Fifteen host gift ideas we love
A Toronto-themed candle, a marble butter keeper and more fun finds for party season
For the holidays and everyday gatherings alike, good etiquette states that you should never arrive at somebody’s house empty-handed. Flowers or a bottle of wine are always trusty standby options (we suggest the budget-friendly bottle of Blaufränkisch below). But, if you want to get a little more creative, consider showing up to your next get-together with an artisanal gift set, sweet treat or cute decor item to say thanks. Here are 15 extra-special host gifts to order now and give later.
All products featured on this page were selected by Toronto Life’s editors. However, when you purchase an item through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Modern recipes cookbook
Canadian chef Christine Flynn’s latest cookbook offers recipes for simple-but-satisfying dishes, like a winter panzanella salad or a plum and black pepper clafoutis. This highly rated release is the perfect gift for the host who is always trying out new recipes. $26 Shop Now
Related: Eighteen functional, versatile planters for your indoor garden
Aesop Reverence Aromatique kit
There’s a reason Aesop’s body and hand care products are so popular. Treat your host to this gift set that includes full-size bottles of the luxury Australian brand’s Reverence Aromatique hand wash and balm. It’ll be especially appreciated as we head into dry-skin season. $167 Shop Now
Kid Icarus Toronto Reference Library candle
Anyone can use a fun scented candle. Kid Icarus’s Toronto-themed soy candles, which pay homage to local spots like the Toronto Reference Library and High Park, are hand-poured and available in two sizes. From $16 Shop Now
“Cartoon” cactus
If cut flowers aren’t your host’s thing, a low-maintenance plant is an excellent alternative. You can find these adorable cacti—and a modern planter to match—at Dynasty Plant Shop on Dupont. $19 each Shop Now
Bamboo coaster set
These coasters from Toronto-based Xenia Taler are made from a combination of melamine and scrap bamboo. You can pick from a selection of bold patterns that will complement your host’s style and decor. $32 Shop Now
Blau wine
Based in Lincoln, Ontario, Rosewood Winery and Meadery offers a variety of delightful wines, mead and honey products. Their 2022 Blau red is a fun option for the host who’s always game to try something new. Plus, you can’t beat that label design. $25 Shop Now
Truffle box
Soma’s chocolate gift box comes with two dozen beautiful handmade truffles. Just don’t buy it too far in advance of your next special occasion—they’re made with fresh cream and butter and meant to be consumed within five days. $60 Shop Now
Escuminac Canadian Maple Syrup
This sweet bundle includes three sleek bottles of award-winning organic maple syrup from Quebec. Varieties include Escuminac’s Extra Rare, Great Harvest and Late Harvest syrups, which are each produced at different times during the season for distinct tasting notes. $48 Shop Now
Italian spice pack
This highly rated gift set from A Spice Affair includes four distinctive blends designed for Italian dishes. It comes with jars of bruschetta, Italian herbs, roasted garlic and sun-dried tomato, and Tuscan infusion. $30 Shop Now
Vintage-inspired ceramic vase
Perfect for a small bouquet or dried flowers, Ban.do’s juice carton–shaped ceramic vase makes for a memorable host gift. It also looks great when displayed on its own. $68 Shop Now
Camp throw
This time of year, it’s the more, the merrier when it comes to throws and blankets that can be used indoors or outdoors around a fire. The Drake General Store’s camp throw features a map of Canada and is made with recycled cotton. $74 Shop Now
Retro drawing maple syrup jug
For hosts with a sweet tooth, bring this charming glazed stoneware maple syrup vessel that is handmade in Bedford, Quebec. It holds 540 milliliters of syrup (or another liquid of your choice) and comes with a cork. $65 Shop Now
Salt collection
Kanel’s salt collection comes with garlic, black truffle, spicy and smoked varieties. Each salt is a different colour, so they’ll look striking when used for finishing dishes. $38 Shop Now
Amore gift box
This fragrant curated gift box from Eataly includes a sea salt candle, a glass soap plate and three bars of fruit-scented soap. Pickup and delivery are available in the GTA, and you can tack on sweets, flowers or a bottle of wine at checkout. $86 Shop Now
Marble butter keeper
Even the host who has everything will appreciate this chic marble butter keeper. It’s available by special order through Hopson Grace. $70 Shop Now
. But, if you want to get a little more creative, consider showing up to your next get-together with an artisanal gift set, sweet treat or cute decor item to say thanks. Here are 15 extra-special host gifts to order now and give later.
All products featured on this page were selected by Toronto Life’s editors. However, when you purchase an item through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Modern recipes cookbook
Canadian chef Christine Flynn’s latest cookbook offers recipes for simple-but-satisfying dishes, like a winter panzanella salad or a plum and black pepper clafoutis. This highly rated release is the perfect gift for the host who is always trying out new recipes. $26 Shop Now
Related: Eighteen functional, versatile planters for your indoor garden
Aesop Reverence Aromatique kit
There’s a reason Aesop’s body and hand care products are so popular. Treat your host to this gift set that includes full-size bottles of the luxury Australian brand’s Reverence Aromatique hand wash and balm. It’ll be especially appreciated as we head into dry-skin season. $167 Shop Now
Kid Icarus Toronto Reference Library candle
Anyone can use a fun scented candle. Kid Icarus’s Toronto-themed soy candles, which pay homage to local spots like the Toronto Reference Library and High Park, are hand-poured and available in two sizes. From $16 Shop Now
"Cartoon" cactus
If cut flowers aren’t your host's thing, a low-maintenance plant is an excellent alternative. You can find these adorable cacti—and a modern planter to match—at Dynasty Plant Shop on Dupont. $19 each Shop Now
Bamboo coaster set
These coasters from Toronto-based Xenia Taler are made from a combination of melamine and scrap bamboo. You can pick from a selection of bold patterns that will complement your host’s style and decor. $32 Shop Now
Blau wine
Based in Lincoln, Ontario, Rosewood Winery and Meadery offers a variety of delightful wines, mead and honey products. Their 2022 Blau red is a fun option for the host who’s always game to try something new. Plus, you can’t beat that label design. $25 Shop Now
Truffle box
Soma’s chocolate gift box comes with two dozen beautiful handmade truffles. Just don’t buy it too far in advance of your next special occasion—they’re made with fresh cream and butter and meant to be consumed within five days. $60 Shop Now
Escuminac Canadian Maple Syrup
This sweet bundle includes three sleek bottles of award-winning organic maple syrup from Quebec. Varieties include Escuminac’s Extra Rare, Great Harvest and Late Harvest syrups, which are each produced at different times during the season for distinct tasting notes. $48 Shop Now
Italian spice pack
This highly rated gift set from A Spice Affair includes four distinctive blends designed for Italian dishes. It comes with jars of bruschetta, Italian herbs, roasted garlic and sun-dried tomato, and Tuscan infusion. $30 Shop Now
Vintage-inspired ceramic vase
Perfect for a small bouquet or dried flowers, Ban.do’s juice carton–shaped ceramic vase makes for a memorable host gift. It also looks great when displayed on its own. $68 Shop Now
Camp throw
This time of year, it's the more, the merrier when it comes to throws and blankets that can be used indoors or outdoors around a fire. The Drake General Store’s camp throw features a map of Canada and is made with recycled cotton. $74 Shop Now
Retro drawing maple syrup jug
For hosts with a sweet tooth, bring this charming glazed stoneware maple syrup vessel that is handmade in Bedford, Quebec. It holds 540 milliliters of syrup (or another liquid of your choice) and comes with a cork. $65 Shop Now
Salt collection
Kanel’s salt collection comes with garlic, black truffle, spicy and smoked varieties. Each salt is a different colour, so they’ll look striking when used for finishing dishes. $38 Shop Now
Amore gift box
This fragrant curated gift box from Eataly includes a sea salt candle, a glass soap plate and three bars of fruit-scented soap. Pickup and delivery are available in the GTA, and you can tack on sweets, flowers or a bottle of wine at checkout. $86 Shop Now
Marble butter keeper
Even the host who has everything will appreciate this chic marble butter keeper. It’s available by special order through Hopson Grace. $70 Shop Now
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