Thoughtful and Practical Gifts with Wayfair

Thank you Wayfair for sponsoring this post.

It’s no secret—I absolutely love the holidays! It’s a busy, joy-filled season that I look forward to all year. As a working mom, I know how challenging it can be to keep the magic alive with a hectic schedule, but I never tire of hosting friends and family or hunting down the perfect gifts. There’s just something about this season that keeps my spirit refreshed, no matter how full the calendar gets.

This year, I’m thrilled to partner with Wayfair to share some festive must-haves that make fabulous gifts for any host—or even for your own holiday hosting needs.

These are exactly the kinds of thoughtful, stylish pieces I love to give, and they’re perfect for creating a warm and welcoming home.

And as someone who regularly hosts during the season, I know how much these touches matter!

Shop Wayfair’s Black Friday preview for up to 70% off and fast shipping—there’s no better time to find something special!

Thoughtful and Practical Gifts

The gifts I love to give (and receive!) are those little luxuries that feel like treats—not necessarily something you’d buy for yourself, but something you’d immediately want once you see it in action. Here are a few of my favorite picks that any host would be thrilled to receive.

Seasonal Scent

There’s nothing like filling the home with holiday scents to create an instant cozy, festive atmosphere.

About 30 minutes before guests arrive, I light a few candles to set the mood with a subtle holiday fragrance. When I ordered the ILLUME Noble Holiday Balsam & Cedar Large Crackle Glass Candle, I assumed it was a standard size (I may have skipped reading the description), so imagine my surprise when I unwrapped an oversized, two-pound beauty! The scent is incredible—like stepping into a fresh forest of Christmas trees, woodsy, crisp, and so inviting.

I kept this one for myself but quickly ordered two more for friends so they can enjoy this lovely scent all season long.

A Little Extra for the Wine Lover

I love bringing a bottle of wine or champagne as a host gift, but around the holidays, it’s nice to add a little something extra. This year, I picked up the Sommelier Wine Chiller by ZWILLING J.A. Henckels, paired it with a bottle of bubbly, wrapped it in cellophane with a ribbon, and it became an instant hit.

If you’re hosting, having a few wine chillers on a self-serve bar is incredibly useful, freeing up space while keeping drinks chilled and ready.

The Go-To Gadget Gift

The Cuisinart Cordless Wine Opener with Vacuum Sealer 5-Piece Set is hands-down one of the best bar tools I own. It makes opening wine bottles a breeze, and the vacuum sealer keeps any leftover wine fresh for the next gathering.

I keep mine on our bar when we host, so guests can easily open what they like, and at the end of the night, I can quickly seal what’s left. This is a fabulous, affordable host gift, and it’s something your host will appreciate and use immediately.

Holiday Napkins

For a universally perfect gift under $25, consider a set of holiday napkins. I found these Josephs Christmas 18″ Cotton Napkin a set of six in festive red and green plaid that works beautifully with any holiday table, from classic white plates to Christmas Spode. Tied with a ribbon, they’re ready to give as is, or you can pair them with a gift certificate to the host’s favorite restaurant.

I also came across these Shorey Cotton Embroidered Square Napkins—$23.99 for a set of six—that remind me of champagne bubbles, so I paired them with the Libbey Signature Kentfield Coupe Cocktail Glasses (set of four for $44.99).

There’s just something about a coupe glass that makes any drink feel extra special, and I love seeing the joy on my friends’ faces when I bring them out.

Use Now and Later

Consider a gift that’s both beautiful and practical, like the Mercer41 Benford Porcelain Divided Serving Dish for $38.36.

Here I filled the dishes with nostalgic holiday chocolates, added a decorative bow, and you’ve got a thoughtful, ready-to-use piece.

Your host can put it to use right away and keep it for future gatherings—a perfect staple for anyone who loves to entertain.

Be sure to check out Wayfair’s Black Friday preview for up to 70% off and fast shipping—there’s no better time to find something special for everyone on your list.