectly. A quick note—be mindful of any dietary restrictions, as some guests may not be able to enjoy this treat. Still, it’s a thoughtful and heartwarming addition that’s sure to bring a smile to any host!
bringing it all together
snowman board | bread bag | olive oil | brown ribbon | vintage bells | main bell | similar greenery
Now, it’s time to add a few special accessories to complete the gift! I chose brown ribbon to tie everything together, enhancing the rustic, organic feel of the presentation. To complement the loaf of bread, I added a vintage brass bell and a bottle of premium olive oil—perfect for drizzling over the bread or using in a cozy holiday meal. The result was a gift that’s not only visually stunning but also FULL of flavor, offering both beauty and taste in one thoughtful package. It’s a practical yet sophisticated gift that’s sure to impress any host!
snowman board | bread bag | olive oil | brown ribbon | vintage bells | main bell | similar greenery
A snowman-shaped bread board, paired with a fresh loaf of bread, makes for a delightful and unique holiday hostess gift. The whimsical bread board adds a playful touch to any kitchen, while the loaf of bread offers a comforting treat. To completing the gift with a small bottle of olive oil, creates a perfect pair for the loaf. This thoughtful combination is both practical and stylish, offering the host a gift they can enjoy immediately and for many gatherings to come.
for if they love to bake
cookbook | vintage bells | similar greenery
100 Cookies is one of my go-to gifts for the holidays, especially for anyone who loves to bake or enjoys a sweet treat now and then. This cookbook is filled with a delicious mix of classic cookie recipes and fun, creative twists that are perfect for holiday gatherings. I love how it offers something for bakers of all levels—whether your host is a seasoned pro or loves baking during the season. It’s a thoughtful and practical gift that will bring plenty of joy (and delicious cookies) long after the holidays are over.
something every recipe will need
cookbook | wooden spoons | measuring spoons | brown ribbon | vintage bells | similar greenery
I wanted to add a few essentials to go along with the cookbook, that the recipient is sure to use! After all, when it comes to baking, two things come up in nearly every recipe: measuring and stirring. To complement the 100 Cookies cookbook, I included a set of measuring spoons and a pair of heart-shaped wooden spoons. These accessories are sure to make every baking session feel a little more special. With these tools, your host will be all set to create delicious treats!
the final touch
cookbook | wooden spoons | measuring spoons | brown ribbon | similar greenery | vintage bells
I think what I love most about this gift ideas is that it’s also something that will be appreciated and used throughout the year. Whether your friend is baking cookies for a gathering or enjoying a quiet afternoon in the kitchen, this gift is bound to be a cherished addition to their routine. It’s the perfect blend of holiday spirit and lasting practicality, making it a gift that keeps on giving long after the season ends.
holiday treats
carving board | similar greenery | ornaments
Holiday treats are one of my favorite go-to hostess gifts, and for good reason. There’s something so special about giving a batch of homemade cookies, Christmas bark, or a festive and fresh loaf of bread—it’s a simple way to share a little bit of holiday joy. What I love most is that these treats show your host how much you care and give them something to enjoy with guests or savor later. It’s such a sweet, personal way to express gratitude, and it always feels like a little piece of holiday cheer wrapped up in a gift.
handmade with love
carving board | similar greenery | ornaments
Homemade cookies are the perfect bonus to this gift idea. Whether you stick with the classic chocolate chip cookies or embrace the spirit of the season with gingerbread men, homemade treats never fail to impress. There’s something special about the warmth and love that goes into baking, and adding these sweet creations to your gift not only makes it more personal but also shows the thought and effort you’ve put into it. These delicious, homemade goodies bring an extra layer of joy, making your gift feel even more heartfelt and truly one-of-a-kind.
glass jars | brown ribbon | blue ribbon | ornaments | twine | gift tag | similar greenery
If you’re looking fun a cute and practical way to package your edible gifts, these glass jars are the perfect touch. Whether you fill them with treats or leave them empty for your host to use, they make a lovely add on to your sweet treats. Their transparent design allows them to effortlessly blend with any kitchen décor, while also offering storage space. These jars can hold everything from pantry essentials to small kitchen gadgets, making them a gift that is sure to be used!
carving board | ornaments | similar greenery
A homemade loaf of bread is a wonderful DIY host gift that combines care and simplicity. Gifting a holiday loaf will be remembered, as the loaf will fill the entire house with such delicious aromas. Whether your host enjoys it on its own or serves it at a gathering, it’s a gift that brings comfort and joy. The best part is that it’s easy to prepare ahead of time and adds a personal touch to your gesture. This simple, heartfelt gift is sure to add a touch of warmth to any holiday celebration.
carving board | holiday towel | twine | similar greenery | ornaments
A beautiful way to package your homemade loaf of bread for the holiday season is by wrapping it in parchment paper for a rustic, cozy feel. Next, place it in a cheerful holiday towel to add a touch of spirit, and tie it all together with twine for an elegant finish. To make it even more special, add a few sprigs of holiday greenery like rosemary or pine to bring a fresh, seasonal touch. This lovely presentation not only makes your gift look stunning but also enhances the cozy and inviting feel of the homemade treat inside.
must-try recipe
shop more holiday host gift ideas
snowman cup | cutting board | chai box gift | match holder | cheese knives | round cocotte | coasters | dip bowl | pain au chocolat kit | champagne bears | cork screw | wine cooler | market tote | candle | olive oil set
christmas stickers | craft twine | pine cones | gift tags | plaid gift box | fringe ribbon | marker | christmas gift box | gift wrap cutter | christmas tree gift tags | green ribbon | gift labels | natural twine & labels | gingerbread gift box | ink pad | wooden stamps | pine branches | tape runner | scissors | vintage santa gift wrap | old time christmas gift wrap | red & white gift wrap
I hope these DIY gifts have you feeling inspired and motivated to be creative this holiday season! Remember, it is never the cost of a gift that matters, it’s the thought that counts.
