Travel Friendly Hostess Gifts
Some of our most memorable vacations have involved visiting family and friends, near and far. While I adore sending a fresh bouquet of flowers along with a handwritten thank you note after our séjour, I never want to show up empty-handed at the home of a gracious host.
We’ve rounded up some great options for gifts that can easily be tucked into your carry-on (and won’t raise a red flag at security) or that won’t take up too much space or weight in your checked bag. From your neighbors who invite you to their beach house to your hard-to-shop-for in-laws, we’ve got you covered.
Read on for our selections.
For BEACH HOUSE FRIENDS
Whether you’re spending a long weekend on the coast or just dropping by for sunset cocktails, a thoughtful gift goes a long way. These beachy picks feel fresh, fun, and easy to pack — perfect for saying “thank you” without weighing down your tote.
Gray Malin Playing Card Set
LAFCO Summer Fling Soap Duo
Northwest Paper Studio Starfish Stationery
Sunkissed Bondi Beach Towel
For a Chic Lady
For the hostess who always looks effortlessly put-together — even after a red-eye or beach day. These gifts are as refined as she is, and just as easy to travel with.
Celina Mancurti Leather Coaster Set
Cuyana Alpaca Scarf
Rosie Sugden Cashmere Socks
Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase
FOR a CHEF
If your host is happiest in the kitchen, bring something they’ll actually use (and love). These picks are practical, packable, and a cut above your average olive oil.
Hedley & Bennett Essential Apron
Northwest Paper Studio Herb Mason Jar Recipe Cards
Susan Windsor Pumpkin Tea Towels
For AN Entertainer
From spontaneous happy hours to full-blown dinner parties, these gifts are made for the host who loves to gather people around the table — no occasion required.
Caspari Citrus Topiaries Cocktail Napkins
Encyclopedia of the Exquisite
Georg Jensen Food & Cocktail Stick Set
Graf Lantz Felt Coaster Set
Graf Lantz Felt Wine Bottle Carrier
Senteurs d’Orient Tea Flower Soaps
The New York Times Essential Book of Cocktails
Twisty Taper Candles
Whittard of Chelsea Tea Discoveries
FOR A FAMILY
When you’re visiting a whole household, bring something everyone can enjoy. These family-friendly ideas are thoughtful, useful, and won’t add clutter to their space.
Anchal® Quilts Boxed Card Set
Angelina Paris Hot Chocolate Mix
EW Designs Customized Watercolor Gingham Notepad
Wolfum Black Dot Domino Set
FOR A GARDENER
For the friend who’s always planting, pruning, or harvesting something beautiful. These gifts nod to their green thumb — no watering can required.
Botanic Garden Puzzle
Floral Garden Weeder Gloves
Houseplant Care Cards
FOR A GENTLEMAN
Whether he’s classic, quirky, or somewhere in between, these refined, travel-ready gifts strike the right balance of style and substance.
Jack Black Skin Saviors Set
La Palma Studio Handwritten Personalized Stationery Set
Lardini Printed Wool Pocket Square
Smythson Playing Card Twin Pack
FOR SKI HOUSE FRIENDS
Headed to the mountains? These cozy, alpine-inspired picks make perfect tokens of appreciation for the hosts who keep the fireplace warm and the cocoa flowing.
Sloan Stationery Apres-Ski Guest Book
Gray Malin The Skiers Porcelain Tray
Thymes Frasier Fir Soap Bar Trio
FOR YOUR IN-LAWS
Finding the right gift for in-laws can be tricky — you want thoughtful without being over-the-top. These elegant, universally appealing picks strike just the right note and travel well, too.
Mariage Frères Paris Breakfast Tea
Pigeon & Poodle Kemi Jute Frame
Ralph Lauren Wyatt Leather Coasters
Serena & Lily Topanga Linen Throw
