5 Zero Waste Hostess Gifts

I’m a firm believer in a good hostess gift, a nice thank you for being invited over to someone’s home for dinner or attending a party. Nonetheless, I am also a firm believer that the gift you decide to bring should be something of practical use, not something that you will find sitting on their shelf, still unused, at the next get together.

Therefore, something reusable or ideally zero waste is ideal when it comes to these occasions. Here is my list of go-to zero waste hostess gifts that will not only be useful but also appreciated.

Wine

I love bringing wine to events. It’s simple yet thoughtful and who doesn’t love a free bottle of wine at the door? Make sure to check out your local farmers market to see if there is any locally made and sold wine. Plus it’s always a fun time to explore new wine with close friends.

Fresh Bread

Who doesn't love fresh baked bread? You can head to your local bakery and pick out your preferred loaf, bringing a cloth bag to keep it completely zero waste and fresh! Paired with some butter or oil, this is always a hit.

Flowers/Plants

Flowers or a potted plant are my absolute go-to when it comes to party gifts. I tend to opt for the plastic free, fresh cut flowers from my local farmer’s market, even adding in some of my own from my garden. Being that flowers are usually a little wet towards the end of the stem, I like to wrap them in a sheet of folded newspaper to provide both a holder and rustic feel.

Not only are they a great zero-waste option but they also are able to be a continued centerpiece or even houseplant depending on what you pick up. I also love picking up some potted herbs, a nice basil or mint plant that the hostess is able to both use in the kitchen and also brighten up their home.

Bring a dish, give the vessel

Know what’s better than showing up with a delicious appetizer or home cooked dish to a party? Serving it in a beautiful dish that the hostess is able to keep and reuse again and again in their own cooking and future events! Even if you aren't bringing food to the party, serving dishes, cutting boards, a nice pitcher are always a fun and appreciated way to show your gratitude.

Sharing is Caring

It is always fun to bring something that you have made yourself, try including some of your favorite things such as teas, jams or compotes, cookies, or even homemade fudge! Whatever your speciality is, I’m sure they'll love it!