gave

The host gift that actually gets used

Short answer: A hostess gift should be used rather than take up space in a cupboard. Towels, socks and small textiles for the home are among the gifts most often put to use, because they replace something people would buy anyway.

Useful rather than decorative

What gets used is what gets remembered. Ornaments often end up in a drawer, because taste is personal and space is limited. A set of towels or a pair of good socks, on the other hand, is used every week, and each time the giver is remembered a little. That makes the practical gift the most personal one.

Towels

Towels are one of the safest hostess gifts, because everyone uses them every day. Choose a neutral colour such as white, grey or sand so they suit most bathrooms. A guest towel and a bath towel in the same colour make a gift that looks good and gets used. See bamboo towels.

Bed linen

Bed linen is a bigger gift, but one that is used every night. It suits a housewarming or a visit where the gift can be a little more. Check whether the duvet size is standard, or choose a set the recipient can exchange if it does not fit. See bamboo bed linen.

Socks

Socks are a small gift that always gets used. They take up no space, and most people need new ones during the year anyway. Choose a neutral colour and a common size, or give a pack with several pairs for everyday wear. See all bamboo socks for women.

Avoid sizes

Gifts without a size are the safest choice when you do not know the recipient well. Clothes in the wrong size are either exchanged or put away, which is not a great start for a hostess gift. Towels, washcloths and socks in a standard size almost always work. Find more suggestions in Christmas gift ideas.

Neutral colours

A muted colour suits more people than a bold pattern. You rarely know the host's interior in detail, and a neutral colour means the gift fits in whatever the style. White, grey, sand and navy are safe choices that are seldom exchanged.

For the kitchen and bathroom

Washcloths and small towels are used every day and take up no space. That makes them a gift that suits almost any home, however it is decorated. Wrap them neatly with a ribbon and the gift is ready. See home and homewear in bamboo.

When to choose something bigger

For a milestone birthday or a housewarming, many people expect a little more than a small gift. A set of bed linen or several towels can be fitting here. For an ordinary dinner, a small gift is right, so the host does not feel obliged.

Caring for the gift

A textile gift lasts longest when it is washed correctly. You can add a small note with the care instructions: 40 degrees, no fabric softener and preferably air drying. See the washing guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good hostess gift?

Something that gets used, such as towels, washcloths or socks. They do not take up space in a cupboard and replace something the host would buy anyway.