Where to Find Great Hostess Gifts in the Sacramento Area

Tis the season for holiday dinners, cocktail parties and gift exchanges. If you’re lucky enough to have escaped hosting duties, congratulations! But that doesn’t mean you can show up empty handed. A thoughtful gift is a great way to express your gratitude for your host’s hospitality. Wine and candy are the traditional go-to’s for hostess gifts, but there are lots of other options as well. The greater Sacramento area has many small, locally-owned shops where you can pick up unique hostess gifts. Following are some of our favorites.

Andy’s Candy Apothecary | Downtown Sacramento

Photo courtesy The Grid Agency via Andy’s Candy Apothecary

What host wouldn’t appreciate a box of candy? Andy’s Candy Apothecary in downtown Sacramento has all types of artisanal sweets, from truffles to toffee and everything in between. You can also find unique flavors such as mango lime creamsicle and chipotle caramel, plus fun gummies in the shape of watermelon slices and fried eggs.

Beyond Napa Wine Merchants | Arden Arcade

Photo courtesy Beyond Napa Wine Merchants

Wine is another traditional hostess gift, and Beyond Napa Wine Merchants  has a wide selection of bottles spanning all corners of the globe, including many local wines and hard-to-find wines. Most importantly, the staff is knowledgeable and friendly and can offer suggestions based on food pairings and budget.

Lana Lane Gourmet Goods | Placerville

This boutique bakery in downtown Placerville is known for its all-natural goodies, including cookies, brownies and cupcakes. They also sell a variety of gourmet foods ideal for gift giving, including jams, jellies, nuts and baking mixes. Pick up a jar of raspberry jalapeño jam, Meyer lemon marmalade or chardonnay ginger grapefruit wine jelly.

Tea Xotics | El Dorado Hills

Photo courtesy Tea Xotics

This quaint tea shop in El Dorado Hills is sure to have the perfect gift for the tea lover in your life. From matcha to oolong to chai, varieties come from all over the world, and many are organic, fair-trade and ethically sourced. They also sell gourmet coffee and bath and body items and was recently featured in the Magnolia Journal as one of Joanna Gaines’ favorites!

The Kitchen Table | East Sacramento

Photo courtesy The Kitchen Table

You’ll find all types of kitchen items at the Kitchen Table in East Sac, including cookware, bakeware, serving utensils and drinkware. They also sell gourmet food from local producers such as Burly Beverages and Chocolate Fish. Enjoy a free cup of coffee as you browse the shop or check their calendar for a list of pop-up food vendors.

The Candy House of Davis | Davis

Photo courtesy Candy House of Davis

This local chocolatier has been turning out artisan delights for more than two decades. Their signature truffles feature flavors such as champagne, Frangelico, passion fruit and peach, formed into a signature pyramid shape. They sell other chocolate goodies as well, such as chocolate covered pretzels, cookies and orange peels.

Allspicery | Downtown Sacramento

Photo courtesy Allspicery

This one-stop spice shop in downtown Sacramento will inspire even the most novice home cook to get creative in the kitchen. You can choose spices a la carte or pick up exotic blends such as harissa, za’atar or garam masala. They also have gift sets with themes such as Francophile, Fiesta, Pitmaster and African Safari. Other options include flavored sugars and smoked salts.

California Caramel Company | Roseville

Photo courtesy California Caramel Company

Your host will be head over heels for the ooey, gooey, buttery caramel treats from California Caramel Company in Roseville. Pick up a box of chocolate-covered caramels, toffee or pretzels, or go for their signature caramel apples doused in chocolate and toffee, chocolate and peanut butter cups or white chocolate and cinnamon sugar.

High-Hand Olive Oil Company | Loomis

The historic High-Hand fruit shed in Loomis is best known for their nursery and café, but they also sell pottery, rugs, jewelry and gourmet food. The High-Hand Olive Oil Company is a great place to find hostess gifts. In addition to olive oil, they sell balsamic vinegars, jams and jellies, dips, mustards and other yummy delights.

Newcastle Wine Shoppe | Newcastle

Photo courtesy Newcastle Wine Shop

Head to this intimate wine shop in Newcastle to pick up the perfect wine for your holiday event. Options range from local blends and California varietals to selections from Italy and France. Stop in for a taste and let the friendly staff help you choose a bottle.

Preservation & Co. | Midtown Sacramento

Photo courtesy Preservation & Co. 

Hand crafted and hand packed in their Midtown Sacramento kitchen, Preservation & Co. has long been selling its cocktail mixers, sauces and pickled veggies at local retailers and via online ordering. But now through Dec. 22, they’ve opened their storefront to the public. Stop in Fri.–Sun. between 10 a.m.–6 p.m. for a jar of bloody Mary mix, blackberry fig barbecue sauce or hefeweizen bread & butter brine.

We Olive | Folsom

Photo courtesy We Olive

What do Meyer lemon, blood orange and smoked chili have in common? They’re all flavors of olive oil you’ll find at We Olive in Folsom. This charming shop has all things olive, from extra virgin oils to tapenade and even soaps and lotion made from olive oil. Other items include balsamic vinegars, mustards and kitchen accessories your host is sure to love!

The Bee Box | East Sacramento

Photo courtesy The Bee Box

This little shop in East Sacramento features all things bees! There are supplies for beekeepers, beeswax, royal jelly and local pollen for sale. But for hostess gifts, why not pick up a sample pack or “flight” of honey? You can choose honey made from blueberry blossoms, starthistle, sage and other flowers, all packed in cute old-timey jars.

Puur Chocolat | North Sacramento

Photo courtesy Puur Chocolat

Gourmet chocolatier Ramon Perez (named one of the top 10 chocolatiers in the nation) turns out creations that are as beautiful as they are flavorful. Seasonal ingredients come from local farms and include Suntory Toki Whisky with Pecan Praline and Coconut Caramel with Yuzu Kosho. Found at local shops and farmers markets, you can also visit their production kitchen near north Sacramento (soon moving to midtown) or order online.