Summer is officially here, meaning your calendar might soon fill up with sunny soirées. Any seasoned partygoer knows that when you attend these events, it's customary to bring a host or hostess gift to thank them for their hospitality. You may have your go-to presents—like flowers or a bottle of wine—which are always well-received and appreciated. But if you're looking to switch things up this summer and bring a one-of-a-kind hostess gift, our experts have you covered.
"The key is to choose something that is meaningful and unique to the host or hostess," Chantelle Hartman Malarkey, interior designer, home chef, and hosting aesthetic expert, tells Best Life. "A thoughtful gift is sure to bring a smile to the recipient’s face."
You may already be thinking about your host's preferences, but if you're still stuck on the best gift for them, you're in luck. Read on for seven gift ideas that are perfect for any get-together you attend this summer.
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1 | A personalized apron
lightwavemedia / ShutterstockIf your host loves to cook, Malarkey recommends ordering them a personalized apron. Not only is it something they can use every day while meal prepping, but they'll also think of you when they do!
No time to place an order and wait for it to ship? Malarkey notes that a set of fun recipe cards will be appreciated by anyone who likes to cook.
2 | Spices
Antonio Gravante / ShutterstockFor an even simpler cooking-themed gift, head to the grocery store and pick up some spices for your culinary companion.
"Spices make terrific gifts," Lisa Mirza Grotts, a San Francisco-based etiquette expert, says. "Think cinnamon sticks for boiling when guests arrive, or cinnamon for baking."
READ THIS NEXT: 5 Things You Should Put Away in Your Kitchen When Guests Come Over.
3 | Unique glassware
Andrey_Nikitin / ShutterstockBringing a bottle of vino is a standard gift for those who like to entertain, but to level up your gift-giving game, Malarkey says that unique glasses are always appreciated.
For something even more special, head to your local thrift store and pick up some antique or fun-colored glasses for a truly one-of-a-kind set.
You can pair them with an ice bucket if you really want to go all out, and you can also wrap up a festive bottle of wine or liquor for good measure.
4 | An outdoor picnic blanket
Razbitnov / ShutterstockIf you want to gift something your host can use throughout the summer months, Virginia Frischkorn, founder and CEO of Partytrick, recommends an outdoor picnic blanket as "stylish comfort for al fresco gatherings."
You can pick one of these up at your local home goods retailer or shop online to find one that really suits your host's style and personality.
5 | An herb garden kit
Ajax9 / ShutterstockFrischkorn also recommends an herb garden kit, which is great for any host with a green thumb. Even better, if your host also likes to cook, they'll have their pick of fresh herbs for any summer recipe.
Herbs are a bit different than your typical floral bouquet. So, if you really want to bring fresh flowers, Malarkey recommends tailoring your selections "to the host's or hostess' favorite colors and fragrances."
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6 | Citronella candles
Teodor Costachioiu / ShutterstockCandles can be hard to gift, seeing as we all have our preferences when it comes to scents and smells. However, during warmer months, Frischkorn says you can't really go wrong with a citronella candle to "keep summer bugs at bay with style."
If fact, your host might be extra grateful for your gift if they forgot to stock up on bug spray or citronella candles of their own ahead of an evening event.
7 | A DIY activity
Ground Picture / ShutterstockExperts also recommend gifting certain DIY activities your host will enjoy.
Grotts suggests a preserving kit so your host or hostess can make their own jams. You can buy a complete kit online or make your own by adding the essentials: fruit, pectin, jars, sugar, and a recipe.
Malarkey says you can also go for something like a pottery-making box, which allows them to make their own clay creations.
"Super cute, and they can craft whatever they like," she says. "This is perfect for anyone who is creative or loves to try new hobbies!"
