Word on the street is people generally don't like gifts that clutter. As someone who speaks with people on a daily basis on what they do (and especially what they do not) like to receive as gifts, tea towels has been the shocking #1 complaint.
I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but they have a point! Just imagine that every time people come over for dinner, each of them bring over a nice set of tea towels. Now imagine it's been 15 years of this. Maybe you don't have to imagine.
It's an easy and instinctive go-to, along with a bottle of wine and maybe an artisanal cheese. Sometimes, people specify that they don't want any gifts, but you still want to bring a little something because it feels unnatural not to. Then begs the question: what is there to gift?
Our host gift section specifically focuses on consumable items. Not exclusively food, but things that people can enjoy, finish, responsibly dispose, and move on. Below are a couple staple avenues I tend to go down - some tried & true options I suggest for shoppers and gift myself.
Most of the time, I like to either get one standout item, or a couple lil' things that tie together in either theme or color. Either way, a little gift-wrapping goes a long way - ours is free, so let us wrap your gift for you!
Pictured: Lavender Chamomile Rooibos ; Greyscale (Loose Leaf)
1. Teas
Tea is an easy one. An everyday staple that any tea-drinker will appreciate. Wanna keep it simple? Go with a pack of Greyscale or Himalayan Chamomile - essentials that we can always use more of. Want to elevate? Try The Qi's blooming tea or the Tea Library.
My personal go-to? Onyx Coffee Lab's Lavender Chamomile Rooibos. It's an elevated version of something simple. *chef's kiss*
Otherly's mini size makes for a great add-on to any gift ~ or mix-n-match a couple for a gift of its own!
2. Chocolate
Also easy- thought we'd get these out of the way quickly. In a nutshell, we have tons of flavors across our two chocolate brands: Goodio and Otherly. The main difference between them is that Goodio contains no milk, is sweetened with coconut sugar, and lays well with flavor and texture. Otherly is a creamy oatmilk chocolate that has a smaller line-up but will take you to another planet.
There is no going wrong, but Otherly's Salted Caramel is the undisputed, unanimous, objective favorite. Interested in trying something a little off the beaten path? Goodio's Rum Raisin and Lemon are delightfully odd and just the right amount of sweet - some might say, just like me :)
3. Candle
Candles can clutter. This one is a fine line. A candle would suit someone who doesn't specifically hoard candles already, despite knowing they would probably appreciate it. More people than you realize enjoy candles, not because they go out of their way to buy the item per say, but because enjoying a good scent is a pretty universal experience even it the scent itself varies.
Oftentimes, a great gift for someone is something they will enjoy, but wouldn't get for themselves. (Pair with a matchbox for a perfect pairing!)
4. Body Products
Some people find gifting body products difficult and a little intimate. Depending on the product, it can err into that territory, but our Bath & Beauty section is filled with products that are significantly less specific than trying to gift someone makeup.
Sugar and salt scrubs are a little fancy and I don't feel you need to know someone terribly well to gift one of these, but I can see how it's not the best thing for a professional environment.
Hydrosols for me are an unsung hero in this category. Hydrosol is just a fancy name for plant water, and unless someone is sensitive to the specific plant itself, it's a fun and versatile product that is likely a new introduction to your recipient that they will surely enjoy.
