Never quite sure what to give your hosts? You’re not alone! Rest assured: regardless of your relationship with the person who’s hosting, there’s a reasonably priced, made-in-Québec gift out there that will let them know you appreciate their efforts.

Read on for our tips and great finds from around the province.

Know your etiquette

First of all, do you even need to give your host a gift? Turns out, not necessarily. It all depends on your relationship with the host and the type of gathering. The golden rule is: if you are not able to return the favour and invite that person in return, bring a gift. That’s why people often bring gifts for more formal evenings, such as a meal at a colleague’s house or a holiday party. Just don’t go over the top, since an elaborate or expensive gift could make your host feel uncomfortable.

If you do bring a gift, tasty edibles are your best friend—you’ll want to steer clear of home decor items, tableware, and kitchenware. That’s because it’s easier to please with a good bottle of wine, assorted cheeses or homemade desserts than with a decanter or a fondue set. If you want to bring flowers, choose an arrangement that’s already in a vase. That way your host doesn’t have to go digging around for one when you arrive.

If you bring a bottle of wine, don’t expect your host to serve it during the evening, since it’s a gift. As for champagne, it is a bit showy, but can be a nice touch during the festive holidays. And, unlike wine, it can be opened to toast the occasion.

So what gifts are sure to get you a repeat invite?

Gift ideas for Foodies

If your hosts love to cook and eat, thanking them for their hospitality should be a walk in the park. From teas, spices, and fancy candy to gourmet salts, cheeses, and coffee, you’ll find an abundance of boxed assortments to delight your hosts. Here are three inspiring ideas that will help you make a good impression.

Allo Simonne ‒ Set of 3 spreads

 

Once you open an Allo Simonne spread, it’s hard to put it away. Handmade in a Montréal kitchen, these delectable spreads are full of nuts and chocolate and free of any added oils. Allo Simonne does a number of gift boxes, including a very affordable three set for $20 that comes in three varieties.

Nutra-Fruit

 

The family behind Nutra-Fruit always finds exciting new things to do with cranberries. With their aptly named Favourite Gift Box, you can choose three of your favourite cranberry jellies, mustards, and spreads. Or, as a fun surprise for your hosts, try offering them the cocktail-flavoured dried cranberries.

Monsieur Cocktail syrups

 

Founded by mixologist Patrice Plante, Monsieur Cocktail is a Québec City company that specializes in cocktail and mocktail syrups made with real fruit purées. The company’s coffee syrups are also a big hit and make a great gift, particularly the four-flavour box set featuring pumpkin spice, vanilla, hazelnut, and salted caramel syrups (site in French only).

Kanel box sets

 

This Montréal company’s gourmet spice mixes are the perfect combination of accessible and exotic. The Voyager collection features eight salts and spice blends that will take your host on a trip around the globe, with flavours like Hawaiian ’Ono Poké and Sweet Korean Heat.

U MAIN cheese assortments

The duo behind U MAIN may have met in Bolivia, but they decided to put down roots and build their artisanal cheese business right here in Québec (site in French only). Their DIY kits come with everything you need (except the milk) to make regular, vegan, or lactose-free cheese at home. A perfect gift for hosts who have kids.

Gift ideas for health and wellness

When offering skincare and spa products, avoid strong scents and overly personal products (like perfume or face cream). Instead, stick to crowd pleasers. If the person receiving it isn’t a big fan, someone else in the household might be.

Chanv box set

 

The hydrating properties of hemp may not be a recent discovery, but they’re being taken to a whole new level by Chanv, a company in Saint‑Cyrille‑de‑Wendover, in the Centre‑du‑Québec region. The hand cream and lip balm in their moisturizing care gift box make a lovely, soothing gift, especially in the winter.

Soja & Co. candles

 

Handmade in Montréal with soy wax, Soja & Co. candles are vegan, cruelty free, and sure to delight your hosts with their light, pleasing scents. Let your nose (and your budget) be your guide as you select a single candle or a gift set.

Gift ideas for eco-conscious hosts

Everyone’s going green these days. Why not use the trend as inspiration for your next host gift? Québec has tons of great companies turning out biodegradable and environmentally friendly products that come in responsible packaging to boot.

The KIND HOME collection

 

Montréal label BKIND has been leading the way for years now with its vegan, environmentally friendly skincare products. The company’s new line of household products does just the same, with delightfully scented linen waters and natural hand soap made with essential oils.

Savonnerie des Diligences soaps

 

Based in Eastman, in the Eastern Townships, this company is a local soapmaking institution and also does household cleaning products. Next time you’re invited to a dinner party, why not offer to do the dishes and then wow your host with Savonnerie des Diligences dishwasher powder or even a dish cake? The company also does a fantastic kitchen soap that gets rid of stubborn food odours.

Gift ideas for Yourself

The best gift to give yourself is peace of mind.  Comfort in knowing that your home is protected with a trusted company.  Just like the creative companies shining bright across the province, Promutuel Insurance is THERE in the heart of your communities and has been for 170 years. Want to enjoy peace of mind this holiday season? Join the thousands of Quebecers who trust Promutuel Insurance to keep their homes safe while enjoying time with their family. Ask for a home insurance quote today!

Happy holidays!

Find advisors from here near you at the service of people from here, THERE to watch over you and your property, like good neighbours.