As people are slowly returning to entertaining outdoors and at small family and friend gatherings, it’s important to be armed with some appreciative hostess gifts as a thank you for the gathering! Here I are my latest essential finds as shared with CA LIVE in a segment in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco!

Honestly, all of these items are new and on-trend; you might just end up gifting yourself too!

Shaker & Spoon Cocktail Club, from $50, shakerandspoon.com

As a monthly subscription box (skip or cancel whenever), you get enough fun ingredients to make 3 distinct cocktails (4 of each recipe) by the world’s leading bartenders, and all you have to supply is the booze: each box showcases various styles of cocktail-making. You'll shake, stir, muddle, and more! Perfect for a party or group. You can subscribe yourself or do a one-off for your hostess--just make sure you send it in time of the dinner party, should they chose to use if for then!

Assorted Artificial Plants, from $14.99, target.com

With a huge rise in the popularity of houseplants, why not gift your host a thoughtful artificial plant that looks super real but requires zero maintenance? It’s the gift that just keeps giving, and perfect with people with pets too, as these plants are non-toxic!

Counter Culture x NPR, $17 for 1 bag, nprcoffeeclub.org

Known maker of deliciously amazing roasts, Counter Culture has teamed with NPR to serve up a new coffee subscription service -- perfect for a gift for coffee lovers who not only adore a cuppa Joe but also might find that their consumption has gone up -- because this is delivered safely and contactlessly every month to their door! You can buy a subscription or a bag of beans a la carte like: All Beans Considered, National Public Roast, etc! Plus, National Coffee Day is September 29!

Blush & Gold Bouquet, from $125, bloomnation.com

During these tenuous times when we want to support local, a fresh floral delivery means so much! Bloom Nation celebrates handcrafted flowers by local florists all across the country--think of it like the Etsy for flowers! It’s the easiest way to find local florists all in one place and a simple way to assure you’re supporting local flower shops and designers. This exquisite arrangement was made by DC florist York Flowers, which is local to me! 

Send in advance of your online party, order to hand carry to your next socially distanced gathering or send it to someone unexpectedly! How much will that mean for the recipient? Range of bouquet options and price points available for any occasion.

Recovery, Calm & Sleep Gummies, $44.99, charlottesweb.com

The unexpected gift...these *NEW* expertly crafted, plant-powered delicious gummies are flavored with natural juices from fruits and vegetables are the latest addition to Charlotte’s Web groundbreaking, expansive line of hemp-extract products, and can help your hostess in three areas they need help with most: remaining calm and getting a good night’s rest and recovery from exhaustion! Charlotte’s Web™ gummies help manage everyday stressors, ease normal anxiety and encourage relaxation without drowsiness.

Brookstone Calming Weighted Blanket, from $69.99, kohls.com

So many beautiful ones to choose from, at all prices, styles and colors! It’s reported that people sleep better and longer with weighted blankets. What a way to get cozy this fall, and perfect gift for a family host who may be having you overnight or for a long weekend.