The holiday season is filled with festive gatherings, family traditions, and plenty of opportunities to show gratitude. Whether you’re headed to Thanksgiving dinner, a winter celebration, or a cozy night in with friends, arriving with a thoughtful gift for the host is always appreciated.
But what to bring?
Museum stores are brimming with creative and meaningful finds that go far beyond the ordinary bottle of wine or bouquet of flowers. This guide highlights unique gifts for the host that balance art, function, and a touch of surprise—perfect for making any gathering feel even more special.
From handcrafted ornaments to clever kitchen essentials, these gifts for the host are as memorable as the moments you’ll share this holiday season. Plus, your purchases directly support your favorite cultural institutions by funding exhibitions, educational programming, and conservation efforts!
Dave Yust Coaster Set: Chromaxiologic Series #2
Denver Art Museum
Denver, Colorado
Bring an artistic edge to any gathering with this set of four absorbent stone coasters featuring Dave Yust’s vibrant Chromaxiologic Series #2. Each coaster showcases a different design inspired by the artist’s exploration of geometry and organic form, protected with a cork backing for practical use. Both functional and eye-catching, they add a pop of color to the table while protecting surfaces.
The Mug
The Mint Museum
Charlotte, North Carolina
A timeless classic, this mug is the ultimate blend of beauty and function. With its soothing hand-feel, versatile size, and rich glaze options like Prune and Yuzu, it’s the piece every kitchen deserves. Handmade in Asheville, North Carolina, this durable, lead-free mug is designed for daily use yet special enough to gift. As far as thoughtful gifts for the host go, it’s hard to beat something they’ll reach for every morning.
Amelie Bora Bora Candle
Legion of Honor Museum
San Francisco, California
Set the mood with the Amelie Bora Bora Candle, a timeless ribbed glass vessel filled with natural soy wax for a clean, sustainable 40-hour burn. Its fragrance layers fresh bergamot and freesia with warm vanilla, jasmine, and a base of musk and creamy sandalwood—an inviting blend that lingers beautifully. Once the candle is finished, the elegant glass container becomes a keepsake piece for the home. For cozy and sophisticated gifts for the host, this candle is a perfect choice.
Mini Smart Book Light
The Library Store
Los Angeles, California
A conversation piece as much as a source of light, this ingenious design masquerades as a laser-cut walnut book until opened—where it unfolds into a sculptural lamp that casts a warm, ambient glow. The tearproof, water-resistant Tyvek “pages” open a full 360 degrees thanks to hidden magnets, creating a luminous display that feels both modern and magical. Hand-assembled with long-lasting LEDs and a rechargeable battery (up to 8 hours per charge), this multifunctional light is as practical as it is beautiful. Perfect for voracious readers, discerning tastemakers, and library lovers!
Tangram Block Set
Milwaukee Art Museum
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Timeless and educational, this oversized block set brings a playful twist to classic problem-solving fun. Crafted from recycled water bottles, the lightweight felt blocks are both eco-friendly and durable, making them perfect for kids (and adults) to enjoy for hours. With seven geometric shapes and a guide featuring 46 patterns, it encourages creativity, focus, and hands-on learning. For family-friendly gifts for the host, this set is a thoughtful way to spark joy and keep little guests entertained during holiday gatherings.
Still Life Travel Umbrella
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
Jacksonville, Florida
Turn a rainy day into a work of art with this exclusive travel umbrella featuring Still Life with Flowers, Fruit, and Bird’s Nest (c. 1865) from the Cummer Museum’s collection. Compact yet sturdy, it opens to a generous 42-inch canopy with auto open/close convenience, making it as practical as it is beautiful. Complete with a custom-printed sleeve and ergonomic handle, it’s a functional accessory that doubles as a conversation piece.
Chris Klein Glass Ornaments
Phoenix Art Museum
Phoenix, Arizona
Handmade with care in Gilbert, Arizona, Chris Klein’s kiln-cast glass ornaments are vibrant, one-of-a-kind treasures. Each ornament features luminous colors and subtle variations, ensuring no two pieces are exactly alike. Perfect for adding sparkle to holiday décor or gifting as a keepsake, they bring artistry and warmth to any celebration.
Black Brush Notabag
de Young Museum
San Francisco, California
The Notabag is a sleek and versatile essential that transforms from tote to backpack with a simple pull of the straps. Handmade from a cotton-nylon blend, it’s reusable, water-resistant, and machine washable—ready to handle everyday errands or unexpected adventures. Lightweight yet sturdy, it folds into its own pocket for easy storage and can hold up to 33 pounds of gifts, groceries, and whatever else strikes the recipient’s fancy.
Jet Fuel Dark Roast 8oz. Coffee
Museum of Flight
Seattle, Washington
Fuel their mornings (or dinners) with a bold dark roast coffee from Seattle’s boutique roaster, Caffe Appassionato. Crafted in partnership with the Museum of Flight, this 8 oz. blend celebrates the city’s dual legacies of aviation and coffee culture. Smooth, rich, and ready to brew, it’s perfect for jumpstarting the day or sharing over good conversation.
Bonus Gift Ideas from our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide:
Mesquite + Turquoise Serving Board
Phoenix Art Museum
Phoenix, Arizona
Bring artful craftsmanship to your kitchen with this one-of-a-kind cutting board, handmade in Tumacacori, Arizona. Carved from a found slab of dark walnut, each board is inlaid with striking turquoise epoxy that accentuates the wood’s natural cracks and knots. Both functional and beautiful, it’s designed for daily use while doubling as a unique display piece. No two are ever the same, making it a thoughtful gift for cooks, entertainers, and lovers of Southwest design.
Ekelund Woven Cotton Throw Blanket – Claude Monet “Water Lilies
Toledo Museum of Art
Toledo, Ohio
Wrap yourself in a masterpiece with this exclusive throw blanket inspired by Claude Monet’s Water Lilies from the Toledo Museum of Art’s collection. Woven in collaboration with Ekelund—Sweden’s oldest weaving mill, crafting textiles since 1692—it combines timeless artistry with impeccable craftsmanship.
“Soft, stylish, and inspired by one of the world’s most beloved Impressionist masterpieces, it’s the perfect feel-good gift they’ll reach for all winter long,” says Retail Operations Coordinator Calvin Fought.
East Fork Candles (Large)
Mint Museum
Charlotte, North Carolina
Ground your space with Tender Earth, a richly layered candle poured by Joya Studios in Brooklyn and set in a hand-thrown clay vessel by East Fork in Asheville, North Carolina. With notes of petrichor, loam, anemone, and tobacco flower, this scent evokes the grounding calm of soil after rain. The collection also offers Odd Woods, Still Life, and Forage Moon, each with its own distinctive character. Once the 60-hour burn is complete, the vessel lives on as a beautifully functional piece—perfect for corralling pencils, spoons, or any small essentials. Thoughtful, earthy, and entirely reusable, it’s a gift that continues to give well beyond the flame.
More New Gift Ideas for the Host:
Resilient Perfume
Molly Brown House Museum
Denver, Colorado
Give the gift of elegance with this one-of-a-kind fragrance created exclusively for the Molly Brown House Museum. Crafted in collaboration with La Fleur By Livvy, this scent layers bright citrus and berry notes with herbal, floral, and grounding woodsy undertones. Both refreshing and sophisticated, it’s a fragrance that feels timeless yet unique.
Adult PAMMiami T-Shirt
Pérez Art Museum
Miami, Florida
Bring Miami’s bold energy to any gathering with this t-shirt, designed in-house at the Pérez Art Museum Miami and printed locally. Made from soft, lightweight cotton and available in a wide range of sizes, it’s as comfortable as it is expressive. The vibrant colors and bold “MIAMI” design capture the city’s sun-soaked, art-filled spirit in wearable form. Perfect for culture lovers and proud locals alike.
MCA x Bulls Poster
Museum of Contemporary Art
Chicago, Illinois
For the host who loves sports and art, the MCA x Chicago Bulls poster is a standout gift. Designed by local artist Cody Hudson, this signed giclée print merges bold graphic design with Chicago pride, making it both a conversation starter and a collector’s piece. Printed with archival, non-toxic inks for lasting quality, it brings energy and style to any room.
Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Sandwich
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
Denver, Colorado
Bring a little playful wonder to the party with a freeze-dried Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Sandwich, similar to what astronauts enjoy in space. Sweet, crunchy, and ready to eat straight from the pouch, it’s a nostalgic delight that sparks childhood joy. With its three-year shelf life and irresistible flavor, it’s both fun and practical to have on hand.
All Around Us
San Antonio Museum of Art
San Antonio, Texas
Celebrate the beauty of connection with All Around Us, written by Xelena González and illustrated by Adriana M. Garcia. It’s an award-winning picture book that explores the circles found in nature, community, and life itself. Honored with the Pura Belpré Illustrator Award and the American Indian Youth Literature Award, this story blends lyrical text with stunning illustrations. Thoughtful and heartwarming, it’s a gift that invites reflection and conversation for readers of all ages. For meaningful gifts for the host, especially those who love sharing stories with family, this book is an absolute treasure.
Ornament – MOHAI
Museum of History and Industry
Seattle, Washington
Celebrate Seattle’s history with this exclusive ornament, featuring a charming seaplane soaring above the Museum of History & Industry’s iconic building. Its circular design and hanging string make it easy to display, whether on the holiday tree or as year-round décor. Thoughtful, local, and artful, it’s a keepsake that captures the spirit of place.
Looking for more inspiration beyond our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide?
Museum stores are full of unique gifts, artisan-made goods, and creative surprises that make holiday giving truly special. By shopping at museum stores, you’re not only delighting your friends and family—you’re also supporting local artists, small businesses, and the cultural institutions you love.
Use our store locator to discover even more one-of-a-kind finds near you or online. And don’t forget to mark your calendar for Museum Store Sunday on November 30, 2025—the ultimate day to shop with purpose at more than 2,200 participating museum stores.
Join our mailing list for exclusive updates and insider access leading up to the biggest experience- and purpose-driven shopping event of the year.