11 ideas for a host's gift and none are chocolate or wine
From a bottle opener they'll love to a conversation-starting pillow, these are thank yous to be remembered.
You wouldn't be the first person to make a list, check it twice, and completely forget about gifts to bring to your lovely hosts! While you could pick up a nice box of chocolates or a bottle of wine, isn't everyone else at the party going to be doing that? Even if you're shopping last minute, you can still bring a thoughtful gift that shows your thanks and will be remembered above the rest. Here's a roundup of ideas we think will make an impression.
Forget boring teapots, this iridescent kettle has a reactive glaze over its dark grey stoneware build, which is even cool to write. It can hold up to 20oz's of water and is a great statement piece for the kitchen.
Oil slick reactive luster teapot, $22.95, cb2.com
This premium product is a fine wedding between bourbon and maple syrup. For the truly Canadian host who loves to drink, cook, or just smell greatness, hand over this bottle and sweeten up their life a little bit more—it's the holidays after all.
Bourbon Infused Maple Syrup, $29, drakegeneralstore.ca
Check out these new coasters from designer Monique Lhuillier, which come in a set of 4. The cocktail coasters are made from Belgian flax linen and the rose gold stitch detail elevates the natural fibers of the fabric with extra dazzle. Think of them like a fancy dress for drinks to settle on.
Monique Lhuiller Confetti Heart Cocktail Coasters, $46, potterybarn.ca
Practical and sleek, the bamboo tray has a wood-grain finish and comes with four stainless steel utensils to help slice and prepare the perfect cheese and cracker plate. The hidden drawer keeps things compact, but ready when you need them.
Begonia 5 Piece Cheese Tray Set, $48.99, wayfair.com
Kikkerland has built a reputation around selling creative, out-of-the-box knick-knacks that don't cost a ton. This year, we're all about this funky corkscrew and bottle opener, which is well-crafted and heavier than you may think, so you're not getting a cheap piece of metal that will break when on a tougher cork.
Narwhal Corkscrew, $25, kikkerland.com
This limited-edition travel pack of three Chanel Chance fragrances is a great way to win some points with your host. Complete with soft floral, citrus or jasmine notes, each of the 0.7 oz twist sprays adds hints of sultry sweetness to the body.
Chanel Chance Twist & Spray Trio, $148.44, nordstrom.com
Would You Rather..? is the perfect icebreaker game. Focused around 1000 dilemmas (classic and fill-in-the-blank dilemmas), players have to figure out what each other would rather do in a certain situation, and some of the scenarios are not PG at all. You best believe this filthy edition has some questions that will challenge partiers, and soon you'll all know each other in ways you never thought possible.
Would You Rather..? Board Game, $19.95, chapters.indigo.ca
These cheeky stoneware plates come from fashion stylists and designers, Merrit Elliot and Emily Current. Great for small items like cookies, buns, desserts and more, the set of 2 are safe for dishwasher and microwave use too.
Emily & Meritt Naughty & Nice Plates, $26.00, potterybarn.ca
This 2017 pillow designed by Emmy-winning visual artist and self-proclaimed "weirdo designer" Brian A. Bernhard, is a great conversation starter. If you're going to a party and want to stand out this may be your ticket to success. The cover is machine washable too.
The Angry Orange Goiter Monster Pillow, $50, embracetheweird.design
The LED light uses mercury-free batteries (which are included) and the light is made from porcelain. It's got a soft glow that's perfect for late-night dining or cozying up in bed, just the same.
Cactus LED Light, $10, kikkerland.com
This sparkly shaker is a great addition to the kitchen-meets-bar collection, and will help any host shake up a martini in style.