The 22 best hostess gifts that'll guarantee you an invite back

'Tis the season for holiday parties! Whether you’re heading to a family gathering or a white elephant gift exchange with friends, there’s usually an impulse to bring a little token of thanks for the invite. A hostess gift is a nice gesture and all, but is it necessary? Etiquette expert Myka Meier from Beaumont Etiquette says yes.

"Remember to never arrive empty-handed! It's thoughtful to bring a hostess gift whenever you're invited to someone's home for a party, dinner or overnight stay, as it shows appreciation for their hospitality," Meier tells Yahoo.

You don’t have to go overboard on your budget to show your appreciation. "Aim for a price point that reflects your gratitude and the occasion. On average, host gifts typically range from $20 to $50, but remember it's the sentiment that truly counts," Meier suggests.

Tailor the hostess gift to the occasion. "A box of your favorite macaroons from your local bakery may be a great gift for an invitation to a luncheon; however, if you are staying the weekend at your friend's beach house with your family, a larger host gift would be more appropriate," says Meier.

Everyone appreciates a nice bottle of wine or bouquet of flowers, and both are super easy to grab at the last minute on the way to the party — a little too easy, actually, and therefore too predictable. But if you spend a little more time, or browse this list of gift ideas, you can come up with a more unique option. "My favorite go-to host gift is one of my homemade loaves of bread — either pumpkin or lemon depending on the season. I also love bringing a gift for a pet if someone has one, such as a chew toy or bone with a bow around it," says Meier. Some unexpected advice: Skip the wine because it could "clash with the meal being served," and bring flowers in a vase, "so the person does not have to do work to cut the stems and find a vase when they are trying to host guests."

Need more inspiration? We’ve got you covered with a list of the best hostess gifts you can give, all of which are under $75. There are cute and cozy decor pieces, fun games to play during the event itself and useful finds that the host will bust out at their next gathering. If you want even more options, check out our favorite gift baskets to send and some standout Amazon finds for under $50.