12 Creative Host Gifts That Are Not Alcohol

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Gifts to give a host that aren't a bottle of wine. (Photo: jacoblund via Getty Images)
Gifts to give a host that aren't a bottle of wine. (Photo: jacoblund via Getty Images)

Emily Post, and probably your mom, said that it’s impolite to show up to a party empty-handed.

It’s all too easy to reach for your favorite Trader Joe’s vino or local craft brew to bring along with you, but there are a few reasons you should think twice before reaching for a bottle as a host gift.

For starters, it’s problematic for someone who has dealt with substance abuse or addiction issues. (It can make for one awkward exchange for all involved.) And, in the end, you’re more creative than that.

Even if you aren’t, that’s why we’re here. We’ve rounded up some perfect holiday host gifts that don’t include grapes or hops at all.

Check out our favorites below:

Breakfast the next morning

Help ease the mental load of party hosting by taking care of breakfast the next morning. Beyond a trip to your local bagel shop, check out <a href="https://fave.co/2rBb26H" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this pancake mix from Sur La Table</a>, or snag it in <a href="https://fave.co/2LK8ZUN" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">apple cinnamon</a>&nbsp;or <a href="https://fave.co/2LL3qp8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">blueberry lemon</a>.

The most beautiful flowers

Turn your hostess gift into an ooh- and aah-inspiring centerpiece with the most gorgeous bouquets, wreaths and arrangements from <a href="https://fave.co/2E0gPW1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bouqs</a> that will look like you happened to pick and artfully arrange them on your way over.

Make leftovers prettier (and more sustainable)

<a href="https://amzn.to/2PBMDpr" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">These bees wax wraps</a> make even the most picked-over leftovers look appealing. Plus, they&rsquo;re super functional and sustainable. These reusable wraps are great for covering large bowls, dishes, baked goods, cheese, fruits and more.

Pour-over coffee maker

Make your host feel fancy when they&rsquo;re hunting for a caffeine fix. <a href="https://amzn.to/2EanfSG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">This pour-over coffee maker</a> (that&rsquo;s on sale for under $20!) can be paired with your favorite <a href="https://amzn.to/2rAJf6p" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">craft coffee</a>&nbsp;for the perfect hosting pick-me-up.

A fancy way to cook

Chances are that if they love to cook, they love to wow their guests. <a href="https://fave.co/2rsRf9E" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">This Himalayan salt block</a> adds a new twist to fish preparation or food presentation.
Chances are that if they love to cook, they love to wow their guests. This Himalayan salt block adds a new twist to fish preparation or food presentation.

The clean up crew

Undeniably the worst part of hosting is cleaning up after the guests. To add insult to injury, each dish deserves different care and treatment. From soaking roasting pans to scrubbing cast irons, <a href="https://fave.co/35d6FNM" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this specially formulated salt scrub</a> makes the process a little less painful.

Make their planning prettier

Upgrade their meal planning with the prettiest <a href="https://amzn.to/35elTSv" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">weekly meal planner</a> around. Bonus: it includes a perforated grocery list to make shopping a breeze.
Upgrade their meal planning with the prettiest weekly meal planner around. Bonus: it includes a perforated grocery list to make shopping a breeze.

A gift they’ll “loaf”

Put your gift to good use immediately. <a href="https://fave.co/35iIduA" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">This bread warming blanket</a>&nbsp;keeps your favorite loaf warm and fresh for much longer than the traditional napkin. Heat it in the microwave, place your bread in the blanket's pouch, and wrap it all up.

A sweet night cap

Just because they&rsquo;re avoiding alcohol doesn&rsquo;t mean they don&rsquo;t appreciate a night cap. <a href="https://fave.co/36ptiP9" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">This two-in-one gift</a>&nbsp;allows your host a few minutes with a steamy mug of cocoa plus a sweet keepsake to let them know you appreciate them.

A perfect brew

Speaking of great sips, gift them with a <a href="https://fave.co/35d52zG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">lovely little teapot</a>&nbsp;and beautiful <a href="https://amzn.to/2rsSoOu" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">selection of teas</a>, so that when hosting gets them all steamed up, they&rsquo;ll have the perfect mug to tip over and pour out.

Bring the game to the party

A perfect gift to help encourage conversation. Even the most well put together dinner party can have awkward pauses. No more! Thanks to <a href="https://amzn.to/2sdQ5Pl" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Table Topics</a>, your host will be armed with the best solutions to inspire funny, sentimental or deep dialogues.

A coffee table addition

While they&rsquo;re ensconced in meal prep at home, give them the gift of escape with the <a href="https://amzn.to/2Pb2g8h" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">New York Times guide to 36 hours away in U.S. and Canadian cities</a>.

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.