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25 of the very best hostess gifts that'll guarantee you an invite back

Any host will appreciate these thoughtful items, and they're all $75 or less.

A match cloche, cocktail napkins and a pitcher on a purple background
Personalized or practical, these picks will be used time and time again. (Amazon, Anthropologie)

From birthday parties and holiday dinners to casual weeknight get-togethers, it's a good rule of thumb to bring your host or hostess a little token to say "thank you." But is a hostess gift always necessary? Etiquette expert Myka Meier from Beaumont Etiquette says so.

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"Remember to never arrive empty-handed! It's thoughtful to bring a hostess gift whenever you're invited to someone's home for a party, dinner or overnight stay, as it shows appreciation for their hospitality," Meier tells Yahoo Life.

But does that mean you have to splurge on a pricey present every time you go to a friend's home? Nope! For the appropriate price point, Meier suggests: "Aim for a price point that reflects your gratitude and the occasion. On average, host gifts typically range from $20 to $50, but remember it's the sentiment that truly counts."

Tailor the gift to the occasion. "A box of your favorite macaroons from your local bakery may be a great gift for an invitation to a luncheon; however, if you are staying the weekend at your friend's beach house with your family, a larger host gift would be more appropriate," says Meier.

In coming up with hostess gift ideas, don't be afraid to get creative and go beyond the standard bottle of alcohol or fresh blooms. "My favorite go-to host gift is one of my homemade loaves of bread — either pumpkin or lemon depending on the season. I also love bringing a gift for a pet if someone has one, such as a chew toy or bone with a bow around it," says Meier. Some unexpected advice: Skip the wine because it could "clash with the meal being served" and bring flowers in a vase "so the person does not have to do work to cut the stems and find a vase when they are trying to host guests."

Need more inspiration? Keep scrolling to shop 25 of the best hostess gifts you can give — all for $75 or less. If you want even more options, check out our favorite gift baskets to send and some standout Amazon finds for under $50.

TableTopics has 135 question cards (appropriate for ages 12 and up) that are sure to spark an interesting conversation. Plus, the cards are corralled in a transparent cube sleek enough to leave out.

$23 at Amazon

Festive and memorable, these colorful cocktail napkins feature popular drink garnishes (think: olives and cherries) and would be a welcome addition to any bar cart.

$28 at Anthropologie

At-home chefs will adore this set of four oils and vinegars from Brightland. This bundle includes two cold-press, extra-virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegar and champagne vinegar.

$70 at Brightland

Give the host(ess) something that can be put to use right away. Candles are your best bet — and this one from Voluspa, which has notes of rose, cucumber and jasmine, boasts a 100-hour burn time.

$37 at Amazon

This flameless lighter is rechargeable, so they won't have to replace it when it runs out of juice. Go the extra mile and pair it with a candle (like, say, the Voluspa one above). 

$7 at Amazon

Hot honey is such a fun and unexpected condiment, especially on pizza, fried chicken and other savory bites. This duo really brings the heat — it includes the original and extra-hot versions.

$26 at Amazon

If you want to give flowers, take Meier's advice and gift them in a pretty vase. This sweet, speckled design comes in both small ($34) and large ($44) sizes. 

$34 at Anthropologie

Ideal for picnics, campouts and beach days, this Stanley set comes with a 64-ounce stainless-steel pitcher and two pint glasses. Cheers!

$75 at Amazon

Help your host relax once the guests leave. This gift box includes 48 individually wrapped tea bags in eight flavors, including peppermint and chamomile.

$12 at Amazon

These porcelain dip bowls look ridiculously luxe, but they're just $40 — not to mention they can be thrown into the dishwasher, microwave, oven and freezer without a worry.

$40 at Williams Sonoma

Heading to the home of an ice cream lover? Then they need this gadget from S'well because it keeps ice cream frozen for up to four hours, so they can take their favorite treat on the go. 

$35 at S'well

Who says baked goods have to be homemade? Magnolia Bakery offers nationwide shipping on tons of sweet treats — including this assortment of 24 mini cupcakes.

$40 at Magnolia Bakery

This honey pot and dipper from Le Creuset is, dare we say, sweeter than honey. Pick it up in a golden yellow or creamy white — both would bee a welcome addition on anyone's kitchen counter.

$55 at Nordstrom

This glass match cloche is as pretty as it is functional — it holds up to 120 matches and has a striker on the side. Shop it in five colors.

$38 at Amazon

Your host will feel grateful for you the morning after the gathering when brewing up a pot of Starbucks coffee. Your host will stay caffeinated for the weeks to follow since this pack comes with three 12-oz. bags of medium-roast coffee. 

$27 at Amazon

Do they love a game night? Then introduce them to Phase 10, a fast-paced, Rummy-type card game for ages 7 and up.

$11 at Amazon

Take a note from Meier and don't bring a bottle of wine to a dinner party. Instead, show up with this marble wine chiller so they can keep whatever they're serving at the perfect temperature.

$40 at Amazon

If you're staying with a friend for a long weekend, consider splurging on something special. This sterling silver bracelet is totally timeless — and a steal for $70.

$70 at Pandora

No one would pass up a pack of pretty glasses. These beauties (available in seven hues) are stackable and made from chip-resistant, restaurant-grade glass. 

$55 at Our Place

This is another gift that looks pricey but comes in at less than $40. This keychain has a USB to lightning charging cable, which means that they always have a way to charge their compatible devices (like their iPhone or iPad) or power banks. Customize it with their initials for an additional $12.50.

$39 at Mark & Graham

Everyone could use a fresh tea towel and Rifle Paper Co.'s selection is hard to beat. Gift one by itself or wrap it around a loaf of fresh bread.

$26 at Amazon

If you're staying overnight at a friend's home, leave the friend with a blanket to cuddle up in after you go. This fringed favorite from Nordstrom will bring the cozy to any living room or bedroom. 

$29 at Nordstrom

If you're bringing a side dish to the party, stick it in decorative glass containers that the host can keep. Give them both bowls or use one and hold on to the other for another occasion. 

$50 at Nordstrom

You can't go wrong with a classic hand soap and lotion combo. One Amazon shopper raved that the white-tea-scented duo "is light and not overpowering."

$54 at Amazon

A pretty frame is another foolproof gift. Fill it with a photo beforehand if you want to add an extra personal touch.

$28 at Anthropologie

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

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