Southern Living Editors' Favorite Finds: Host Gifts

When it comes to attending any type of gathering, from summer dinner parties to back-to-school get togethers, our editors know how important it is to properly thank the host with a thoughtful gift. If you’re not sure exactly what to gift the host of any upcoming parties you’re attending, we’re here to help by sharing our editors' favorite finds.

Many of these gifts are products our editors have received themselves and loved so much that they recommend them. Others are tried-and-true gifts they always rely on. And best of all, these thoughtful host gifts start at just $8. And are way more thoughtful than another bottle of wine.

2-in-1 Lemon & Lime Metal Squeezer

“I was recently gifted this 2-in-1 lemon/lime juicer and it's going to be my go-to host gift from here on out. It makes shaking up homemade margaritas or lemonade a breeze, plus it adds a cute pop of color to the bar cart, so you can leave it out when entertaining. It's also super handy for any recipes that call for lemon or lime juice. I've stopped buying the bottled stuff because it makes things so easy!”

–Betsy Cribb Watson, Senior Homes & Features Editor

Personalized Gift Tags

"Personalized gift tags have become one of my go-to gifts because I know they will go to use and not just gather dust in someone's home. I usually order them in a color like green that can be used year-round (including the holidays!)."

–Mary Shannon Hodes, Digital Editor

Capri Blue Volcano Multi-Surface Cleaner

"The Volcano Multi-Surface Cleaner from Mississippi-based Capri Blue truly makes cleaning an enjoyable experience, so I love gifting it so others can see just how luxurious it is. For a host that will more than likely have a little bit of cleanup to do after the gathering, it makes a useful gift."

–Jenna Sims, Senior Digital Editor

Tea Forte Tea Over Ice Pitcher Set

"We all love a good, cold glass of iced tea to get us through these hot summer months. I think this Tea Forte Tea Over Ice pitcher set is a beautiful upgrade on the old standard and makes a great gift."

-Rebecca Angel Baer, Senior Digital Editor

“Please leave” Cocktail Napkins

"I love to gift a witty or themed set of cocktail napkins. You can scale it up with something linen, embroidered, and on point for your host's personality, or you can go casual and fun with a patterned paper set or two. You can really never have enough napkins."

–Katie Strasberg Rousso, Associate Editorial Director

Spicewalla 3 Pack Kitchen Essentials Collection

"Spicewalla, based in Asheville, North Carolina, creates lovely spice gift sets that any host will appreciate. They offer several different collections (like a 3-set of different taco seasonings), and the spices come in colorful tins so beautiful, they don't even require wrapping!"

–Alana Al-hatlani, Associate Food Editor

Customized Silicone Ice Cube Mold

"Someone once gifted me monogrammed ice cube molds, and since then I love to gift them to others too. It's something fun that can be used at their next gathering!"

–Kaitlyn Yarborough Sadik, Digital Editor

Coleman Color Changing LED Citronella Scented Candle

“For backyard get-togethers, I'll be gifting these color-changing citronella candles. I'm tying on little round tags that say "bug off!" with red ribbon. It's a cute way to dress up an $8 Amazon find—and it's a fun change-up from the usual bottle of wine.”

–Betsy Cribb Watson, Senior Homes & Features Editor