Holiday season etiquette: Tips on thoughtful and budget-friendly hostess gifts
WASHINGTON, D.C. (7News) — This holiday season you may be invited to some get-togethers or parties — It is always appropriate to bring the host a small gift, as a polite way to say thank you for your hospitality.
“You don’t have to spend a lot. So it’s, you know, maybe it’s a $25 bottle of wine, something maybe more expensive than you would treat yourself to. And then in terms of other gifts, I like to think of things that are practical, usable, but nothing too personal. A framed photo gift is really nice. And then, you know, remember, the most popular gift every single year is a gift card,” said Trae Bodge, consumer expert.
Other hostess gifts could be a plant or flowers.
“I love plants. Certainly a poinsettia or a Christmas cactus, something that’s festive and fun,” Bodge said.
Food is another good option.
“Another gift that I love to give that’s very budget-friendly, is something that you’ve made yourself, like food. If you love baking cookies or banana breads, something like that is very inexpensive, and that gives your host or hostess something else to serve to their guests,” Bodge said.
Stay away from anything too specific in terms of decor.
“A lovely white pillar candle that’s unscented, that’s in just a beautiful package, something like that is very safe. I mean, anyone can use a white pillar candle, and they can put it in their own style, their own decor, and you’re not kind of overstepping there,” Bodge said.
And stay away from anything that would leave your host with a bad feeling.
“Like teeth whitening or weight loss related anything like that, that sends a message that doesn’t leave the recipient feeling amazing. That’s a bad gift, in my opinion,” Bodge said.
If you are invited to a potluck dinner and are bringing a dish, you should probably still pick up a little something for the host.
