Thanksgiving is literally around the corner.

We have six more weeks until the big bird graces our tables once again.

This is my son’s favorite holiday because it involves food. He’s a huge fan of the traditional fare…turkey, green beans and mashed potatoes. If I deviate too far from this, I’ll be the only one consuming it. I always try to sneak a little something new in but if I get the “thumbs down”, trust me…my name goes on the left over container.

While all my peeps are “traditional” when it comes to the Thanksgiving meal, I do love making the day extra special in the way we set the table, enjoy the meal and celebrate life together. It’s kind of funny when you think about our calendar year. We give the year just one day to really hone in on what we are grateful for.

If you’re anything like me, I need more than just one.

We have so many reasons to share our gratitude.

PAST TO PRESENT

Before we moved from Texas to North Carolina 12 years ago, we had large gatherings combining both my family and my husbands. On average, 20-30 people would be under one roof. It was loud, fun, crazy and the food was always super delicious.

Today, our thanksgivings are smaller since our family is 1000 miles away. We’ve celebrated with friends on occassion but no matter the size, they are just as memorable…and just as tasty.

While I’ve attended many feasts, I’ve also hosted many as well.

As a hostess, I’ve always appreciated the kind hearts that went out of their way to bring a small “thank you”. It showed me that they cared and were grateful to be in our home, sharing a meal with us and making memories.

Hostess gifts don’t have to cost a lot and to prove it, I searched and gathered handfuls of hostess gift ideas all under $25 to inspire your gift giving hearts!

WHEN SHOULD YOU BRING A HOSTESS GIFT?

Emily Post, my good friend (wink wink), and I agree that a hostess gift is fitting when you are invited to a dinner party, housewarming, special occasion (where there is a guest of honor), or a weekend visit.

Large formal dinner parties do not require a gift, especially if you don’t know the host well.

If you dine with friends regularly, a gift is not always necessary, but the thought of one does count. I truly believe the heart behind the gift, no matter what the occasion, is always felt.

HOSTESS GIFT IDEAS

• Wine or Champagne
• Flowers (preferably in a vase)
• A potted plant
• Chocolates (dark is my favorite…just sayin)
• Specialty food items such as jams and jellies or other condiments, fancy nuts, olives, olive oil or vinegars
• Items for the house, such as cocktail napkins , notepad/pen, note cards, guest soaps and lotions, a picture frame , or a scented candle.
• A CD, movie or book is also appropriate if you know your host’s taste.
• Something unique to your host if you know her interests.

GIFT IDEAS TO DIY

If you like putting thought and effort into creating your own gifts, here are some fun ideas that you can pick from.

The nice thing about DIYing one or more of these ideas is that you will end up with multiple gifts to share. Think of parties and gathering you’ll attend, as well as friends, neighbors, teachers, your mailman, etc…all the people you’d like to give a little something too as a “thank you” for being in your life.

1. My Blessed Life Gourmet Chocolate Pretzels

2. A Farmgirl’s Dabbles Spiced Rosemary & Thyme Nuts

3. Simple Bites Herbed Salt

4. HGTV Mulled Wine Kit

5. Boxwood Avenue Leaf Stamping Tea Towel

6. Pepper Design Blog Rosemary Olive Oil

7. Suburban Simplicity Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub

8. Evermine Holiday Stovetop Simmer

9. Bless Her Heart Y’all Maple Bacon Bourbon Popcorn

I’m gonna try this one myself!

10. The Idea Room Stamped Wooden Spoons

GIFT IDEAS FOR PURCHASE

If you prefer to buy because DIY is not your thing or you simply prefer the ease of enjoying someone else’s talent, check these ideas out.

1. Hello You Candles Grateful

2. Oh Nuts Cornucopia

3. Pier One Monogram Napkins

4. FTD Fall Flowers

5. Amazon Guest Towel Caspari Berry Branches

6. Wayfair Terrance Dining Bowl Set

7. William Sonoma Pecan Pumpkin Butter

8. William Sonoma Pecan Pie in a Jar

9. Papyrus Friendship Carb Day Cards

I think Thanksgiving and all holiday gatherings involving food could qualify for for this “quote”.

10. Essential Journeys Cranberry Orange Poppyseed Soap

Side Note: I have personally used and gifted several of Kimberly’s soaps and candles. She makes a great product and is local in the Asheville area. Essential Journeys… do check her out.

Whether you choose to DIY or purchase your hostess gifts, make sure you give yourself enough time to have them ready for life’s little celebrations. I tend to stock up when I find a good thing. You never know when you’ll need a little something to share.

If you choose to give a potted plant, check out my post on the succulents I made for all my hostess gifts this past summer. Instead of using succulents, you can pick up a small rosemary plant instead. Painting the pots was simple and fun and my family and friends loved them.

Here’s a little bonus idea as well for your home or a as a gift…

STRESS FREE GIFTING

Pay attention to your calendar so you can schedule in the necessary time to make and or shop for what you need. Reverse engineer your calendar beginning with the end in mind. We’re trying to teach our son this concept now as he’s navigating homework, projects and tests. Let me tell you…the struggle is real!

Seriously though.

This is such a simple idea and if applied to all our areas of life, even holiday gift shopping and planning, everything will run so much smoother. So get out your calendar. Make a list of your upcoming needs, events, gifts, projects, etc. Decide on your “due date” as you work back to the “start date”.  When you do this, you’ll sail through the holidays stress free!

And if you don’t, you can at least give it your best shot with a little thoughtful planning, effort, chocolate (of course), and a bottle of wine nearby.

Let’s hear it…

What’s your favorite hostess gift to give and /or make?

Please share below.

If you see something in this list of Fall Hostess Gift Ideas, be sure to make a note of it or “pin it” in case you need to come back to this.

If you come across a great gift idea, do share! You know…we women love options!

Cheers to you and yours!