The New Rules of Host Gifting with Bonnie + Bud
Photo: Christina Hussey Photography
The months ending in “-ber” are officially upon us, and that typically means gathering season. Whether it’s a dinner party with friends or a holiday function with family, one thing I find particularly important this time of year is remembering to thank the loved ones who have decided to play host for the occasion.
As someone who loves hosting those in my own social circle, I can speak from experience when I say that while a gift is never expected, some form of appreciation for the work that goes into bringing everyone together is always nice to receive, whether it’s a thoughtful present or simply a heartfelt thank-you.
For those feeling inspired to go the gift route this fall for the hosts who do the most in your life, I decided to turn to someone who knows a thing or two about getting gifting right. Whitney Holofchak is the founder of Bonnie + Bud and has made thoughtful gift-giving the heart of her business.
Photo: Christina Hussey Photography
Located in Charlotte’s Eastover neighborhood, Bonnie + Bud was founded in 2013 and inspired by the care, gratitude, generosity, and love Whitney experienced from her grandmother and uncle, for whom the shop is named. Today, Bonnie + Bud offers unique gifts for just about every occasion, along with a bottle shop that hosts intimate, informative wine-tasting experiences.
So, what exactly should you bring for the host who does the most? According to Whitney, the best place to start is by thinking about the person rather than simply shopping for the occasion.
“At Bonnie + Bud, we believe gifting should feel personal and chosen,” she explains. “Every box we curate is meant to say something specific about the person receiving it and the relationship behind the gift, not just fill a category like ‘hostess gift’ or ‘new baby.’”
That means there isn’t necessarily one perfect host gift. Instead, Whitney recommends paying attention to the recipient’s tastes and looking for small details that can make even a familiar gift feel more intentional.
Don’t Count Out the Classics
There’s a reason wine and flowers have become the default gifts to bring to a dinner party or gathering, and according to Whitney, there’s nothing wrong with sticking with either one.
“Wine and flowers earned their place as classics for a reason,” she notes. “They’re generous, they’re beautiful, and they signal effort without being complicated.”
The key is finding a way to make the classic feel a little more personal. A bottle of wine can be paired with locally made chocolates or a savory snack, while a small bouquet can be tucked into a gift box alongside a handwritten note and something the host can keep.
“It’s less about replacing the classics and more about including unique finds that add character and story,” Whitney adds.
Know When a Gift Is Appropriate
Not every invitation requires arriving with a gift in hand. Dinner parties, holiday gatherings, housewarmings, and overnight stays are among the occasions Whitney considers especially appropriate for bringing something for the host.
Those are generally moments when someone has put additional time and effort into welcoming you into their home. A small gift simply acknowledges that effort.
For a casual weeknight gathering among close friends, however, you can probably leave the gift box at home. Showing up on time, bringing good energy, and offering to help clean up can be meaningful gestures of appreciation on their own.
Photo: Christina Hussey Photography
Think Personal, Not More Expensive
If you’re shopping for the person who seemingly already has everything, spending more isn’t necessarily the answer.
“The trick isn’t spending more, it’s getting more specific,” Whitney advises.
Consider their favorite scent or color, a treat they always reach for, or something connected to an inside joke or shared memory. Even presentation can transform a relatively simple item into something that feels much more considered.
At Bonnie + Bud, Whitney currently loves pairing a small-production wine from the bottle shop with locally made chocolates from makers such as Belovd or Indigenous Chocolate. For a housewarming, a candle paired with a hand towel and gourmet snack is another go-to combination.
Pay Attention Before the Invitation Arrives
Whitney’s biggest tip for becoming a better gift giver simply comes down to listening.
“The best gifts usually come from something you noticed weeks earlier,” she shares. “A comment someone made in passing, a small thing they mentioned loving.”
Those little details can take the guesswork out of what to bring when an invitation eventually arrives.
Remember, the goal isn’t to show up with the biggest or most expensive gift. It’s to arrive with something that makes your host feel as considered as they made you feel when extending the invitation.
