Alcohol

Always makes a great hostess gift, but instead of traditional and boring, stand out from the crowd of arriving guests with an interesting holiday bundle. For example:

All products are available at any LCBO store in Ontario, and most liquor stores nationwide.

For the Kids

If you’re visiting friends who have children, bring something along for the kids instead of the parents. Having children I always find this a nice touch. Some of my kids favourites include:

Glassware

You have to be careful on this one. While glassware can make a great hostess gift, consider that two glasses are about as useful as a second bellybutton, so find something affordable enough that you can bring 4, 6 or 8 as a gift. My suggestions include: Mocktail martini glasses – available from Kitchen Stuff Plus for about $4 per glass, these are terrific glasses with two parts, a base to fill with ice, and a top which fits onto the base. Great looking and affordable.

Boxes

Yes, sounds weird, but it isn’t. A great faux-suede or leather box makes a great gift, since everyone always needs more nice looking places to hide things. My suggestions include: Nesting Boxes (set of four square boxes) or Round Faux Suede Boxes, available in assorted sizes and colour, starting at less than $10.

Chocolates

And not the ones that come in the heart shaped box from your local corner store! A good friend recently brought over these fantastic chocolates made by a company called The Cocoa Room. Check for www.thecocoaroom.com for a retailer near you.

Photographs

In a frame of course! Find a great frame and add a picture of the friends you are visiting, or even better, of you and the friends together. This type of gift is always appreciated since it shows you put more than money into the gift. For inexpensive but fun frames try Ikea or Pier 1 Imports, for better quality (at a higher price) Pottery Barn have some great options.

Coffee Table Book

Although for this one you will need to know a bit about your hosts and their likes and dislikes. Amazon.ca has a great selection and there’s always something on sale. My favourite coffee table books have been gifts from friends including: Women Before 10am, a collection of photographs of famous women shot before they are really ready to be shot, or anything from Assouline.

Music

Too many people underestimate what a great gift music makes. If you know the hosts well enough get them the latest release from their favourite artist, or for some great music for this holiday season I recommend: the new Jamiroquai release ‘dynamite’ to get the groove on, or Our Lady Peace’s newest ‘Healthy in Paranoid Times’, or finally Ray Charles ‘Genius Loves Company’ for some classic background tunes great for any get-together. All available at any music retailer.

Flowers

But please avoid the pre-arranged bouquets, or anything with Baby’s Breath in it. A nice selection of winter white florals accented with simple greenery and even some taller branches makes for a perfect hostess gift. Spruce it up a bit with a great vase and you’re set. My suggestion for florals in Toronto: for those of you who want to do it yourselves – Yang’s on Avenue Road just south of Davenport, or if you need a pro, call Bill at Church Street Flowers 416-413-7727

Games

This gift will definitively add some fun to the evening. Find a game which is quick and a larger group of people can play. One of the best is: ‘If you had to choose…’ With questions like: ‘would you rather … a) be breathtakingly beautiful but have to go to prison for five years or b) be plain looking but never have to go to jail.’ you’re sure to be in for a few laughs.