We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.
So you got invited to a dinner party. The season is impending, after all. Your next move is to ask the host: “What can I bring?” Real talk, they’ll probably say wine, but a truly gracious guest brings something that outlives the short duration of the event. A gift that makes waking up to a pile of dishes the next morning feel a little more worth it.
That doesn’t mean you need to spend more, though. We found 32 gifts under $40, including a $4 porcelain catchall, $18 salad servers, and plenty of other scores that are bound to make an appearance at their shindig. And you can’t go wrong with a cookbook to add to their library—we recommend writing a note on the inside of the cover for a personal touch. Consider your invitation back secured.
$15 and Under
A great cheap thrill is nothing to overlook. Sculptural taper candles, spheric soap, and conversation-starting spaghetti packaging will cost you less than the most discounted wine in the shop.
Savory Seasoned Salt
Momofuku
Poschiavo Spaghetti
Caputo's
La Carafe Bottle Opener
MoMA Design Store
Disco Di Sale
Jacobsen Salt Co.
Essential Stoneware Dinnerware
Hawkins
Round Soap by Tamanohada
Goodee
Volute Candles, Set of 2
Maison Balzac
Small Porcelain Dish
Hu0026M Home
$20 and Under
For just $20, your host could rest their cocktail on a new Italian-made coaster, whip up dinner from our team’s favorite cookbook, and drizzle fancy olive oil over their lunch salad. And they’ll think of you each and every time.
Check Hand Towel
HAY
Lecce Coasters
Cabana
Dolcevita Outdoor Salad Servers by Guzzini
Food 52
Santa Barbara Company
Santa Barbara Company
Brass Monkey Giant Playing Cards
Anthropologie
Drizzle Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Graza
The Cook You Want to Be by Andy Baraghani
Amazon
Bubble Guard Hand Soap by Shabondama
Takamichi Beauty Room
$30 and Under
At $30, things get a little more substantial. Like a sweet cup that can serve as a morning matcha vessel or a pencil holder, a genius enamel dip chiller, and an apron for your wine bottle (yes, you read that right) by New York’s buzziest brand.
Confetti Cups
Areaware
Black Servers
Crate u0026 Barrel
Anna Bottle Stopper by Alessi
Amazon
Dobby Weave Dish Towel
Hawkins NY
Marin White Centerpiece Bowl
Crate + Barrel
Bottle Apron by Gohar World
Coming Soon
Strawberry Shrub
Splatter Enamel Dip Chiller by Crow Canyon
Amazon
$40 and Under
These pricier buys are great if your host is having you over for more than just dinner or is celebrating a special occasion. A sandalwood scented candle and professional-grade chopping board are impressive without breaking 40 bucks and will tell them just how much their hospitality means to you.
No.04 Bois de Balincourt Natural Soy Wax Candle by Maison Louis Marie
Amazon
Drinking Vinegar Duo by Stone Hollow Farmstead
Food 52
Portico: Cooking and Feasting in Rome's Jewish Kitchen
Amazon
Merri Cocktail Napkins
Furbish Studio
Ghianduja Hazelnut Spread
Ghia
Bistrot Tart Slicer by Sabre
Gracious Style
Winner Winner Puzzle
Piecework
Small Chopping Block by Fredericks and Mae
Coming Soon