Looking for a hostess gift that feels personal (and not last-minute)? We've curated thoughtful picks from small US brands—many women- and veteran-owned—so you can say "thank you" with taste. From craft coffee and maple syrup to clean-burning candles and heirloom linens, these ideas travel well, fit a range of budgets, and will actually get used after the feast.
Gifts Under $25
Perfect for casual gatherings, coworker potlucks, or when you want to bring something thoughtful without breaking the bank.
Jacobsen Salt Co. Pure Flake Finishing Salt (4 oz)
Hand-harvested from the cold waters off the Oregon coast, these delicate salt flakes add the perfect finishing touch to everything from roasted vegetables to chocolate desserts. Sustainable harvesting, beautiful glass jar.
Bluecorn Beeswax Pillar Candle 3″×6″
100% pure beeswax pillar candle handmade in Colorado. Burns clean with subtle honey scent, 70+ hours burn time. Naturally purifies air by releasing negative ions.
Blake Hill Preserves "Naked Strawberry" Jam (10.4 oz)
Award-winning Vermont jam made in small batches using only fruit, sugar, and pectin. Pure fruit flavor without artificial additives.
Bee's Wrap Assorted 3-Pack (S/M/L)
Reusable beeswax food wraps made in Vermont from organic cotton, beeswax, jojoba oil, and tree resin. B-Corp certified, sustainable alternative to plastic wrap.
$25–$50 Favorites
Premium gourmet goods, elevated home essentials, and artisan finds that feel truly special.
Runamok Organic Maple Syrup "Sugarmaker's Cut" (375 mL)
Grade A Dark Vermont maple syrup—first run of the season with robust flavor. USDA Organic, sustainably tapped, beautiful glass bottle packaging.
Raaka Chocolate "Best Sellers" Trio (3×1.8 oz bars)
Unroasted "virgin" chocolate bars from Brooklyn with bold, fruity flavors. Organic, vegan, direct-trade, bean-to-bar. Single-origin cacao sourced directly from farmers.
P.F. Candle Co. "Amber & Moss" Soy Candle (12.5 oz)
Hand-poured in California with 100% soy wax and phthalate-free fragrance oils. Earthy sage, warm amber, hints of lavender. 60-70 hour burn time.
HONEST WEAVE Organic Cotton Kitchen Towels (6-pack)
GOTS-certified organic cotton towels free from pesticides, bleach, and harsh chemicals. Absorbent, quick-drying, gets softer with every wash.
Brightland EVOO "ALIVE" (12.7 oz)
California extra virgin olive oil from single farm. Woman-founded, cold-pressed, fresh-pressed, UV-protective glass bottle. Bright, peppery flavor profile.
Splurge-Worthy ($50+)
Investment pieces that make lasting impressions and become kitchen heirlooms.
Virginia Boys Kitchens Black Walnut Cutting Board (17×11)
Handcrafted in Virginia from sustainably harvested American black walnut. Each board features unique grain patterns. Hand-rubbed with food-safe mineral oil.
Fellow Stagg EKG Pro Gooseneck Kettle (0.9 L)
Precision electric kettle from San Francisco. Temperature control (135°F–212°F), precision pour spout, built-in brew timer. Perfect for pour-over coffee enthusiasts.
How to Present It: One-Minute Upgrades
1. Add a Handwritten Note with Brand Story
Include one line about the brand's values: "This candle is from a woman-owned company in California" or "This cutting board is handmade by a veteran-owned business in Virginia." Shows thoughtfulness beyond the product.
2. Bundle Two Small Items with Twine
Pair jam + tea towel, maple syrup + salt, or beeswax wrap + candle. Tie with natural twine or ribbon, tuck in a sprig of rosemary or dried lavender.
3. Include a Recipe Card
Give your gift immediate utility: maple-roasted carrots (for syrup), herb-crusted turkey (for finishing salt), or baked brie with jam (for preserves).
FAQs
What's an appropriate amount to spend on a Thanksgiving hostess gift?
$20–$50 is typical for a Thanksgiving hostess gift. For multi-day stays or very close friends and family, you might spend more ($50-$100+). The thought and presentation often matter more than the price tag.
Should I bring wine as a hostess gift, or something else?
Wine is always appreciated, but consider pairing it with a non-alcohol option like gourmet maple syrup, artisan jam, or specialty tea. This ensures all guests can enjoy the gift, and gives the host something they can use beyond the meal. Food gifts are especially thoughtful for hosts who don't drink or are serving guests with dietary restrictions.
Shop by Values
Use OriginSelect's filtering system to discover more gifts from brands that align with your values: Women-Owned (Brightland, P.F. Candle Co.), Veteran-Owned (Virginia Boys Kitchens), Organic (Runamok, Honest Weave), Eco-Friendly (Bee's Wrap, Bluecorn Beeswax), B-Corp Certified companies meeting highest ethical standards.
Affiliate Disclosure
This post contains affiliate links to Amazon. When you make a purchase through these links, OriginSelect may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our platform and keep it free for users to discover values-driven brands. We only recommend products from brands that meet our verification standards for values like women-owned, veteran-owned, organic, eco-friendly, and small-batch production. Product prices and availability on Amazon may change after publication.
Last updated: November 4, 2025