Warmer weather usually means more invitations to barbecues and cookouts and while it’s always nice to take flowers or a bottle of wine to your hostess, here’s some fun ideas for “different” hostess gifts. You can always take one of these suggestions and buy something similar from a more expensive store or try and find something less costly…or maybe they’ll just get your creative juices going and you’ll come up with something totally different. This month I went to Ross to see what I could come up with, trying to stay under $5.00. And of course, as I usually do, I had to pick up at least one item from the Dollar Tree because you can find great deals there for a dollar.
ICE CREAM SCOOP –
Cute Brutes Ice Cream Scoop by jo!e….$3.99. This fun shaped ice cream scoop is functional and whimsical and comes in different animal shapes. If you’re invited to a party where everyone brings a dish, why not volunteer to bring a gallon or two of ice cream and include this as a favor for the hostess. Everyone will have fun scooping (and eating) the ice cream and your hostess has a gift she’s sure to use over and over during the summer months.
COOKIES –
These BRENT & SAM’S gourmet cookies are delicious! They are made from scratch, contain no added preservatives and come in eight yummy varieties, including these Chocolate Chip Pecan, which I HAD to taste-test and was happy to do so. You can also try them in Raspberry Chocolate Chip, Caribbean Crunch and White Chocolate Macadamia, just to name a few. They come nicely packaged (tie a ribbon around the box if you want) and only cost $2.99 for 7 ounces.
CANDLE HOLDERS –
Love this set of two candle holders that look a lot more expensive than the $3.99 I paid for them. Great color and texture and with a lit candle inside, they throw off a soft glow that creates a relaxing mood. Open the box and put a couple of candles in the holders if you want before giving to your hostess. And they are already packaged and wrapped with a bow.
COASTERS –
This set of three coasters work just fine as coasters but I bought them to use as little serving plates. Perfect for summer with their seashell theme at a cost of $3.99. I would offer to bring an appetizer and fill each one up with homemade hummus, salsa and maybe a bean dip or veggie dip and bring along a basket of crackers or fresh veggies…..of course you could also buy these pre-made at the grocery store. Everyone enjoys the appetizer and then the hostess gets to keep the dishes. Your hostess will be able to use these over and over again in so many ways…..a pretty way to serve the standard ketchup, mustard and mayo or she could even toss her jewelry in them. Or just gift this to your hostess as is…..again, you don’t even have to add a ribbon, it’s already prettily packaged.
BARBECUE MITT/BBQ SPICE –
I put two different items together for this idea but you could certainly just do one or the other for a little something for your hostess. The oven mitt/pocket mitt set (neoprene, heat-resistant) cost $3.99 and would be appreciated by indoor and outdoor cooks alike. And we were recently gifted with this Penzeys BBQ 3000 spice which is wonderful on everything….ribs, chicken, steak, fish and even veggies. We have been grilling all week and have been trying this out….it’s really good! This particular size (1/2 cup jar) is $6.79. If you want to stay under $10.00 but want to do a spice and mitt gift, you can get the BBQ 3000 spice jar in a smaller size (1/4 cup jar) for $3.89 for a total of $7.88…..alone or together, both make great gifts for the grill lovers.
PITCHER –
Our most expensive hostess gift this month but what a beautiful gift for a special hostess. EVERYTHING looks better in this sleek, pierced design, including water! But if you want to make it even more special….fill it up with lemonade and some sliced lemons or limes or make up your own drink concoction to share. Tie a ribbon around it and gift as is or fill it up with something cool and delicious…..your hostess will surely appreciate this. This pitcher is $9.99….about the same price of some flower bouquets but will last forever.
Even water and a few slices of lemon look elegant in this.
Cranberry juice, vodka and slices of lime make for a pretty presentation and some great sipping!
GARDENING JOURNAL –
And for our least expensive hostess gift idea this month….
This is perfect for the seasoned gardener or for someone just starting a garden. Picked this up at the Dollar Tree for yes, $1.00. It’s packed with information, helpful hints, climate checklists and sections you can keep notes for a better garden year after year. It’s a Reader’s Digest book and has a stamped price of $14.95 on it….great hostess gift for $1.00.
*Everything was bought at Ross with the exception of the Penzeys spice (which you can order online or buy at a Penzeys store) and the gardening journal purchased from the Dollar Tree.