The holiday season brings plenty of reasons to celebrate, and whether you’re heading to a friend’s cocktail party, a family gathering, or a cozy dinner, showing up with a thoughtful host or hostess gift is a must. But instead of the usual bottle of wine or generic scented candle, why not get a little more creative this year? A personalized, thoughtful gift will not only show your appreciation but will also make your contribution stand out.
Here are the top hostess/host gift ideas this holiday season
These are ten unique and festive ideas for holiday host or hostess gifts, including some creative ways to customize the gifts for that extra special touch.
1. Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Port Wine Barrels cocktail kit
Instead of simply gifting a bottle of Angel’s Envy Bourbon Finished in Port Barrels, Canada’s number one super premium Bourbon, elevate your gift by creating a cocktail kit. Include all the ingredients needed to make a signature holiday cocktail, like the Bourbon Bubbles or Bour-quito. Pair the bottle with fresh citrus, simple syrups, garnishes, and even a handwritten recipe card.
Pro tip: You can also include glassware, some coasters and a cocktail shaker set to really round out the kit. Your host will appreciate both the thoughtful gift and the effort that went into it!
2. Cheeseboard and charcuterie pairing with Angel’s Envy Rye Whiskey Finished in Caribbean Rum Casks
Make your Angel’s Envy Rye Whiskey Finished in Rum Casks gift even more memorable by pairing it with a pre-made cheese and charcuterie board from your local grocery store or specialty shop. The rich, spicy flavours of the rye pair beautifully with bold cheeses, cured meats, and dried fruits, creating a complete experience.
Pro tip: Include a note suggesting they pair a bourbon-forward cocktail with the board during their holiday gathering for a perfect match. You can also add some crackers, olives, or nuts to the gift, but it all starts with a cheeseboard and theres a wide variety of options out there.
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3. DIY hot chocolate kit
There’s nothing more comforting in winter than a mug of hot chocolate, especially when it’s spiked! Put together a luxurious DIY hot chocolate kit, complete with high-quality cocoa, marshmallows, and a small bottle of Angel’s Envy Bourbon Finished in Port Barrels. Include fun toppings like crushed peppermint, cinnamon sticks, or chocolate shavings to take it up a notch. If you prefer a warm coffee during the winter months, you should try the Angel’s Envy Kentucky Coffee.
Pro tip: Add festive mugs to the package, and suggest they try a boozy hot chocolate with bourbon to warm up their holiday evening.
4. Customizable cocktail napkins or coasters
Every great party has one thing in common—thoughtful little details that make a big impact. Custom cocktail napkins or coasters add a personal touch to your host’s next gathering. You can design them with a holiday theme or opt for something that represents their personality (Vistaprint has some great options). These small but meaningful gifts will help your host add a bit of flair to their parties.
Pro tip: Include a handwritten note with your favourite cocktail recipe to inspire their future gatherings. You could even print the recipe on the napkins or coasters for an extra special touch.
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5. Homemade candied nuts with a bourbon twist
If you enjoy baking or cooking, consider making homemade candied nuts with a splash of Angel’s Envy Bourbon Finished in Port Barrels. This sweet and savoury treat is easy to make and pairs perfectly with a glass of Whiskey or as part of a charcuterie board.
Recipe idea: Toast your favourite nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts), then coat them in a mixture of Bourbon, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt before baking. Package the nuts in a mason jar with a festive ribbon for a delicious and thoughtful gift.
6. A stylish bar cart accessory
For the host who loves to entertain, a stylish addition to their bar cart is always a welcome gift. Think along the lines of a sleek bottle opener, an elegant jigger, or a chic set of Whiskey stones. These accessories not only look great on display but are functional for all those holiday parties (CB2 has some great decanter options and more).
Pro tip: If you’re gifting any of the Angel’s Envy Finished Whiskeys, include a set of Whiskey glasses or a decanter for a complete holiday bar setup.
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7. Cocktail syrup trio
If your host loves to make cocktails, consider gifting them a set of unique cocktail syrups to experiment with. Look for holiday-inspired flavours like gingerbread, cinnamon, or cranberry. Pair this with Angel’s Envy Bourbon Finished in Port Barrels for a gift that lets them create their own custom cocktails at their next party.
Pro tip: Include a recipe booklet or suggest mixing the syrups with bourbon for a holiday Old Fashioned twist.
8. Scented candles
Scented candles may seem like a common host gift, but you can make yours stand out by choosing a fragrance that complements the holiday season, like Bourbon and oak, spiced apple, or cinnamon. Look for high-quality, hand-poured candles in beautiful jars that can double as decor. Some of my favourites are from JoMalone London.
Pro tip: Attach a note suggesting the candle be lit when serving a bourbon cocktail like the Angel’s Envy Old Fashioned for a cozy, aromatic vibe.
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9. Holiday playlist subscription or custom vinyl
For the music-loving host, curate a holiday playlist subscription or, if you’re feeling nostalgic, create a custom vinyl record of holiday classics or their favourite songs. Music sets the mood for any gathering, and your host will appreciate the thoughtful gesture.
Pro tip: Pair this with a bottle of Angel’s Envy Finished Whiskeys and suggest the playlist as the perfect soundtrack for sipping Bourbon by the fire. You could even name the playlist after the cocktail you’ve gifted them!
With these creative ideas, you’ll go beyond the typical host gift and bring something unique and thoughtful to the table. Whether you’re gifting a bottle of Angel’s Envy Finished Whiskeys with a personalized twist or offering something that adds a festive touch to their home, these gifts are sure to leave a lasting impression. But no matter what, always drink responsibly.
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Editor’s note: *Prices may vary, and subject to change without notice. Photos: All courtesy of Angel's Envy, with some minor AI adjustments by our design team.
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