Hosting Thanksgiving is no easy feat. You have to decorate, cook the food, make sure everyone’s in some way happy — there’s a lot going on. Let’s face it, it’s tiring and takes a lot of effort. For guests, it’s the opposite. For some, all they have to do is bring a side dish or dessert. The host deserves it all, and what better way to show your appreciation than with a gift? Here’s a list of quick gift ideas to give to your Thanksgiving host.
Candles
There’s something about candles that just give off the most calming vibes, not to mention lighting a candle just makes you feel like you have your left together. Your host would love this gem. You have a couple of ways to go about buying a candle but here are four options:
1. A candle of their favorite scent.
2. A candle with a soothing scent like eucalyptus or lavender.
3. A wintery scented candle to get the holly jolly spirit going.
4. A food-scented candle like the Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin from Bath & Body Works and Gingersnap Pumpkin from TJMaxx.
5. A “Thanks” candle from Homesick that gets the message across pretty clearly.
To-Go Boxes
This is a cute idea if you want to take some pressure off of your host’s hands. Provide some cute to-go boxes that those attending can put their leftovers in. Like these to-go boxes from HomeGoods in this TikTok by @kerralynnlooks, opt for festive ones with little pumpkins, leaves, or turkeys.
Slippers
Being on their feet all day will definitely take a toll on your host. Coming in with some cute and comfy slippers would definitely put a smile on their face. These fuzzy slippers from Amazon are comfy and a great price. Plus there’s a good chance they’ll change into slippers right away once dinner is over.
Kitchen Towels
Getting your host some kitchen items is also a cute idea. Towels are almost always a necessity in the kitchen and you can go for either towels that match their aesthetic or festive ones for the upcoming season like these from Costco. It’s a cute and thoughtful gift.
Flowers
A quick and easy gift idea. A nice bouquet never hurt anybody! At certain Trader Joe’s stores, customers can be treated to fresh flowers for special occasions. You can even get a cute vase to go along with the flowers.
Coffee or Tea
Sometimes sitting with a good cup of coffee, or tea, just boosts serotonin levels. To personalize this gift, you can get your host’s favorite coffee or tea. But don’t stop there, instead of putting this in a gift bag, make a gift basket. For starters, our basket will be a mug (I strongly suggest going to TJMaxx, they have the best mugs), something wide enough to fit the coffee and/or tea bags. Place the bags in the mug, and add a couple of chocolate kisses or anything that matches the aesthetic of the mug like in this TikTok by @reginarichard.
Kitchen Apron
Nobody likes getting dirty when cooking so, a cute apron is absolutely necessary! This apron from Hedley and Bennett is a durable design that comes in five colors and five designs. Invest in an apron that you know your host will use over and over again.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a must in every kitchen — whether it’s for cooking or just eating, it’s used every day in just about any way. Opt for Graza’s “Drizzle” & “Sizzle” olive oil set. The “drizzle” is an extra virgin finishing oil made from olives that were picked early, which allows for a bold flavor and high antioxidants. This one is only for eating. The “sizzle” is an extra virgin cooking oil made from mature, mid-season olives that have a more mellow flavor.
A Fun Advent Calendar
There are so many fun foodie-centric advent calendars that are a great way to help your host kick off the holiday season. From the cheese-lover to the wannabe sommelier to the coffee lover to the amateur mixologist, there are plenty of options to fit their interests.
A Trendy Cookbook
Lean into a quintessential appetizer and give your cheese-loving host the Art of the Cheese Board for all of their charcuterie needs, or bring the baking host What’s For Dessert? (an Amazon Editor’s Pick) by Bon Appetit’s Claire Saffitz. We also love Justine Cooks by TikTok’s Justine Doiron, Let’s Eat by Dan Pelosi, and (fine, it’s not really a cookbook) Barefoot Contessa’s Ina Garten’s new memoir.
Wine Accessories
So maybe it’s not a bottle of wine, but there are plenty of wine-adjacent accessories that are an excellent addition to the bar cart. Wine stoppers are a great option (especially for large gatherings with lots of wine), or you can splurge on a decanter or aerator to ensure that every bottle opened at the Thanksgiving table is top-notch.
Serving Spoons
According to my mom, your host can never have enough serving spoons. Plus, there’s plenty of different styles and sets to fit your host’s home and cooking aesthetic. We love this funky wooden pair from Anthropologie, this classic and sleek single from Crate & Barrel, or a matching 6-piece caterer’s set from Pottery Barn.
Breakfast for the Day After
Founded in 1972 on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, H&H Bagels has become synonymous with the quintessential New York City bagel, earning the brand appearances on shows such as Sex and the City and Seinfeld. Give the gift of a true New York City bagel with the brand’s Bagels + Cream Cheese + Nova Scotia Salmon packages with bagel count options: Half Dozen ($87), One Dozen ($144) and Two Dozen ($244).
#SpoonTip: Want to get breakfast for your gluten-free host? Gift them a custom box of Wildgrain’s ready-to-bake GF breads and baked goods. Plus, you can get $40 off with the code CARBSGIVING!
Cake Stand
You need somewhere to put all the pie! Check out this gorgeous colored glass stand from Williams Sonoma, an open-top marble and brass stand from West Elm, or stick to the classic glass topper with this Magnolia Home cake stand from Target.
A Helping Hand
Do they need you to pick up bagged ice? Bring some non-alcoholic beverages? Help out with a unique side dish, or making an extra dessert or two? Sometimes, the best gift to a host is a asking what you can do for them and offering to take one task or chore off their very long hosting to-do list.
#SpoonTip: If you want to bring dessert but don’t want to make it, this You Are Amazing thank you basket from Tate’s Bakeshop kills two birds with one stone (or, cookie box).