A bottle of wine is a fine host gift. These edible gifts are better.
'Tis the season for backyard cookouts, pool parties and summer soirees. As your calendar begins to fill up, it's worth thinking about host gifts — small, meaningful ways of expressing your gratitude for the time and energy they've invested in entertaining.
While there's always the option of a last-minute purchase of a bottle of wine, it's the thought that counts, so why not give it a little extra intention to show your host just how much you appreciate their efforts?
We've gathered 16 thoughtful and practical recipes to inspire your next host gift. Different from dishes that you might contribute to a potluck, these presents should be personal and made specifically for the host, ideally to be enjoyed without the pressure of serving them at the event.
And for when it's your turn to plan the next big bash, check out our archive of more than 10,000 tested recipes.
Above. Give your host the gift of a comforting homemade soup mix that's ready to go at their convenience. To keep things as easy as possible, be sure to add a label with cooking directions and storage. Get the recipe.
Above. Give your host the gift of a comforting homemade soup mix that's ready to go at their convenience. To keep things as easy as possible, be sure to add a label with cooking directions and storage. Get the recipe.
Often referred to as the 'Jewish biscotti,' like regular biscotti, mandelbread is also baked twice. This, along with a generous helping of chopped walnuts, gives these cookies their signature crunch. These cookies are also studded with dried cherries, and their elongated shape makes them excellent dunking companions to a cup of tea or coffee. Get the recipe.
Often referred to as the 'Jewish biscotti,' like regular biscotti, mandelbread is also baked twice. This, along with a generous helping of chopped walnuts, gives these cookies their signature crunch. These cookies are also studded with dried cherries, and their elongated shape makes them excellent dunking companions to a cup of tea or coffee. Get the recipe.
You'll want to prep vanilla extract with plenty of time ahead of your outing, as it must be made at least one month in advance before use. Personalize it with the recipient's favorite spirit: vodka, bourbon, rum or brandy. Alternatively, you can concoct a batch to have on hand for future occasions. Get the recipe.
You'll want to prep vanilla extract with plenty of time ahead of your outing, as it must be made at least one month in advance before use. Personalize it with the recipient's favorite spirit: vodka, bourbon, rum or brandy. Alternatively, you can concoct a batch to have on hand for future occasions. Get the recipe.
A fruity jam makes for a sweet surprise. This recipe calls for raspberries, one of the easiest fruits to make jams from thanks to their high amounts of naturally occurring pectin, but you can adapt it to best suit your host's tastes. Get the recipe.
A fruity jam makes for a sweet surprise. This recipe calls for raspberries, one of the easiest fruits to make jams from thanks to their high amounts of naturally occurring pectin, but you can adapt it to best suit your host's tastes. Get the recipe.
Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, sourdough bread has been having a moment — and for good reason. These basic loaves are relatively inexpensive to make and feel homey with their crispy crusts and chewy, tangy centers. You'll need ample time to embark on this project, as the first step is to build a starter and keep it alive. Get the recipe.
Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, sourdough bread has been having a moment — and for good reason. These basic loaves are relatively inexpensive to make and feel homey with their crispy crusts and chewy, tangy centers. You'll need ample time to embark on this project, as the first step is to build a starter and keep it alive. Get the recipe.
Instead of bringing a dish to be served at a dinner party that you're attending, pack a batch of these light and fluffy scones for your hosts to have the next morning. Get the recipe.
Instead of bringing a dish to be served at a dinner party that you're attending, pack a batch of these light and fluffy scones for your hosts to have the next morning. Get the recipe.
Your host will appreciate this warm and cozy apple loaf, a family recipe from professional baker Maggie Austin LaBaugh. Get the recipe.
Your host will appreciate this warm and cozy apple loaf, a family recipe from professional baker Maggie Austin LaBaugh. Get the recipe.
Great for breakfast or snacking, a jar of artisanal granola gift is customizable, budget-friendly and easy to make. Get the recipe.
Great for breakfast or snacking, a jar of artisanal granola gift is customizable, budget-friendly and easy to make. Get the recipe.
This simple, fudgy Bundt cake is for the chocolate lovers. 'It's so cocoa-forward, it may remind you of a brownie,' says Post recipes editor Becky Krystal. Get the recipe.
This simple, fudgy Bundt cake is for the chocolate lovers. 'It's so cocoa-forward, it may remind you of a brownie,' says Post recipes editor Becky Krystal. Get the recipe.
Quick-pickled jalapeños are a nearly effortless way to impress any host. This recipe takes only five ingredients and an overnight rest in the fridge. Get the recipe.
Quick-pickled jalapeños are a nearly effortless way to impress any host. This recipe takes only five ingredients and an overnight rest in the fridge. Get the recipe.
Fragrant nut butter makes a lovely addition to a freshly baked loaf of bread, or shines on its own. Get the recipe.
Fragrant nut butter makes a lovely addition to a freshly baked loaf of bread, or shines on its own. Get the recipe.
Mastering the art of fortune cookie-making requires quick fingers and a bit of practice, but the result is a standout way to send thank yous and other fun messages to your host. Get the recipe.
Mastering the art of fortune cookie-making requires quick fingers and a bit of practice, but the result is a standout way to send thank yous and other fun messages to your host. Get the recipe.
A classic tray of brownies is always a welcome treat, especially when it comes to these thick, fudgy squares. Dress them up with chocolate chips or toasted chopped walnuts, or leave them as-is for the brownie purists. Get the recipe.
A classic tray of brownies is always a welcome treat, especially when it comes to these thick, fudgy squares. Dress them up with chocolate chips or toasted chopped walnuts, or leave them as-is for the brownie purists. Get the recipe.
This homemade caramel sauce can be made as sweet or as bitter as desired. Wrap it up in a decorative jar, and gift it alongside a pint of your host's favorite ice cream. Get the recipe.
This homemade caramel sauce can be made as sweet or as bitter as desired. Wrap it up in a decorative jar, and gift it alongside a pint of your host's favorite ice cream. Get the recipe.
'Packed in a glass jar and tied with a ribbon, they make a lovely holiday hostess gift,' writes Nourish columnist Ellie Krieger about these fancy nuts. Glazed with maple syrup, and lightly seasoned with cinnamon and cayenne, they're versatile and practically effortless to make. Get the recipe.
'Packed in a glass jar and tied with a ribbon, they make a lovely holiday hostess gift,' writes Nourish columnist Ellie Krieger about these fancy nuts. Glazed with maple syrup, and lightly seasoned with cinnamon and cayenne, they're versatile and practically effortless to make. Get the recipe.
One of the best ways to score points with a dog owner is to win over their furry friend, and these homemade dog treats are sure to do the trick. Get the recipe.
One of the best ways to score points with a dog owner is to win over their furry friend, and these homemade dog treats are sure to do the trick. Get the recipe.
Infused with the flavors of apple pie, this batched Old-Fashioned cocktail can be stashed in the fridge for up to two weeks for your hosts to enjoy at their leisure. Get the recipe.
Infused with the flavors of apple pie, this batched Old-Fashioned cocktail can be stashed in the fridge for up to two weeks for your hosts to enjoy at their leisure. Get the recipe.
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