Top 11 Thanksgiving Host Gifts

Wine is the classic host gift. You can never have enough wine in the cabinet or cellar. I repeat, you can never have enough wine in the cabinet or cellar. Both whites and reds can accompany a Thanksgiving dinner, so buy a few bottles of both. Throw in a corkscrew or cocktail napkins to make this gift more substantial.

Kitchens can always use new linens. They get stained and soiled quickly, and they're not an item home cooks tend to buy for themselves. For inspiration, start by thinking about the color of your host's kitchen, colors that they like to wear, or linens that you may have seen in their home already. That will give you an idea of what types of linens to buy.

Flowers are a lovely pick-me-up for anyone who receives them. However, your host may already have her floral arrangements planned for the big event. One idea is to consider sending them the next day or the following week as a post-party thank you. If you'd rather bring them on the actual day of Thanksgiving, call the host in advance and let her know that you'd like to bring a bouquet. If she does want a centerpiece or a bouquet for her front hall, find out where she'll place the flowers and the colors she prefers. They'll surely add a festive feel to Thanksgiving dinner.

Dinner is up to the host, but dessert can be on you. First, ask in advance if it's OK if you bring dessert and if the host would like you to bring a pie, cake, or even a tray of candy, fruit, and/or chocolates. It doesn't matter if you make the item yourself — taking some of the responsibility and pressure off of the host is a wonderful Thanksgiving gift.

Give your Thanksgiving host some new accessories to use for entertaining. For example, a decanter, wine glasses, or a wine chiller that comes replete with snacks are all thank you presents that the host is likely never to splurge on for themself. Does the host love beer? Personalized mason jar glasses are a unique take on a beer mug.

Homeowners might skip the splurge on pretty soaps and hand lotion sets, but they are a nice treat to have in the guest bathroom. Go with a universal fragrance, like lavender or orange, or any scent that won't be overwhelming for the nose. Fall- and winter-inspired scents can be an homage to the season and are a way to “decorate" the bath for the holidays.

How nice would it be to not think about feeding people again the day after hosting Thanksgiving, especially if the host is welcoming guests from out of town for an overnight? Breakfast basket ideas could include baked goods such as cinnamon rolls, juices, even sausage biscuit sandwiches, and coffee cake! Indulge your host with fine coffee or tea and they can even use them to accompany the post-Thanksgiving dessert time.

After accomplishing the feat of hosting Thanksgiving dinner for family and friends, the host needs some time to wind down. Send them a spa kit containing bath salts, soap, lotion, essential oils, lip balm, a mask, a loofah, and a candle — or any combination of personal care items. Pop in a gift certificate for a massage or a nail treatment if it's a group gift.

Plants keep giving for weeks, months — sometimes even years. (Some even bring you good luck!) They will remind the recipient of you every time the host waters them. Herb plants have additional bonuses for their scent and are great to help the cook flavor their meals. A money tree, succulent, or herb container are all special greens to brighten the host's home.

People don't tend to put pen to paper in our digital age. A thoughtfully written note on beautiful stationery or a greeting card mailed to the recipient will bring a smile to their face when picking up the daily stash from the mailbox. A note of gratitude detailing what you love about the person and their celebration may be more meaningful to them than any tangible item.

Every Thanksgiving host will appreciate an offer of assistance. Taking on the responsibility of cooking for a large group can be overwhelming, so any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated — just be sure to abide by the host's wishes, so ask where you might be needed. If it's a family gathering, a promise to help on the day after Thanksgiving by cutting down the Christmas tree, hanging lights, cleaning and organizing the garage, taking boxes of decorations down from the attic, and raking leaves — all could be a relief to the host. Many hands make light work.