You’re on your way out to a party and realize that you don’t have anything to bring, so here are 10 last-minute hostess gift ideas that are easy to pick up on your way and are sure to please. It has happened to all of us, but you don’t have to arrive empty handed. Take a look at our list of 10 last-minute hostess gift ideas, and be prepared for the next time.

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10 Last-Minute Hostess Gift Ideas

The custom of bringing a gift when you have been invited to someone’s home is a tradition that is celebrated in many countries around the world, including Canada. So here are some great last-minute hostess gift ideas that will anyone would be pleased to receive. They are thoughtful, useful, and most importantly, easy to purchase when you are strapped for time.

1. African Violets

Yes, flowers are usually the first thing you think of when you are considering a hostess gift, but these flowers won’t die in a few days. They are a beautiful plant that won’t take up too much space and will keep blooming for many years to come and most grocery stores with a plant section will carry a colourful selection. If you want to really make a hit, you can include some tips on how to care for the plant to make it last longer and bloom profusely.

2. Potted Succulent Plant

Just because your hostess doesn’t have a green thumb, doesn’t mean she should be deprived the joy of having a cute potted plant or two. You simply need to give her a very low maintenance plant such as a succulent or cactus, that needs very little attention yet looks great. Click here to find out how easy it is to care for these hardy plants.

3. Coffee

If you know that your hostess is a coffee drinker then you can stop by your local Starbucks, more than likely there is one on your way there, and pick a package of one of their specialty blends. And while you are there, you might just want to pick up one for yourself.

4. Unscented Candles

Candles make a great hostess gift. Make sure that they are unscented as many people are allergic to the scented ones. The long tapered kind of candles are especially nice and are sure to be a welcomed present, especially for someone who likes to throw elegant dinner parties.

5. Specialty Nuts

If you know that your hostess does not have an allergy to nuts, then bringing some tasty cashews, macadamias,  or pistachios will certainly be a great choice. Nuts are easy to find in most grocery stores and they are a tasty and relatively healthy treat as well.  Whether they decide to share them with the rest of the guests or save them for later, your offering will be a hit for sure.

6. Olive Oil

Olive oil – It’s exotic, delicious and in the right bottle can look more appealing than even a fine wine. And what’s even better is you can enjoy it without worrying about driving home later. Most supermarkets these days usually offer a good selection of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, so pick one up and take it to your engagement knowing it will be a very welcome gift.

7. Dried Fruit

With so many people more conscious about their health today, dried fruit makes a delicious treat to satisfy a sweet tooth without the guilt. It is fruit after all, right? And there is something very appealing about savouring a dried date or apricot. If you are still worried about the sugar, click here to learn more about the great health benefits of dried fruit.

8. Chocolate

Okay, so now that we have all of the healthy hostess gifts out of the way, let’s talk about chocolate. Not that chocolate is completely bad for you – there are some health benefits and if you want to read about them, click here. But who thinks about health when they think about chocolate? Sometimes you just have to have some, and there are very few hostesses out there that would refuse to accept such a tempting and indulgent treat.

9. Assortment of Pens

Pens may seem like an unusual hostess gift, but think about it. Aren’t you always losing your pen, or you never can find one when you need it? So bringing an assortment of nice pens as a gift is a pretty unique and practical offering. If you work close to an office supply shop, then it is an extremely easy gift to pick up. If you don’t, your local Wal-Mart is probably on your way there.

10. Pie

A pie? Why not? Everybody loves pie; and if your hostess is on a diet, there is probably someone else in the family who will enjoy it. Even if someone in the household is gluten free, many grocery stores have gluten free options that you can choose from that are really very tasty.

Gifts to Avoid

Here are a few gifts that you probably should avoid bringing.

Fresh Cut Flowers: Your host will have to take the time, which she probably doesn’t have to find a vase, cut the stems, arrange them, etc. She may also feel she needs to display them and they may not match her decor.

Food That Takes Extra Fridge Space: They probably don’t have the space just now.

Wine: They may feel obliged to serve it with dinner and it may not go with what they are serving.

Buy Two and Get One Free

If you love entertaining and you’d like to give your windows a makeover to impress your guests, now is the perfect time to purchase new window treatments. At Graham’s & Son we are offering you an amazing deal on all of our shutters, blinds, and shades. Right now, if you purchase any two shutters, blinds, or shades you will receive a third one absolutely free of charge. Now that’s a great deal! Contact us today for a free in-home consultation. We can even give you a free quote during our first visit!

Sources

35 Totally Classy Last Minute Hostess Gifts
10 Last Minute Gifts for your host from the Grocery Store