“Just bring yourself,” says the host. But, when showing up empty-handed just doesn’t seem quite right, rest assured that there are always ways to show your gratitude.
Yes, there are those magnanimous enough to spend days cooking turkeys, side dishes, pies and doing the wine math who expect absolutely nothing in return. That’s not to say, however, that your host wouldn’t appreciate a small token of your appreciation. A few bottles of good wine are always a welcome addition to a Thanksgiving meal, of course. Yet, surprise them with a thoughtful host gift and you’re sure to be remembered as an excellent guest (and just might win yourself a repeat invitation!). Just tailor your present to your host’s taste; it’s worth texting their spouse, child, or sister to discover in advance that you’re about to send a cheese basket to a vegan. Happy Thanksgiving! Here are 10 of our favorites.
1. (Advance) Flowers
Whether you are a dried flower aficionado or love fresh blooms, our flower arrangements have been a hit among our readers. (Pro tip: Send them to arrive the day prior to T Day, and your host will love you for not making them run to the store for the centerpiece they forgot!) We’d advise against having these arrive on the big day itself, which can create one more thing for your gracious host to do.
2. Monogrammed Soap and Towel Gift Set
There’s something about getting someone something monogrammed that says that you’ve been thinking about them for weeks, if not months. This soap and towel gift set will please the host with four guest bathrooms as much as the one with one simple bathroom. It adds elegance to anyplace it arrives.
3. Old Fashioned Cocktail Kit
Add a little note to this gift that says “Just for you, later; don’t break these out now!” Your host will be grateful to not have to set up a mixing and shaking station if he or she doesn’t already have one out. It’s Woodford Reserve’s own Old Fashioned cocktail mixer, which you can wrap up with high-end cherries and as much bourbon as you can afford.
4. European Cheese Collection
Send this lovely European Cheese Collection in advance of T Day and know it’s a win-win. You’ll either give your host one less thing to worry about as guests arrive OR offer them a delicious solution to an easy meal the next day. Shop our vast collection of prepared cheese and charcuterie boards HERE.
5. Olivewood Round Cheese Board
To really up the ante on the gift above, throw in an olivewood round cheese board. Its modern minimalist design highlights its bold grain and unique color. Crafted in Italy of sustainably sourced hardwood, it’s just stunning, and can be used for charcuterie, too. Also, you can monogram it!
6. Porcelain Home Diffuser
Think about not having to think about your home smelling fantastic for six months. That’s what this citrus-and-sage diffuser can do. It’s lovely to look at, too, with its porcelain flowers; a far cry from supermarket room fresheners. (That’s true of all our diffusers!)
7. Pheasant Salt and Pepper Shakers
We love a seasonal gift, but we’re also quite partial to those that look elegant on the table year-round, like our exclusive salt and pepper shakers. Artisans handcraft these from finely detailed cast aluminum, then finish them by hand with an antiqued patina.
8. Turkey Napkins
Lucky enough to have the sort of host whose door is always adorned with seasonal décor or wreaths? These napkins are right up their alley. It’s the final touch for the person whose table is seasonal but that hasn’t extended quite all the way to the linens. Embroidered napkins are the sort of present that says “I see and value you.”
9. Coaster Set
It’s the rare Thanksgiving host that doesn’t feel like they need about one million more coasters on the big day. This is just a considerate thing to send in advance, and we have a truly beautiful range of options for various budgets, from stunning horn mosaic (shown above) to tortoise and marble.
10. Panettone
Is it just us? The day after Thanksgiving we want absolutely everything to be a no-brainer. Think: cold turkey and stuffing, or maybe thrown in the microwave, or maybe on toast as a sandwich. And pastries. Lots of pastries. No cooking. Do your host a solid and bring real Italian panettone (or have it delivered for the next day). Golden raisins and glazed chestnuts enrich this beauty. Its flavor, high rise and texture make it ideal for French toast the day after, when your hosts feel like turning on a stove burner again. Today, they’ll eat it on its own alongside their coffee and start pondering the next holiday to come.