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Best Hostess or Thank You Gifts

A Small Gift Says a Lot

By , About.com Guide

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It can be difficult to decide what to bring a host or hostess when invited for a special meal. Though it's not always necessary to bring a thank you gift, a small token of your appreciation keeps saying thanks long after the dinner has passed. Remember that it's the thought that counts, so keep it simple and affordable. There's no need to say thanks with an expensive gift. For those times when a bottle of wine or spirits is not a good choice, try choosing a small gift from one of my best picks.

1. Chef'n Dual Ended Spoon Switchit Spatula

Photo © Chef'n
Chef'n silicone switchit spatulas come in various styles, this one being the Spoon Switchit. Any one of the Chef'n collection of switchits would make a great thank you or hostess gift. They're heat resistant and so colorful and practical that a host will love them.

2. Candles or Candle Holders Are Often an Excellent Choice

Photo © Mifflin
Candles are usually a great choice for a small gift and there's lots to chose from in various price ranges. Be careful however if anyone in the home has allergies or problems with scents. Candle holders are also an excellent choice which allows them to chose the type of scented or unscented candles they prefer.
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3. IngenuiTEA Teapot by Adagio Teas

Photo Courtesy PriceGrabber
The perfect hostess gift for the tea lover. The IngenuiTEA Teapot is the solution to properly steeping loose leaf teas. It's the ideal gift for the tea lover. Lightweight, simple in design with a valve that releases the tea to any cup size, it's easy to take on vacation, to use at the office or to enjoy tea at home. Adagio makes two sizes of the IngenuiTEA, a 16 oz model for around $19 and a larger 32 oz for $29.
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4. Metrokane Rabbit Corkscrew

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This is considered by many to be the best there is for opening a wine bottle effortlessly. And the Metrokane brand is known for quality products. A bottle of wine is a nice compliment to accompany this hostess gift.
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5. Cool Gear Go Gear Travel Tubes 1303

Photo © Cool Gear International, LLC
Ideal for the hostess who loves to travel, go to the gym, spa or public pools, these Travel Tubes are easy to refill, convenient to use and small to pack.

6. Progressive PrepSolutions Pronto Crank Pepper Mill

Photo Courtesy Progressive
This is an outstanding pepper or salt mill with sufficient capacity, quality construction, comfortable grinding and a kitchen tool that's just plain nice looking. A great addition to any kitchen and especially for anyone who loves to cook.

7. Chill Out & About Food Server System

Photo © the Sundance Co.
A good way to give a Chill Out & About to your host is to bring it prepared and ready for serving. During the meal, when people have commented on how unique and practical this server is, you can announce that you will be leaving it for the host to enjoy, again and again. Chill Out & About has more uses than buffet serving, it can keep a picnic or boat or tailgate lunch cold for hours too.

8. Candle Warmers - Safe Candle Alternatives

Photo Courtesy PriceGrabber
An excellent choice for those who prefer to use candle alternatives. Candle Warmers are unique, functional and there's a vast assortment to chose from. A delightful gift for the hostess or as a thank you gift.
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9. Hang & Level Picture Hanging Tool

Photo © UTR Decorating

It may not be the kind of thing you'd think of giving for a hostess gift, but for the interior decorator or those who love to rearrange their living space, it can be a blessing. The Hang & Level makes quick work of hanging pictures and wall decor. Definitely unique and a handy tool to have.

10. ChapelWood Bird Seed Feeder

Photo © ChapelWood
Give the hostess a charming contemporary styled ceramic bird seed feeder for the garden or bird feeding station. It's also ideal to hang where it can be viewed from the kitchen window. Read my review for more detail such as size and how much seed it holds.

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