It’s hard being a host during the holiday season, so be sure to offer a gift that shows the proper appreciation.
Jo Malone Christmas Cracker
Surprise your lucky hostess this holiday season with the Jo Malone Christmas Cracker set, decked out in a festive harlequin design. The cracker comes filled with a trio of Jo Malone scents: mimosa-and-cardamom body cream, basil-and-neroli cologne, and blackberry-and-bay body and hand wash. Priced at $45, available at Nordstrom or through jomalone.com.
Sugarfina Shake It Up
We love the whimsical and functional cocktail shaker in the Shake It Up gift set from Sugarfina. The shaker comes filled with chocolate-covered almonds in the guise of martini olives. Priced at $40, available at Neiman Marcus.
Avion Reserva 44
You’ll easily exceed favorite guest status when you waltz in with a bottle of Avion Reserva 44. The 44 refers to the number of months that the tequila has aged in oak barrels. Hand-bottled in limited batches, Avion Reserva 44 will be appreciated by the connoisseur who knows a stellar spirit. Priced at $150, and available at major liquor stores.
Rabbit Champagne set
The Rabbit Velvet Champagne set comes with everything needed to effortlessly pop that festive cork while keeping the bottle of bubbly fresh and sparkling down to the last sip — even days later. It includes sturdy solid zinc pliers and a sealer cap, both of which are clad in an elegant champagne finish. Available for $30 at crateandbarrel.com.
Beer Cap Maps
If your host is big on beer and geography, then you won't go wrong with the clever Beer Cap Maps. Cut from wood into the shape of the USA, this map displays collected bottle caps from sea to shining sea — perfect for your host's man cave or office. Priced at $75 at beercapmaps.com.
Sweet Treats by M
Sweet Treats by M is a home-based cottage food bakery turning out an eclectic mix of cakes, cookies and cupcakes from its Dallas, Ga., kitchen. If you're looking for the ideal edible hostess gift, look no further than myriad decorated cookies, French macarons ranging in flavors from rose to Earl Grey, and custom cakes. Prices depend on quantity selected. Available through sweettreatsbym.com.
See’s Candies
Your hostess will thank you when you visit with a box of See’s chocolates. While fans on the West Coast can enjoy these year-round, those in Georgia usually only get to sample See’s locally during the holidays, starting around the first week of November. Consider the pretty Christmas Memories box of favorites, including brittles, truffles, nuts and chews. The box sells for $35.30, and you’ll find See’s Candies kiosks at Perimeter Mall, North Point Mall, Mall of Georgia and Town Center Mall.
Wine with personalized labels
Sure, anyone can bring a bottle of wine as a gift, but you can make yours a bit more personal with custom labels from Josh Cellars. These labels are free, and you can order them through joshcellars.com. Wine prices start around $11, and Josh wines are available in most local supermarkets and some wine shops.
Diffuse exotic scents
Satisfy both host and hostess with the lush Oojra Thai jasmine bamboo essential oil reed diffuser gift set. Made with high-quality, long-lasting essential oils, the set includes a handsome glass decanter and black reed sticks. The fragrance should last for three months or more. Priced at $44.99, available from amazon.com.
Baby goat tote
Whether you fill it up with treats or simply offer it in its natural state, this adorable "comin' round the corner" tote bag featuring Farmer John's newborn goat kids by Beekman 1802 will be cherished for years. The canvas bag with black ink drawing is made in the U.S., and measures 21.5 inches high and 16 inches tall. Available for $30 through beekman1802.com.
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