The 9 Best Host and Hostess Gift Ideas from the Grocery Store

From casual fall dinner parties to family holiday meals to impromptu apple cider or bourbon sipping gatherings, the season of merrymaking is upon us. As with any gift giving, bringing the host an offering is a thoughtful gesture that all too many times can be an afterthought. Luckily, finding the perfect gift at the last minute is easy since there are so many options for the discerning gift giver at Whole Foods Market. Here are a few of our favorites:

Photo: west elm

  • Whole Foods Market has teamed up with west elm and Guatemalan textile group, The New Denim Project on a collection of cotton table linens and accessories (shown above) made with upcycled denim. $1 of each item purchased benefits Whole Planet Foundation opens in a new tab®, helping alleviate poverty in Guatemala and around the world. (Available in Whole Foods Market Stores and oline at westelm.com opens in a new tab.) 

  • Give gift cards that give back. Find gift cards for top brands at U.S. Whole Foods Market stores. Bonus: 1% of all partner gift card sales directly support Whole Kids Foundation opens in a new tab®.

  • Instead of flowers that require a host to find a vase while busily greeting guests, consider a rosemary topiary or other already potted plant.

  • Fridge space can be a hot commodity at party o’clock, so reach for non-perishable items like soaps from the Whole Body department, seasonal pancake mix or festive charcuterie and cheese plate accouterments like crackers or jam.

  • Does the host follow a special diet? Check out the store for fun, seasonal flavors (like gluten-free crackers or vegan cookies) that they may not have tried yet.

  • Help hosts unwind after the shindig with the perfectly selected bottle of wine. With our Top 10 holiday wine program, find the perfect bottle for the host who loves wine-of-the-moment whites and sparklers, to elegant and old-world reds. Red lovers will also love this year’s release of Beaujolais. Bring a bottle for the party and one for the after party.

  • Make a non-perishable breakfast basket for an easy, tasty breakfast hosts can throw together the next day for themselves and any overnight guests. Think pancake mix, muffin mix, granola, or bread and Whole Foods Market™ Organic Spiced Cranberry Preserve.​

  • Sometimes the after-party cleanup can dampen the holiday spirit. Keep it alive through New Years with Paddywax Yuletide Holiday Candles, Whole Foods Market™ Deep Moisture Hand Cream Trio in seasonal scents or Global Girlfriend Ornaments. 

  • Whether the party beverages are bottles and bottles of wine or simple ciders, many hosts may be worn out the morning after. Gift some delicious coffee beans or tea for a warming boost.

    For even more holiday inspiration, visit the Whole Foods Market holiday headquarters for recipes, menus, gift ideas and more to help you outdo yourself.

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