Giving a gift to your Thanksgiving host is a thoughtful way of thanking them for having you. However, they can be surprisingly fraught with unintended consequences. So, what do you do? I think the two keys to giving your host a proper thank you is to be sure it doesn’t compete with what they have planned, and it doesn’t take more work. They have a plan and it is likely timed to the minute, so do what you can not to interfere.

Wine and flowers are great go-to gifts. If you want to go that route, then be sure the flowers are in a vase, and you tell them clearly the wine is for later. If you want to go a slightly different route, then here are a few good ideas. Keep in mind that a thoughtful gift doesn’t need to break the bank. The overall theme is to pamper your host and make sure they don’t feel like they have to act immediately.

Olive Oil: If something in a bottle feels like the right way to go, then I always recommend a good bottle of olive oil.  It’s an entertainer’s best friend wherever they land on the Ina to take out spectrum.  We are big fans of Brightland Olive Oil out of California.  They use heirloom Coratina and Frantoio olives that are cold-pressed by a master miller within 90 minutes of harvest.  The beautiful bottle just needs a bit of ribbon and you’re a hero!

Pampering for later: They just created a beautiful experience for their guests and now it’s time to relax. Help them take care of themselves as well as they took care of you with a little bath and body indulgence. We love Klei apothecary. Not only are their products fantastic, they are woman-owned, sustainable, and made in the US.

Festive cocktail mixers: Camp Craft cocktail mixers come in all sorts of flavors – festive and otherwise. Choose from Espresso Martini to Old Fashioned to Sweater Weather. Each makes a thoughtful gift and, because they take 3 days to prepare, your host won’t feel the pressure of using it right away.

Game for family game night: We always say that games and puzzles are a great way to bring people together. While these are meant for later, technically, they could be used during the party if the host finds they need the extra help. They are also great for another entertaining opportunity. You can keep it as simple as Debatable, or more interactive like Quicktionary or as family friendly as Slamwich. It’s fun for all!

Something for Fido or Fifi: If you and your host bonded over your common love of animals, then a little something for Fido or Fifi would mean the world to them. Treats or toys are an easy pick up and can be so meaningful.  

Something for the kiddos: Again, it doesn’t have to be about the host. Bringing something to entertain their littles while they can have grown up time would be very thoughtful. Keep it simple and open-ended so they don’t have to teach the kids or open anything complicated. Arts & Crafts supplies fit that bill perfectly!

A little something for their organized ways:  Entertainers and party planners extraordinaire live and die by lists. Pick up a fun new list-making notepad or notebook and a fun new pen to make party planning easy. Shorthand Press’s Task Pad is one of my favorites. The check boxes make me very happy. And, for our holiday magic makers this set of pens is perfect for them!

Happy Holidays! And we hope to see those not traveling on Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday!

SEE ALSO: 6 Realistic Tips for Traveling with Kids This Holiday Season