19 creative and thoughtful host gifts that go beyond the classic fruit basket

Draper James X Crate & Barrel Cheers Wine Tote, available at Crate & Barrel or Draper James, $20

Wine is a classic host gift, but sometimes it doesn't quite feel like enough. But wrap a bottle in this sweet tote from Reese Witherspoon's brand Draper James and Crate & Barrel and you've got a perfectly complete gift for your party host.

And if you're looking for an easy way to order wine online for the holidays, we've got you covered with this list.

Gilded Holiday Candles, available at Otherland, from $38

Otherland's candles offer the most beautiful unboxing and gifting experience. They're both a joy to give and a joy to get. You can choose candles from the newest limited-edition collection called Gilded Holiday, or go for the company's five base candles that are carried year-round.

Read our full review of Otherland candles here.

Kiehl's Mighty Moisture Set, available at Nordstrom, $30

If you want to gift them something from Kiehl's but are hoping to spend a little less, this set comes with a small Creme de Corps lotion and an ultra-hydrating lip balm for $18.

Adorned Pie Dish, available at Anthropologie, $42

If baking is kind of their thing, they won't be able to contain their excitement when you hand them this ornate pie dish. You can probably guess what they'll be serving next time you come over.

Peppermint Bark, available at Williams Sonoma, from $23.16

Williams Sonoma's peppermint bark is so good it has its own section of the website's homepage. Give the treat they can't get enough of around the holidays, complete with a reusable tin they can pack with goodies to gift someone else.

Rifle Paper Co. Recipe Tin, available at Anthropologie, $38

This recipe tin was one of the sweetest gifts I've ever received. If your host loves to cook or bake, give them a special place to store the recipes they keep closest to their hearts.

Jacobsen Salt Vials, available on Amazon, $32.44

Jacobsen's flaky salt is prized by Michelin-starred chefs the world over, and we're positive your host will love to cook with them. This set includes flavored finishing salt they can use to elevate any dish.

"Cook Like a Pro: Recipes and Tips for Home Cooks" by Ina Garten, available on Amazon, from $20.99

If they host or entertain frequently, chances are they've used an Ina Garten recipe before. Known for her elegant but laid-back style, Ina's new cookbook is full of the tips and tricks that bring a professional touch to simple, home-cooked dishes.

Dog-a-Day Dessert Plate, available at Anthropologie, $14

With quite a few options to choose from, you can gift them one or a whole set of these dessert plates by artist Sally Muir.

Philodendron Green, available at The Sill, $35

The Sill is a relatively new startup that's making the process of choosing and buying house plants much easier. This philodendron is just one of many plant and planter options you can choose from — and you can even shop based on which ones are pet-safe. Your order will be delivered straight to them, so you won't have to worry about stopping to pick up flowers on your way there.

Perasima Platter, available at Anthropologie, $58

Serving platters are one thing a host can never have too many of (unless they have a very small kitchen). This one is uniquely shaped, but would make a beautiful presentation for everything from salads to main dishes.

Vinetto Wine Aerator, available on Amazon, $10.99

Wine drinkers will almost certainly enjoy the benefits of this inexpensive tool that can improve the taste of even the cheapest bottle. All they need to do is pop the gadget into the top of the bottle and pour themselves a glass, then they can put the cork or a bottle stop back in to preserve it.

Reversible Prep and Serve board, available at Anthropologie, $38

A reversible cheese board does double duty for the entertainer, giving them a surface on which to prep and another on which to serve. Not only does it cut down on dishes, it also gives them creative control over which side to display.

Grafomaps, starting at $49

If your host is someone you know well or have lots of memories with, this gift will speak volumes to them. Map out the place you went to college together, the most memorable vacation you took together, the place you met — even a place you have no connection to but know they feel strongly about. The options are pretty much endless.

The Leesa Blanket, available at Leesa, $149

It may not look like much, but Leesa's blanket is one of the comfiest, coziest, warmest throws you'll ever come across. Skip the decorative throw they'll be sick of by next year and opt for a truly high-quality version they'll love to curl up with.

Read our full review of the Leesa Blanket here.

Silpat Silicon Muffin Mold, available at Williams Sonoma, $49.95

I personally use this muffin mold, and I love it so much that I threw out my metal one. Muffins and cupcakes come out perfectly every time with absolutely no sticking — and cleanup in the dishwasher is an absolute breeze.

Read our review on Silpat's baking molds here.

Copper Goldtouch Non-Stick Baking Sheet Set, available at Williams Sonoma, $49.95

If baking cookies is their respite from the world's chaos, they'll be thrilled to have a fancy new set of non-stick pans and a cooling rack to play with.

"Escape" by Gray Malin, available on Amazon, $30.22

Coffee table books are a clever idea if you know about your host's passions. For the one with constant wanderlust (or not enough vacation time at their job), this book features the gorgeous photography of Gray Malin in some unimagineably beautiful locations around the world.