It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through December. As the festive season kicks into high gear, ‘tis the season for parties and gatherings with family and friends. Today’s post has eco-friendly hostess gift ideas that are the perfect way to thank your host or hostess for their hospitality.

Originally published in December 2019.

The etiquette of hostess gifts

After two years of scaled-back Christmas celebrations due to pandemic restrictions, it’s wonderful to see a return to more normal holiday gatherings. Although a hostess gift isn’t mandatory, it’s always nice to bring a little something to thank your host or hostess for their hospitality instead of showing up empty-handed.

As with many social situations, there are etiquette guidelines for hostess gift giving. The Etiquette School of America suggests you discretely hand the gift to your host upon arrival, and that the host not open the gift in front of other guests so as not to embarrass those who didn’t bring a gift.

They also suggest that, when gifting food or beverage items, it’s a good idea to make it clear you don’t expect the hostess to serve the item with the meal.  

12 eco-friendly hostess gift ideas

As I have with much of my gift giving, I usually turn to consumables or other low-waste gifts to show my appreciation. Here are 12 eco-friendly hostess gift ideas for your upcoming festivities.

• Homemade cookies in a festive reusable tin
• Gourmet truffles or handmade chocolates in a glass jar or reusable box
• Handmade soaps
• A gift certificates for a favourite store or restaurant
• Soy or beeswax candles
• Seasonal tea towels
• Potted plants or flowers
• A loaf of fresh homemade bread
• A selection of olive oil in glass bottles
• Coffee or loose-leaf tea in a tin or glass jar
• Homemade jam or other preserves
• Finally, you can’t go wrong with a nice bottle of wine. If your host or hostess isn’t a wine drinker, opt for some out-of-the-ordinary craft beer or cider instead.

Let’s keep in touch! Join my mailing list and I’ll email you when I add a new post.

More ways to reduce waste this Christmas

If you’re looking for more ideas to reduce the environmental impact of your holiday celebrations, you might be interested in these posts:

• 33 great ideas for sustainable stocking stuffers
• Creative gift ideas for people who don’t want more stuff
• Regifting rules. When it makes sense and how to do it right!
• This Christmas, give experiences instead of things

I wish you a holiday season filled with joy, laughter and good times with loved ones. Whether your Christmas gatherings are close to home or in faraway destinations, stay safe and healthy!

Have you given or received a creative low-waste hostess gift that we could add to this list? Tell us about it below.