I started doing a gift guide here on Pop.Bop.Shop. back in 2013. Traditionally, I would begin the week-long series on Cyber Monday, but this year there are so many shipping delays and products on back order that I wanted to get an early start.
Before we dive into today's theme, I want to make one plea: please be patient with small business owners. They are not Amazon. They do not have Amazon's logistics team or fleet of drivers all over the country. These independent businesses are often just one or two people packing every single box. Order early, expect a slower timeline, and pretty please - be kind.
With that, let's begin!
Today's gifts are all about hosting at home this holiday season. I know this year is going to be very different. Many people are staying home solo or celebrating in very small groups. No matter your plan, you can still make things festive.
To me, sweet treats are necessary part of any celebration. Gift or serve this addicting peppermint pop sensation from Stonewall Kitchen, which is a mix of caramel popcorn, crushed candy canes and pretzel pieces drizzled with dark and white Belgian chocolate.
Burning candles at this time of year makes any room feel cozier. Last year, I was gifted this Voluspa candle duo and I was completely obsessed with it. Not only are the glass candle holders beautiful, but the scents make you feel like a professional baker is whipping up confections in your kitchen.
My favorite candle on earth is the Monmartre scent from Vessel Candle Co. The business is owned by two women and is based right here in Watertown, MA. This candle smells like the most intoxicating baked good. The description reads, "a blend of coffee, maple butter, nutmeg, fresh orange, coconut and a cocoa base."
When I host, I love to put out snacks in small bowls - olives, nuts, candies. I think these "just a pinch" bowls are adorable and make such a fun (and delightfully inexpensive) gift.
What party is complete without a cheese board? This year, Crate & Barrel is offering a set that includes a round board and three knives, all with copper accents.
It's one thing to serve bread with dinner, it's quite another to serve bread with oil for dipping. It makes any feast feel fancier, no matter how many people are around the table. Score this great set from Williams Sonoma with two oils and two dishes for dipping.
And speaking of fancy, up level any gathering with these gold accented cocktail glasses. These come in a set of four.
Over the last few years, I started bringing poppers to my parents' house for big family meals. We put one at every place setting and when everyone first sits down, we crack them open. The paper crowns tend to be the biggest hit (and make for great photos!). I love this champagne-themed set, perfect for New Year's Eve!
If you're looking for even more hostess gift ideas, check out the guides from previous years:
- Holiday Gift Guide 2014: For The Hostess
- Holiday Gift Guide 2015: For The Hostess
- Holiday Gift Guide 2016: For The Hostess
- Holiday Gift Guide 2017: For The Hostess
- Holiday Gift Guide 2018: For The Hostess
- Holiday Gift Guide 2019: For The Hostess
I'll be back tomorrow with a list of gifts to wow your best friend!
*Cover image courtesy of Unsplash. All other images courtesy of vendors.
