It's the time of year where we will soon be entertaining (or be entertained)! Whether visiting with special friends for the weekend or attending a soiree or BBQ, make sure you show your host how much you appreciate them with one of these creative hostess gifts. Below are some of my favorites--many of these can double as fun items to have on hand for your own entertaining!
1. Maggie Louise 'Glow' Chocolate Box ($54)
Almost too pretty to eat, Maggie Louise's gourmet confections are an indulging work of art. These chocolates are hand-painted and come in a variety of styles. The 'Glow' chocolate box is a must for any girly girl, and offers a combination of milk and dark chocolate pieces with delicious fillings such as cream caramel, peanut butter and chocolate nougat.
2. Kerstin Florian Organic Aromatherapy Bath & Body Oil Trio -Limited Edition ($50)
This limited edition luxurious gift set features three organic body oils in lavender, ginger, and neroli blossom. Kerstin Florian is known for its natural products that deliver results, and they blend natural ingredients such as juniper, fennel and calendula into products that are innovative and durable. These oils are perfect for pampering and a little R&R at home or to bring to someone who could use some "me" time.
3. Moon Dust Mix Packages ($30)
The Moon Dust Mix Package enhances your beauty, brain, sexual energy, sleep and spirit. Incorporate these powders into your daily drinks to help with physical, mental and environmental stress. Moon Dust powders work best when added to a hot or cold beverage, and they can be mixed with nut milk, coffee, tea water, or even a smoothie. The full Moon Dust Box includes 12 Dust sachets (2 of each): Spirit, Beauty, Power, Brain, Dream and Sex, and a Moon Dust Cosmic Cooklet.
Created by social entrepreneur Sterling McDavid, who left her job in finance to start this venture, the Starling Project is a line of home candles that lights up any room and helps those in need. Her goal is to provide sustainable solar energy to underprivileged communities worldwide. Hand poured in Brooklyn, these soy-based candles burn for approximately 60 hours. They come in a variety of scents such as Juniper + Saffron, Vanilla + Hemlock, Orange Flower + Amber, Currant, Rosewood + Bamboo.
5. Numi Tea by Mood Gift Set ($18.19)
The Numi Tea by Mood Gift Box comes with 40 tea bags and includes a variety of blends sure to be anyone’s cup of tea. These brews help focus, refresh, give energy, and help with sleep. All Numi teas are organic, sugar-free and are blended with only real fruits and species.
6. Apeloig Challah Board ($360)
Miami-based Venezuelan sisters Daniela and Gabriela Apeloig love embracing their Jewish roots and traditions with chic designs. They started with their modern mezuzahs and have since expanded to create these gorgeous challah boards. These acrylic boards are stylish and versatile, and add elegance to any table. They can even be engraved and personalized with initials, names, or a special phrase, and each board comes in a custom-designed box with a magnetic closure for long-term storage.
This is the ultimate baking hack that will transform any ordinary pastry into a beautiful masterpiece. The edible sheets are vegan and gluten free, and can be cut with scissors or wrapped around a cookie or cake. There are a variety of patterns such marble, tartan, and floral, and each kit comes with an easy tutorial and a ruler.
8. Nesting Grain Baskets ($68)
Handmade by women in Senegal, these woven baskets traditionally were used to gather grains and store food. They are the perfect addition to any room, and can be used as a centerpiece in a coffee table or to display fruits and veggies in the kitchen. The fair payment the artisans receive helps their rural communities grow, and allows them to pay for their children’s educational needs.
These well-curated gift baskets are perfect for the wine enthusiast, the spa lover, or foodie. Each one can be personalized and is beautifully created. With everything from baskets full of chocolate and sweets, to wine or champagne, fruit, flowers even bouquets of balloons, they have you covered.
10. Ichendorf Tube Glass Pitcher ($28)
Originally known for its glass ornaments, Ichendorf is a cutting-edge line of glassware and tableware. This hand-blown minimalist pitcher is perfect for entertaining and can double as a vase!
