In honor of the season's full social calendar, we've crafted a guide to host gifts that actually feel refreshing to give and receive (AKA goods that won't sit untouched and collecting dust on an already-crowded countertop). Scroll on to shop our savviest selects, from stylish oven mitts they'll actually use to board games that also double as funky decor.
Pro-guest wisdom: swap that bottle of wine you'll inevitably grab on the way to their party for one of the more unexpected options ahead.
Who doesn’t love a party? Okay fine, introverts, we see you. But when the recipes work out, the bespoke cocktails are flowing, and you’re surrounded by your people, even those who think they’d rather be at home with their BFFs Netflix and Seamless can’t help but get lost in the feeling. This doesn’t mean, however, that throwing an event — or, for that matter, attending one — is always easy. With several big-deal holidays around the corner, plus the requisite birthdays, bachelorettes, and baby showers, there’s really only one thing we can do: Keep Calm and Party On.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
W&P Porter Plastic Lunch Bowl
While your host certainly appreciates the home-baked treats you brought with you, they do not want (nor need) your beaten-up containers. Instead, bestow them with a trendy new dish they won't mind reusing once the party's over.
W&P Design Porter Plastic Lunch Bowl in Blush, $, available at Need Supply Co
Areaware Dusen Dusen Puzzle
What's better than a 500-piece abstract puzzle? A 500-piece abstract puzzle designed by Dusen Dusen. You host can use this board game as entertainment for guests that seamlessly blends in as a stylish decor piece.
Areaware Dusen Dusen Pattern Puzzle - Stack, $, available at ban.do
MINNA Grid Oven Mitt
If you're currently hanging on for dear life to an oven mitt that looks like it's survived an apocalypse, you're not the only one. A stylish new potholder is guaranteed to delight any host who actually spends time in their kitchen — and this one from MINNA was lovingly hand-woven by a family-run co-op in Mexico.
Minna Grid Oven Mitt Indigo, $, available at MINNA
Fujifilm QuickSnap Disposable Camera
Surprise your party-thrower with an old-school memory maker that guests can use to log snapshots all evening long.
Fujifilm QuickSnap Disposable Camera (2 Pack), $, available at Amazon
RAFT Hibiscus Lavender Cocktail Syrup
A bottle of wine may be off the gift table, but a bottle of craft-cocktail syrup is not. This blend of sweet-tart hibiscus and lavender is ideal for drinkers and non-drinkers alike — with mixability in everything from cocktails to mocktails and even homemade sodas.
RAFT Hibiscus Lavender Cocktail Syrup, $, available at Mouth
Parachute Quilted Slippers
Give them something to treat their feet to after sashaying to and from the kitchen all evening — this plush set from Parachute is crafted from quilted terry with a cushioned rubber sole.
Parachute Quilted Slippers, $, available at Parachute
Urban Outfitters Cat Cheese Board
If there's such a thing as having too many cheese boards, we'd happily accept such a fate. Even if your host counts themselves among the cheese-board surplus, they certainly don't have one shaped like a cute cat.
Urban Outfitters Cat Cheese Board, $, available at Urban Outfitters
The Sill Haworthia Zebra
Not all hosts have green thumbs, but gifting a tiny snake plant is the most low-maintenance way to introduce a little lively greenery into their space (aside from a faux succulent...)
The Sill Haworthia Zebra, $, available at The Sill
Anthropologie Jolene Napkin Set
Real cotton napkins are a simple but elegant party essential that any gracious host will treasure as a part of their tableware collection.
Anthropologie Jolene Napkins, Set of 4, $, available at Anthropologie
L'Occitane Shea-Butter Hand Soap
You may as well help refresh the hand-soap stock you'll be sapping during your bathroom trips throughout the evening.
L'Occitane Shea Butter Liquid Hand Soap, $, available at Amazon
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