Rather than the typical bottle of wine or carton of eggnog hostess gift (which is likely to be in full supply at many holiday gatherings this season anyway), take it up a notch with a more creative thank-you gift for your gracious host instead. But finding a creative holiday gift that doesn’t break the bank can be a challenge. So, because ‘tis the season, we’ve rounded up some exciting hostess gifts that are all less than $50.
This holiday season, say thanks to the friends and family who make you feel at home with a thoughtful gift—without going totally broke! And, as a Splender member you’ll receive cash back on every purchase.
So, ditch the bottle of wine and get your host or hostess one of these unique and budget-friendly gifts at the next holiday party!
Update everyone’s favorite wintertime drink with gourmet marshmallows.
Marshmallow Snowman Beverage Topper (Sur La Table, $7.96)
Help your hosts turn their average cup of cocoa into an unforgettable treat to share with family and friends of all ages. These decadent marshmallows are sure to be a hit. It’s a sweet gift to top off everyone’s favorite winter warmup with a festive touch. Really, has there ever been a cuter box of marshmallows? No, no there has not.
These snowflake marshmallows are also equally charming and delectable. You even might consider pairing your handcrafted marshmallows with some gourmet hot chocolate like this Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate for a truly delightful gift set! All of these gifts are available at Sur La Table with 6% cash back.
You can never go wrong with chocolate.
Peppermint Bark Tin (Macys.com , $11.99)
Peppermint bark is a fun holiday take on the classic gift of chocolate and a wonderful old-fashioned treat to share with friends. The packaging on this peppermint bark tin from Macys.com (4% cash back) itself makes it a festive addition to any holiday party! It also makes a fun and easy DIY!
In the spirit of one of our favorite holiday flavors, consider pairing your peppermint bark with this Smirnoff Peppermint Twist found in Walmart.com (2% cash back) stores. Your host can take hot chocolate to the next level with an adult twist on the classic holiday beverage. A recipe of hot chocolate, whipped cream or marshmallows (see above—wink, wink), and you’ve got a recipe for banishing even the harshest winter chills.
DIY holiday candles.
Photo via: A Little Baker
Spread holiday cheer with a sweet and simple handmade gift like DIY candles. Making your own winter-licious scented candles is easier than you’d think. Even for the DIY challenged, candle making isn’t intimidating at all.
Embrace the enticingly warm scents of the holidays such as cinnamon, gingerbread, pine trees and mulling spices while making your holiday candles. For this DIY hostess gift you’ll need a mason jar, soy candle wax, a candle wick and a fragrance oil of your choice—we love this Cinnamon Swirl fragrance from Michael Stores (2% cash back), where you can also find all of your candle making necessities.
Once your scented wax has cooled, add ribbon, cinnamon sticks, burlap or anything else around your mason jar to make it festive. The warm and cozy aroma of your candle is sure to help your host brave the winter chill this season. Get the full tutorial here!
Serveware to complement any look.
Oh Joy! Pink Lucite Serveware Set (Target.com, $16.99)
A well-designed serving set doesn’t have to cost a fortune, but it makes a great hostess gift. Consider rose gold, the freshest and most versatile of metal finishes, which has a subtle glow that works with almost any décor style—from rustic to contemporary—and it plays well with other metallics, too. This gorgeous set pairs rose gold with soft pink lucite handles. And why not pair your gift with this matching Oh Joy! Pink Ombre and Rose Gold Barware Set also from Target.com (2% cash back)!
DIY chalkboard serving tray.
Photo via: Shanty-2-Chic
This easy-to-make chalkboard serving tray DIY is the perfect gift for a friend who is always entertaining. For this DIY gift you’ll need: chalkboard spray paint, a wood board of the desired length, Minwax Jacobea Wood Finish Interior Wood Stain available at Walmart.com (2% cash back), painter’s tape, two sturdy handles and Rust-Oleum Chalkboard Spray from Homedepot.com (3% cash back). Find the full tutorial here!
Pair your creation with one or two of these Gorge Cheese Knives from Crate & Barrel (2% cash back) for any cheese lovers you know!
For the wine enthusiast (or for someone who wants to be).
Riviera Wine Carafe (Crate & Barrel, $29.95)
Even if they’re not a wine connoisseur, serving their wine in an elegant decanter like this one from Crate & Barrel (2% cash back) will make it appear as if they are. This unique carafe has a beautiful presence when filled or simply on display.
They’ve welcomed your holiday-weary self into their lovely homes, so why not be boldly gracious with these unexpected tokens of appreciation. These hostess gift ideas are perfect for any occasion and we bet you’ll be receiving next season’s invite within weeks!
And P.S. We’re big believers in gifting yourself too.
Not a Splender member yet? Sign up today and receive cash back at hundreds of your favorite retailers!
The post Budget-Friendly Host & Hostess Gift Ideas for the Holiday Season appeared first on Splender Blog.
