Creative Hostess / Secret Santa / Yankee Swap Gift Ideas

December 03, 2019
by Michael

Furniture and Home Accents

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I’m here to help with your holiday gift-giving challenges. Join me as I share 8 creative hostess, Secret Santa, or Yankee Swap gift ideas!

I don’t know how it is for you, but as much as I love giving gifts, thinking of creative gift ideas is often challenging. On a recent trip to HomeGoods, I was inspired by so many things that I thought I’d put together a little gift guide. While the gifts would probably work for lots of folks on your list, I thought these gift ideas would be great for hostesses, Secret Santa, or a Yankee Swap.

When I was shopping and compiling this list, I tried to think of things that would be welcomed by nearly anyone. I also considered functionality. I wanted these ideas to be for gifts people could and would use. I even included items that might be helpful to have on hand around the holidays.

Although this list could have been much longer, here are 8 gift ideas for anyone or any holiday celebration.

1. Dinner in a Basket

This is one of my favorites. So often during the holidays, planning weeknight dinner has to take a backseat to preparations and shopping. Therefore, who wouldn’t want to receive a basket filled with a ready-to-go meal? Here I’ve included pasta, sauce, olive oil, and dishtowels (all from HomeGoods). To finish it off, you could tuck in a loaf of fresh bread.

2. A Fun Game

I always enjoy looking through the game and puzzle section at HomeGoods. There are so many great finds, from classics to new favorites. I don’t know about your family, but the adults in my family like games as much as the kids do.

3. Sampler Packs

Sample packs are another popular gift around the holidays because they allow people to try an array of items or flavors. I especially loved this collection of jellies. If someone is serving a cheese or charcuterie board, it only takes seconds to amp up the selection with a few of these jars!

4. Hot Cocoa Kit

I have long recommended having hot cocoa on hand during the winter months and have shared my favorite hot cocoa mix recipe on my blog, Inspired by Charm. You can find that recipe here. To go along with it, I picked up hot chocolate accessories, including chocolate spoons, marshmallows, and peppermints. I even found a great mixing bowl (instead of a basket) to put everything in.

5. Something Cozy

Everyone has room for a festive blanket and seasonal candle. I always find the cutest throws and prettiest candles at HomeGoods. Tie them together with some ribbon and add some matches. It’s a cozy and comforting idea anyone can appreciate.

6. Gift Wrap Pack

Have you ever run out of wrapping paper, tissue paper, or gift tags? We all have. So why not give someone a gift wrap pack? Here, I’ve included boxes, tissue paper, wrapping paper, tags, ribbon, and more. You could also tuck in a pair of scissors and tape. Everyone needs to wrap something this time of year so it’s a gift that will be used and appreciated.

7. Holiday Baking

If you follow my blog, you know that I love baking pans in unique shapes. (I’ve made gingerbread houses, pine trees, beehive cakes, and so on.) I think these kinds of pans make great gift ideas. Pair the pan with a serving dish. I’m a fan of ones that feel seasonal but could be used year-round. You could even include a cake mix (which I’ve also seen at HomeGoods) or a recipe for your favorite cake.

8. Soap (+Gift Card)

Finally, soap is a timeless gift idea. When I’m shopping for soaps as gifts, I like to pick a neutral or natural scent. This activated charcoal and hemp seed oil soap pack is perfect. And it looks chic. If you want to step things up (or need a larger gift), why not include a gift card to your favorite store (a.k.a. HomeGoods) with the soap? This way, the recipient has a fun gift, plus they get to #gofinding for something else they will love.

And there you have it, eight ideas to help make your holiday shopping just a bit easier. Want more? Here are a few other ideas you could try with items you can find at your local HomeGoods.

– Cocktail Kit (glasses, cocktail shaker, cocktail mix,…)
– Coffee in a Basket (coffee, mugs, flavored syrup,…)
– Easy Appetizers (nuts, olives, crackers, cutting board,…)

I hope this list (and my additional ideas) give you an idea or two for practical and beautiful gift-giving this holiday season. Happy Shopping!

Michael Wurm Jr. is a paid blogger and founder of the popular lifestyle blog, Inspired by Charm, where he shares his love for a decorated life. Whether it’s ideas for easy decorating, a delicious recipe, entertaining inspiration, or a unique DIY project, his goal is to provide tools and tips for everyone to live a happy, colorful life. You can also find Michael on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter.