Sure, a bottle usually does the trick, but we've got a few ideas to level up your host gift game this holiday season. Put down that liter of Gulp Hablo and take a peek at our guide to the best holiday host gifts, featuring selections from friends and trusted party people at every price point.

For the fashion forward host who turns cooking into performance art, photographer Kelsey Cherry recommends the Mini Lace Hands Apron by Gohar World. The metallic silver is sure to turn heads while protecting even the most glamorous party fit beneath. Bonus points for the drama of lace hands! Pair with the larger version for a head-to-toe kitchen couture look.

Perfect for: The fashionista chef or any camera-ready home cook

For the overworked host, food stylist Pearl Jones recommends bath salts in Scottish Lichen from Officine Universelle Buly. Normally we advise against anything vaguely fungal in the bathroom, but Buly’s Lichen d’Échosse is an exceptional blend of galbanum, moss and patchouli that’s soothing and relaxing. Bath salts are perfect for unwinding after hosting duties are done and the packaging is a work of art all by itself—don’t skip their ultra luxe gift wrapping with monogramming available.

Perfect for: The host who values the art of relaxation

For the host who believes butter is a love language, photographer Kate Owen swears by Rodolphe Le Meunier's Beurre de Barrette. Pair a hand molded block of this perfectly salted, creamy goodness with an oven-fresh loaf from La Cabra for a sure-to-please gift. On the topic of buttery indulgences, Kate also recommends Danucera’s Master Mask, but a vintage bread basket or butter dish might make for a more conventional though nonetheless chic pair.

Perfect for: Anyone who appreciates life’s little luxuries

For the host who’s always thinks two steps (or in our case, meals) ahead, Care of Chan Director of Production Dani Dillon recommends a serving piece with breakfast treats. Swing by a local icon like Zabar’s or Gjusta for coffee and pastries, and present them with some seasonal produce (festive stem-on satsumas, anyone?) in a stylish serving bowl - she likes this striped number from Porta, but feel free to riff as you see fit. It's a reward for the hard work of hosting and a gift they can use the next time they entertain.

Perfect for: Hosts who need a little extra love post-party

For the host who wants to become a morning person, chef and cookbook author Woldy Reyes recommends Bacha Coffee’s Seville Orange Coffee, a full-bodied blend with notes of cracked cocoa and citrus for easy mornings-after, no matter what kind of party you had the night before. The individually packaged sachets require no special brewing equipment, but you could gild the lily by gifting a nice new mug as well.

Perfect for: The caffeine connoisseur

For the host who isn’t afraid to cut the cheese, consider these time-tested Laguiole serving pieces - a gift so nice, our friends picked it twice! Chefs Shauna Saneinejad and Lauren Schofield swear by these mini cheese forks and knives, available in a charming variety of colorways. A tablescape is only as good as its details, and these stainless steel cuties are the subtle flex to upgrade any grazing spread. Often overlooked, yet essential, it’s the kind of gift that most wouldn’t think to buy for themselves. Snag a set of four, or purchase individual pieces in different colors for a custom assortment.

Perfect for: The host who’s a member of the Park Slope food coop and is always talking about their amazing cheese deals

Speaking of the host that can’t stop talking about cheese, Care of Chan Programming Manager Olivia Johnson stands by the enduring charm of a cheese assortment from your local monger. For her, the ideal mix includes Brie Fermier, Comté, bleu, and chèvre, plus honey, saucisson sec, and sweets – in short, the makings of a proper charcuterie board. Pair with a wooden cheese board or some of the Laguiole servers above to go the extra mile.

Perfect for: The host who's on a first-name basis with their cheesemonger

For the host who always does their research Jen Monroe, founder of Bad Taste, loves the Time-Life Foods of the World series. A love letter to global cuisines, these vintage volumes from the ’60s and ’70s feature nostalgia-inducing photography and recipes, alongside essays by period culinary legends like Craig Clairborne, Julia Child, and MFK Fisher. The hardcover versions may be easier for storage, but you can sometimes find spiral-bound versions for those who fancy a little mid-century flair. Jen loves the Classic French Cooking, China, and India volumes, but if you’re feeling ambitious, seek out a full 27-volume set on e-bay and distribute them throughout the season.

Perfect for: Life-long learners who fancy a throwback

For the “keep the party going” host, chef and editor, Magdalena O'Neal, suggests a box of Solid Wiggles jello shots. These next-level samplers, created by two restaurant industry vets, are as much about style as they are about flavor, doubling as centerpiece and conversation starter, even before the booze hits your lips. Magdalena likes to serve these on a sexy silver or crystal tray, but always saves a few to enjoy during clean up. Hot tip: Solid Wiggles also offers a booze-free version of their jewel-like creations for NA guests.

Perfect for: The late-night host who loves a little whimsy

It’s no secret that we’re all about experiences - David Stark, chief creative officer of the eponymous design and production agency recommends gifting a membership to the Brooklyn Museum. Delight your arty and culture-loving pal with something they can enjoy all year long. Throw in a postcard of their favorite work in the collection for an extra hint of of personal curation.

Perfect for: The host who’s always up for an activity to ward off the Sunday Scaries

For the host whose desktop is as curated as their tabletop, creative producer Jaade Wills recommends a desk knife from Craighill. Inspired by traditional Japanese kiridashi, it’s perfect for opening letters, packages, or simply adding a touch of sophistication to the workspace. Needless to say, she cuts like butter. Pair with their desk knife plinth for a sculptural statement.

Perfect for: The host who finds joy in the stationery store

For the host who appreciates form and function, Moira Sedgwick, founder of A Chalet Collective, loves these tinted glass nesting bowls. Usable for both prep and service, this practical yet elegant set is an impromptu entertainer’s secret weapon. The nesting design makes for compact storage, but the colorful pieces are worth putting on display: it’s giving milk glass, but modern.

Best for: The design-oriented host who hates doing too many dishes

On the topic of cute little serving pieces, Care of Chan’s Director of Marketing and Sales Gaby Domingo is eyeing this 3-tiered number from Jane Cookshop. This sculptural stoneware number is equally suited to salads and produce, but the budding food stylist might use it for an unexpected chips and dip setup. Jane’s sister store around the corner, East Village Postal, offers equally excellent cards and wrapping paper for an extra special unboxing.

Perfect for: A top tier host who’s always bragging about their farmer’s market haul

For the host who serves in every sense of the word, Care of Chan Executive Assistant Afoma Madueguna recommends some over the top utensils from November 19. They’ve got a variety of doing-the-most-in-the-best-way styles, whether you prefer horn-and-seashell or hand carved olive wood. It’s cool. It’s kooky. It’s Jennifer Coolidge-coded.

Perfect for: The host who likes to do the most

As you can tell, we don’t typically heed the taboo against gifting knives, especially if they’re any of the vintage pieces from San Francisco’s Bernal Cutlery. Mayday chef/owner Chris Kronner loves perusing their ever evolving catalog of kitchen knives, table knives, and serving pieces, which range in age and price. Each is unique, elegant, and useful, perfect for the host who values craftsmanship.

Perfect for: The host who treats mise en place like a competitive sport

Flamingo Estate has produced many buzzworthy gifts, from their cult favorite tomato candle to the controversial bags of manure, but perhaps an unsung hero among their products is the heritage olive oil produced with fourth generation farmer Philip Aquinth. Care of Chan associate producer Maggie Russell loves its vibrant and peppery notes, and the bottles can be customized with a handwritten message of your choosing for an extra personal touch.

Perfect for: The host who always says olive you

For chef and food stylist Thu Pham Buser, the best gifts speak to something that can be shared. She’s a big fan of Lazy Jamie’s silver serveware, a versatile collection of timeless pieces guaranteed to bring some sparkle to any tablescape. A pair of ice cream coupes could easily hold some salty bar snacks for your next cocktail shindig, but sometimes a couple scoops with your bestie is a party all by itself.

Perfect for: The friend who knows serveware is just as important as what’s being served

And last but certainly not least, we’ve got an idea for the cinephiles. Care of Chan founder Sue Chan loves A24’s movie chocolate gift set, a triple feature inspired by classic concessions like fountain soda, popcorn, peanuts and caramel crunchies. Pair this with a bottle of wine and a cozy blanket for a movie night gift set.

Perfect for: The host who’s always trying to throw a movie night