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The Fourth of July is right around the corner, which means backyard BBQs, beach house weekends, and all kinds of summer plans are starting to come together. If you’re being hosted—even for something casual—it’s always a thoughtful move to show up with a little something in hand.
Hostess gifts are one of my favorite things to give. Maybe it feels a little old-fashioned, but there’s something really lovely about showing up with a small gesture of thanks. And while bringing a side dish or dessert is always appreciated, I think of that as part of the meal—not the gift.
A hostess gift is something extra. A small way to say thank you. It doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive—just thoughtful.
And honestly, hosting is a lot of work—especially these days, when everyone’s being pulled in a million directions. Taking the time to acknowledge that effort, even in a small way, really does go a long way.
Of course, a bottle of wine works. But at least in our social circle, that’s kind of a given. A bottle of your favorite wine, a case of good beer, something you know the host will enjoy—we’re bringing that anyway.
But if you want to show up with something a little more memorable (or useful), I rounded up a few easy ideas that feel just right for the occasion. These are all things you can order quickly, wrap up easily, and know your host will actually use.
Crab Icon Glasses, Set of 4 – $56
These are just fun. A little coastal, a little cheeky—perfect if you’re heading to someone’s beach house or bringing a bit of the shore to a backyard BBQ. Wrap them in a striped dish towel or pair with a bottle of rosé for an easy, elevated gift.
→ Shop them here
Lobster Embroidered Lumbar Pillow – $39.99
Okay, this is super niche—but so stinking cute. Equal parts playful and patriotic, this indoor/outdoor pillow is made from recycled materials and embroidered with bright red and blue lobsters. It adds the perfect coastal pop to a porch, patio, or sunroom. A fun little gift if you’re spending the weekend at someone’s summer place.
→ Shop it here
Seaside Embroidered Napkins, Set of 4 – $25
Bold blue stripes and bright red embroidered lobsters—these are not subtle, and that’s exactly the point. They’re festive, fun, and perfect for a Fourth of July table or a summer seafood boil. Pair with a bottle of wine or a coastal-scented candle and you’ve got an easy, charming hostess gift.
→ Shop them here
American Flag Hydrangea Cocktail Napkins, Set of 8 – $28
These are Fourth of July perfection. The blue-and-white chinoiserie vase, the hydrangeas, the little flags—it’s festive in the best way. Pair with a bottle of something bubbly or a homemade snack mix in a mason jar, and your host will feel very seen.
→ Shop them here
Silver Wine Chiller – $69
Chic, practical, and the kind of gift most people wouldn’t splurge on for themselves. This silver wine chiller instantly elevates any table or bar cart—and yes, you can still get it engraved. Pair it with your favorite bottle of wine and you’ve got a hostess gift that feels thoughtful and substantial.
→ Shop it here
Stonewall Kitchen Farmhouse Pancake & Waffle Mix – $11.95
An easy, thoughtful gift that says: Thanks for having me, breakfast’s covered. Pair it with a high-end maple syrup or a flavored butter for a simple but elevated next-morning treat.
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Ready-to-Bake Chocolate Croissants – $49.95
Nothing says “you’re a wonderful host” like a warm pastry the next morning. You can either bring something premade from your favorite local bakery or have these flaky, chocolate-filled croissants shipped straight from Williams Sonoma. They arrive frozen—your host just pops them in the oven.
→ Shop them here
Ralph Lauren: A Way of Living – $60
I love giving coffee table books (or cookbooks) as hostess gifts—they feel thoughtful, generous, and a little indulgent. And honestly, what’s more American and stylish than Ralph Lauren? This one is full of gorgeous interiors, timeless design, and all the aspirational Americana you’d expect.
→ Shop it here
Schott Zwiesel Tour Martini Glasses, $16.95 Each
Sometimes the best gifts are the ones they wouldn’t buy for themselves. Last Christmas, my best friend showed up with (in addition to a few other lovely things) a set of spatulas—because I kept using a broken one and never remembered to replace it. It was thoughtful, useful, and kind of hilarious.
So pick up something you know your host would love or low-key needs—like that kitchen gadget you’re always raving about, a spice you swear by, or a set of special stemware they’d never think to buy. These martini glasses are sleek, timeless, and surprisingly affordable.
→ Shop them here
Nest Ocean Mist & Sea Salt 3-Wick Candle – $95
A luxe candle is always a good idea—especially one that makes the whole house smell like summer. This one’s fresh and clean (not overly sweet), with notes of sea salt, white tea, and coconut. It’s a bit of a splurge, which makes it an even better gift—something beautiful they might not treat themselves to.
→ Shop it here
A Gift Card (That Feeds a Crowd)
Showing up with a gift card can absolutely be thoughtful—you just have to package it well.
When my kids are guests at someone’s shore house—especially over a long holiday weekend when I know a ton of people will be in and out—I like to send a few things down with them. A big box of treats from the bakery, some drinks for the adults, and for this upcoming Fourth of July, I’m sending “dinner on us.”
Grab a pack of festive paper plates, or an acrylic napkin holder with a set of napkins in a seasonal print. Then tuck in a gift card to their favorite local pizza place—loaded with enough to feed a crowd—and tie it with a bow.
It’s simple, thoughtful, and one less thing for your host to think about when they’re juggling a full house.
Look for these at HomeGoods, they always have a cute selection – and this is the napkin holder I bought.
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