A non-alcoholic hostess gift comes down to three things: a nicely wrapped box of drinks, a garnish that looks the part and a card with a recipe on it.
- 0% alcohol
- 6 gift ideas
- 10 min to wrap
- 12 cans in the box
6 non-alcoholic hostess gift ideas
Plenty of hosts don't drink, or already have a cellar full of wine. A non-alcoholic hostess gift solves that: everyone can enjoy it that same night, kids and designated drivers included.
Here are six ways to do it, from the simplest to the most hands-on.
The ribboned 12-pack
A mixed box of sparkling lemonades, two cans of each of the six flavours. Wrap a fabric ribbon around it, add a card, and it's ready to give.
The mocktail basket
Four cans in different flavours, a bunch of mint, a few lemons and a bag of frozen raspberries. The host builds her own glass.
The punch kit
A few cans of raspberry sparkling lemonade, cranberry juice, frozen raspberries and the recipe printed on a card: the punch comes together in 15 minutes.
The glass duo
Two good stemmed glasses, four well-chosen cans and a cocktail stirrer. Simple, and the gift stays in the kitchen long after the party.
The recipe card
A handwritten card with your favourite mocktail recipe, tucked into any gift. She keeps it, and she thinks of you every time she makes it.
The fruit ice cubes
A tray of homemade ice: raspberries, clementine slices and mint leaves frozen in water. Drop it in the host's freezer with a note.
How to present a non-alcoholic hostess gift
Presentation is half the gift. A plain box of cans looks like a last-minute errand, the same box nicely wrapped looks like a thoughtful gesture.
- A fabric ribbon or jute twine around the box, with a sprig of rosemary or mint tucked underneath.
- A card with a warm line or two and, on the back, a mocktail recipe.
- A cloth bag or reusable basket instead of wrapping paper, so the host keeps the packaging.
- A tag that says what it is: "alcohol-free, for toasting whenever you like."
- Cold cans if the host can serve them right away, otherwise tell her they're hers to keep for later.
What to bring to each kind of party
The right gift depends on the mood of the evening, not the budget. Here is what we would bring, party by party.
- Dinner with friends: the ribboned 12-pack, so the host has something to pour before dinner and with dessert.
- Holiday party: the punch kit, with frozen raspberries standing in for ice.
- Brunch or shower: the mocktail basket with clementine, mint and a lemon.
- Kids' party: a mixed box, so parents drink the same thing as the little ones.
- In-laws' house: the glass duo and four different flavours, a safe bet.
A mocktail gift basket in 10 minutes
Leaving in ten minutes? Put together a basket with whatever the corner grocery store has.
- 4 cans of sparkling lemonade in 4 different flavours: raspberry, blackberry, mango, clementine.
- 1 lemon and 1 lime.
- A small bunch of fresh mint.
- A bag of frozen raspberries.
- A card with the ratio we recommend: one can over ice, a splash of lime juice and a fruit garnish.
Why this gift lands well
The best hostess gift is the one opened in front of the guests: the pop of a can, the bubbles, fruit dropped into glasses. A small gesture that becomes part of the party from the very first minute.
Three tips before you head out
- Ask the host the day before if there's room in the fridge: a 12-pack takes up more space than you'd think.
- Write the recipe on the card. She will try it, and she will think of you.
- Never pressure the host to serve your gift: tell her it's hers, for tonight or for later.
Non-alcoholic hostess gifts: your questions
What should I give a hostess who doesn't drink alcohol?
A box of sparkling lemonades, a mocktail basket or a punch kit with the recipe. These are gifts that can be served that same night, to everyone.
How many cans should go in a hostess gift?
A box of 12 makes a great gift for a dinner or a party. For a basket, four cans in different flavours are enough.
Is it polite to bring drinks to a party?
Yes, as long as you don't oblige the host to serve them. Tell her they're for her, for tonight or for later.
How do you wrap cans in a nice way?
A box, a fabric ribbon or twine, a sprig of fresh herbs and a handwritten card. A reusable cloth bag works well too.
