Unique gifts to bring a party host/hostess
 Chances are, you’ve got at least one Christmas-themed knick-knack -- a Santa Claus mug, an oversized candy cane or a bag of Eggnog-flavoured coffee -- cluttering up your home.
You’d love to get rid of it, but unfortunately, you feel too guilty to chuck it.
Most people don’t want to be a part of the vicious generic-holiday-present cycle, but we often gaff on a gift, especially when it comes to presents for party hosts or hostesses. This year, when someone takes the time to throw an event, show them you really appreciate it by thinking outside the snow globe.
Eva Ingvarson, Resident Party Expert at Evite, a free invitation and party planning website with more than 15 million registered users, told CTV.ca how you can give a holiday gift that won’t collect dust.
Provide post-party pampering
Ingvarson says a gift certificate for a manicure, pedicure, massage or a local restaurant gives the party planner a chance to get pampered after working hard to throw the event. “If the host is inviting friends, family, exes and coworkers, a post-party massage, manicure or pedicure is a de-stressing necessity for getting through the rest of the holiday season,” she said. “A restaurant outing gives the hosts a welcome break from leftovers and a dirty kitchen.”
Get someone else to clean up the mess
“If the host is a close friend or family member who’s going all out, consider springing for a cleaning service following the party,” says Ingvarson. “This not only gets you invited back for next year’s party, it practically ensures you an equally thoughtful and extravagant Christmas present.”
Perpetuate the party
Think like a party planner -- give a gift hosts can use at the party if they’re strapped for supplies.
“Party staples everybody can always use more of include pitchers, vases -- especially handy if another guest commits the party foul of bringing cut flowers with no vase -- wine openers, wine stoppers, a holiday music CD or coasters,” says Ingvarson. “Place your unwrapped gift in a party bag filled with tissue paper and inform the hosts that they can bust it out if necessary.”
Bring breakfast in a basket
“Make their (next) day with a basket of treats for breakfast the morning after the party,” says Ingvarson. “Fill (the) basket with fancy coffee and teas, hot chocolate mix, fresh fruits, jams, honey and muffins, bread or croissants.”
Give the gift of knowledge
Spring for a magazine subscription -- it’s a gift that keeps on giving. “Choose a lifestyle publication or a niche magazine they may not have heard of that caters to their particular hobbies or tastes,” says Ingvarson. “Wrap your gift subscription in a copy of the magazine tied with a festive ribbon for a unique gift-wrap that gives them a sneak peak into what they can look forward to.”
Not sure what to get? Travel publications are a great way for most people to live vicariously and get through the long, cold winter. www.evite.com
- Nicole Tomlinson
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