The holiday season often means endless holiday parties to attend. Our rule of thumb is to never arrive to any soiree empty handed, and while a bottle of bubbly is always a safe bet, it’s nice to go above and beyond with something personal and special. Read on for our best holiday host gifts under $50 to get you inspired (we have a feeling you might end up adding these to your holiday wishlist, too).
Wabanaki Maple Barrel Aged Bourbon Maple Syrup
What better way for your host to wake up the morning after their party than with this luxe bottle of maple syrup? Whether it’s swirled into their morning latte or drizzled over a stack of pancakes, it’s a thoughtful host gift that also happens to be from an Indigenous women-owned business located on the Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation) reserve in New Brunswick.
Seedlip Grove 42 - Non-Alcoholic Spirit
We’re guessing your holiday host already has a well-stocked bar cart, but there’s one spirit they may be missing: a non-alcoholic one! This delightful option from Seedlip has notes of blood orange, lemon and ginger and will be a great addition for festive non-alcohol cocktails and Dry January drinks alike. For an extra thoughtful touch, pair it with a nice bottle of tonic water and dried orange peels so they have a non-alcoholic cocktail that’s ready to serve immediately.
Related: Glitzy Non-Alcoholic Drinks to Serve at Your Holiday Bash
Chandler Honey Holiday Small Bundle
Featuring organic raw Canadian honey in three special-edition holiday flavours including Gingerbread, Apple Pie, and Creamy Chai, this holiday gift pack is a sweet way to say thanks to your host for a festive evening. Whether it’s stirred into their tea the next morning for a festive sip or added to their next charcuterie spread, it’s a gluten-free, organic, nut-free, dairy-free gift that also has a long shelf life.
Eataly Pistachio Panettone
This best-selling pistachio panettone from Eataly is sure to put a smile on their face! Whether they enjoy it the next morning as a simple holiday party hangover breakfast or they save it for Christmas morning, its rich and nutty flavours will pair perfectly with their favourite cup of coffee or tea. If you can’t visit Eataly’s Toronto location yourself, you’re in luck: it ships nationwide.
Related: Our Top Picks from Eataly Canada
Nk'Mip Cellars Talon Wine
The wine lover in your life will surely appreciate that this bottle comes from North America’s first Indigenous winery. Named for the mythical Thunderbird, Talon has aromas and flavours of raspberry, blueberry, anise, pepper and a hint of chocolate. In short: it’ll pair perfectly with dessert – bonus points for pairing it with a nice bar of chocolate.
BAGGU Printed Oven Mitt
If your host’s kitchen is anything like ours, their oven mitts are probably stained and worn from lots of use. Gift them one of these delightfully funky oven mitts for a simple upgrade that will give their kitchen a fun, colourful upgrade that they’re sure to use ASAP.
Nordic Ware Wildflower Loaf Pan
Nobody makes better bakeware than Nordic Ware, and we have a feeling this is one pan your host won’t already have in their cupboard. Beautifully adorned with flowers and ferns, it has a 6 cup capacity and makes for a delightfully decorated loaf cake with minimal effort. If your holiday host loves to bake, this is the perfect thing to gift them.
Related: Our Baking Expert Reveals 10 Baking Supplies You Can’t Live Without
Purdys North Pole Salted Caramels
Yes, these chocolates are really topped with flaky sea salt from the North Pole! Adults and kiddos alike will appreciate these creamy salted caramel chocolates made with sustainable cocoa from Canadian chocolatier Purdys. The sprinkles of Arctic sea salt on top bring out the rich, buttery notes of the caramel and the creamy cocoa notes of the milk chocolate that coats it for the perfect bite.
Classic Cookbook Recipe Stand
Made of 100% natural acacia wood, this cookbook recipe stand is so functional for the home cook in your life! It fits standard cookbooks and the handy front lip keeps pages from turning, so they can cook their favourite recipes with ease. Plus, the easel in the back easily folds flat for simple storage, although we love the idea of keeping it on the countertop. For an extra special gift, pair it with one of these inspiring cookbooks by Black authors.
Go-To Dinners: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook by Ina Garten
Speaking of cookbooks: A cookbook is always a fail-safe gift for the foodie in your life, and this new one from Food Network’s beloved host Ina Garten is sure to be well received. From Overnight Mac and Cheese to Tuscan White Bean Soup, Ina shares her strategies and recipes for making her most satisfying and uncomplicated dinners. How easy is that?