Hip Hostess Gifts

By KATEB 07.17.2008 imt

August is the month when Europeans flee their stifling city abodes for the chic, cool, breezes of the Mediterranean. In fact, the entire EU nearly shuts down for a few weeks for the traditional summer vacation. In the US, we have a similar tradition, though we don’t have quite the same luxury of 3 weeks away from our jobs.

With gas prices at ridiculous levels, we are all trying to find ways to save a few dollars. One of the best ways to save a few bucks on summer travel is to choose your destination based on who has a spare bedroom! After all, when you are on holiday, there is so little time spent in a hotel room, you might as well take advantage the opportunity to spend some time with those far flung friends you rarely have a chance to see.

While the room may be free, you can’t forget the always-important hostess gift. And, since I am headed to New York City this weekend to visit a friend of mine from graduate school, I decided to do a little sleuthing for some unconventional, yet affordable hostess gifts to offer her and her husband at the end of my stay. I particularly love the Skylark Tray, $65, (above) from Elsewares.com.

If in doubt, always give a good bottle of wine, or offer to purchase groceries for a nice homemade dinner one night. Either way, you are saving a significant amount of $ instead of spending it on an expensive hotel room!

While I have chosen some of my favorites, every one of these websites has a plethora of imaginative and quirky hostess gifts. I know you will find one that fits the personality and lifestyle needs of your hosts!

For the Tea Aficionado
Eva Solo’s Tea Brewer
APlusStore.com
$98.00
Designed to accommodate several types of loose tea, this gorgeous silhouette comes with a knitwear sleeve to keep your beverage warm.

For the Comedienne
Pick Your Nose Party Cups
FredFlare.com
$12.00
This set of cups is one of my favorite presents. They are perfect for those who love to throw parties and inject a little humor into their lives. The price includes 24 12oz cups with 12 different nose personalities. They definitely explain themselves!

For the Not-So-Green-Thumb
Flower Pot
Charles & Marie
$25.00
These little rubber pots by Komplat Design are perfect for those who need an injection of green into their spaces. The best part!? There is no spilled dirt, and if it falls to the floor, the rubber container doesn’t break. A tightly sealed lid is the trick.

For the Hip Gourmet
Mono Giro Apple Slicer
Fitzsu.com
$34.00
A very cool and updated version of the traditional apple slicer, simply lay it on top of the apple and turn easily into a perfect spiral. Apple pie anyone?

For the Winos
Round Anna Decanter
$134
Bark.com
This stunning mouth-blown crystal piece is truly a beautiful gift for someone who loves their high-priced red wine. Who knows, maybe they will bring out one of their best bottles to christen the latest addition to their wine wares!