A Present and Your Presence

7 Hostess Gifts Under $40

By Jillian Manning | Nov. 30, 2019

’Tis the season for holiday parties! As you run to and fro in the snow, you’ll need the perfect gift for your hostess, and while there are dozens of great bottles of wine to choose from around town, we challenge you to get a little more creative. Below, check out seven gifts you can find at shops across Northern Michigan that say thanks for having us with a personal touch.
 
For the Clueless Chef
Is your friend’s version of a home-cooked meal a bottle of wine and takeout? Is her party always catered (yum!) or a mismatched potluck (not so yum)? Help her up her chef game with the Kitchen Starter Kit ($40) from Isabella’s Copper Pot in Gaylord. Wrapped in a festive oven mitt, the kit includes a paring knife, spatula, peeler, dishcloth, and what’s called a “jar pop,” aka a handy tool that will help her defeat even the most stubborn lids…so she can get at those chips and salsa ASAP. And who knows, maybe you’ll inspire a 2020 resolution to become the next top chef!
Website: https://isabellas-copper-pot.myshopify.com/
Phone number: 989-731-9700
Photo: https://isabellas-copper-pot.myshopify.com/products/kitchen-starter-kit-basic
 
For the Mother-in-Law
Whether you’re best friends or mortal enemies, the MIL always needs a gift. Keep it classy—and Michigan-themed—with a Petoskey stone ornament ($18) from Grandpa Shorter’s in Petoskey. The shop is famous for its Petoskey stone products and carries a line of ornaments in different shapes and styles. (They also have stone pendants available, if your mother-in-law is more of a jewelry gal.) Each stone is unique and handcrafted by local artists, so your MIL will feel the love.
Website: https://grandpashorters.com
Phone number: 1-866-SHORTER
Photo: https://grandpashorters.com/product/lower-peninsula-petoskey-stone-ornament-k/ 
 
For the Foodie
She has the Cheese Lady on speed dial. She can walk through Burritt’s with her eyes closed and still fill her basket with the perfect meal. She can’t possibly be wowed with a food gift…or can she? Spice things up with the “Heat of the Night” gift box ($29.95) from Spice & Tea Merchants in Traverse City. Smoked Paprika, LaMesa Dark Chili Powder, New Mexico Green Chili Powder, and Aleppo Pepper can add spice and flavor any dish, from soups to chicken, pork, and fish. If she can’t handle the heat, she can stay in the kitchen with one of their other sets, like Chocaholic or Taste of Asia.
Website: www.spicemerchants.biz
Phone number: 231-947-7423
Photo: https://www.spicemerchants.biz/gift-boxes/heat-of-the-night  
 
For the Tree Hugger
Go green for your eco-minded hostess this year. No, we don’t mean you have to get her a kitchen-top composting bin (because let’s be real—she already has one). Instead, head to At Home in Suttons Bay for a set of recycled glass champagne flutes ($24). These hand-blown flutes are made in Columbia from recycled glass and have a subtle green tint your hostess will love. Pair with a bottle of local bubbly — MAWBY’s Green feels like the right choice — and enjoy!
Website: https://athome-suttonsbay.com
Phone number: 231-271-4664
Photo: https://athome-suttonsbay.com/tabletop/champagne-k9xed-2jgfr
 
For the Coworker You Don’t Really Know
The problem: You’ve been invited to a work party hosted by someone you only know through coffee pot chitchat. You may not know your hostess well, but you do know she likes coffee. The solution: Leelanau Coffee Roasting Co.’s “The Basic Treat” combo ($28), complete with three of their 100+ coffees and—wait for it—their delicious Chocolate Coffee Bark. Let me repeat: Chocolate. Coffee. Bark. (Yes, this may be more exciting than the actual coffee.) Take a drive to their cafe in Glen Arbor and sip your own cup of joe while you stroll the snowy streets.
Website: www.leelanaucoffee.com
Phone number: 800-424-JAVA
Photo: https://www.leelanaucoffee.com/order/the-basic-treat_594/
 
For the Lumber Jane
Your outdoorsy pal is throwing a campfire shindig despite the single-digit temps. You bundle up and bring her hand-cut wooden candle coasters ($10) from Traverse City Candle Company. But wait, you have a few more dollars to spend, so you also choose the Tunnel of Trees candle ($24) inspired by fall foliage with notes of apple, oak, and sandalwood. Traverse City Candle Company does all online sales, so you don’t even need to get out of your pajamas to snag the perfect gift. Best of all, a portion of the proceeds will go to Safe Harbor emergency shelter.
Website: www.traversecitycandleco.com
Phone number: NA
Photo: https://www.traversecitycandleco.com/products/coasters
 
For the Hostess with the Most-ess
What do you get the hostess who has it all? Her kitchen is spotless, her décor scheme is on point, and her wine cellar is fully stocked, but one thing she’ll always need is…soap. Wait, soap? Really? Yep, as long as it comes from Wildflower Soapworks in Elk Rapids. Go for the Local Lakes Sampler Pack ($20), which includes four bars—Pure Michigan Sand & Waves, Elk Lake Sunset, Torch Lake Blue, and Lake Michigan Breezes. These natural, handcrafted soaps look amazing, smell amazing, and are made from amazing ingredients sure to please even the most discerning hostess.
Website: www.wildflowersoapworks.com
Phone number: 231-264-8000
Photo: https://www.wildflowersoapworks.com/product-page/local-lakes-sampler-pack