Amazing Hostess Gifts for $100 or less...

As a houseguest, I always agonize over appropriate hostess gifts, and I’ve been thinking about them basically nonstop this summer. I’m always desperately trying for something that’s thoughtful, chic…and of course, within my budget. (I respect what Martha Stewart does as much as the next person, but unfortunately, I’m not at all crafty, and I cannot cook.) So, to cut my pre-trip stress time to a minimum I created a go-to list of present ideas for when I’m staying with friends, relatives, and even my boyfriend’s parents. I put together a few of my favorites below in case you may be stumped too. I hope it’s helpful!

Coasters from John Derian
John Derian makes gorgeous decoupage, and they have coasters with everything from bees to shells to butterflies. Love.
$100/set

Handmade Lucite Trays from Iomoi
They’re bright and festive, and the best part is, you can add up to three lines of text or monogramming.
$100

A Book on Fashion Illustration
Just about everyone one loves chic fashion illustration prints, so why not buy a beautiful coffee table book on the subject? Try Drawing Fashion: The Art of Kenneth Paul Block by Susan Mulcahy, or Fashion Illustration by Fashion Designers by Laird Hamilton.
About $65, although prices vary.

Faux-Shagreen Pencils from Dransfield & Ross
Real shagreen can be crazy-expensive, but these are just as chic. Even better, they come in a variety of colors—orange, green, charcoal, and mushroom.
$26

A Magazine Subscription
Let’s face it, magazines could use new readers these days, and you can give a gift that keeps on giving year-round by ordering a subscription to one of your host’s favorite glossies. They run from about $12-$60, depending on what you order. You simply present the first issue wrapped in gorgeous paper, and explain they’ll keep on coming for the next 11 months! Some favorites: Elle Décor, The Week, and Women’s Health.

A Glass Pitcher from William Wayne
You can never have too many pitchers for Pimm’s and soda or a cool glass of lemonade, right? I love basically everything from William Wayne. If you’re not into the idea of a pitcher, you could always just check out their site for other ideas!
$75

A Bottle of Wine from Sherry-Lehman
Okay, admittedly wine isn’t the most creative gift, but when you’re staying with someone who loves to booze, bringing (or sending) a good bottle never hurts. When in doubt, I go with a Silver Oak or Stag’s Leap. (Disclaimer: I know next to nothing about wine!)

Jo Malone Candles
Decadent candles are something many people wouldn’t invest in for themselves, but they’d absolutely love to receive one as a gift. My favorite Jo Malone scent? Grapefruit, hands down.
$65

Flowers from Belle Fleur
If you flail on buying a hostess gift before your trip, Belle Fleur’s flowers are the perfect post-visit present. You can choose from a variety of color palettes and rest assured that they will never, ever send anything remotely cheesy.
$85 and up

A Personalized Letter Embosser from Fine Stationary
I have one of these, and I use it all the time. If you don’t know their exact address, try just the first letter of their last name.
$48-$60

Something for the Family Dog
If your host is a dog owner, you pretty much can’t go wrong with treats for the beloved household pet. My only advice would be to go organic, and don’t forget some cute wrapping! If you’re worried the pooch may have some sort of allergy, go with a needlepoint dog collar from Smathers & Branson.
$75

by Guest Blogger: Molly of Red Riley

{images via MS}