Hostess gifts for the holidays, part II

Last week, we began our search for interesting and unique hostess gifts for holiday occasions. This week, we will conclude our quest with a few other thoughtful treasures to consider.

Lucky for us East Enders, local shops are full to bursting with affordable possibilities, and here are more ideas to consider, all for less than $50.

Fragrant Fancies

Bringing favorite scents into a home can help everyone de-stress after a hectic day or re-energize when tired. A hostess might appreciate a fragrant gift, too.

Simply French in Southampton has antique linen pillows filled with heavenly lavender in a lovely range of colors ($40). This charming little shop also stocks beautiful sachets in assorted scents, and clever sachets shaped like little leopard print purses, with a handle to slip over a doorknob ($28).

At the Carriage House in Montauk, you will find sea spray potpourri, beautifully packaged with seashells; lavender potpourri with nuts and woven straw balls ($25); and rose potpourri with silk flowers and petals ($19).

At Hildreth’s Department Store in Southampton, search for an unusually beguiling source of warm, spicy scent coming from small hand-woven clove boxes from Bali ($12.99).

Or opt for scent-diffuser wands. These are widely available in all sorts of fragrances, but especially beautifully packaged ones in amaryllis or peony blossom can be found at O’Suzanna in Westhampton Beach ($38).

Spread a Little Light

Who doesn’t love the warm glow of candles, especially at this time of year? My vote for most intriguing goes to the ivory-colored pillar candles encircled by dancing female figures carved in relief—O’Suzanna’s in Westhampton Beach has got them in two sizes ($34 and $44). The store also offers gorgeously packaged paraffin-free soy wax candles in amaryllis or peony blossom ($25).

The Elegant Setting in Southampton is the perfect place to seek out soy wax candles in mercury glass containers, in assorted scents like honeysuckle, orange grove or Mediterranean fig ($28).

And for the modernist, sleek stainless tea light holders are available at General Home Store in East Hampton ($45).

Luxurious Seda France candles are beautifully packaged in peaked, tasseled boxes, and you can find them at Lavish in Westhampton Beach. They come in a variety of good-smelling aromas; try the holiday scent ($30).

For the fun-seeker, a whimsical votive candle comes in a tiny miniature lantern at Gone Local in Amagansett ($8.95).

There are hand-painted jewel-tone votives ($6) and jeweled ones, too ($10), at Fisher’s Furniture in Sag Harbor.

Sophisticated scented candles shaped like artichokes, acorns or apples ($15) are available at Hildreth’s in Southampton, along with little Happy Buddha candles ($2.50 each—they’d also make for fun party favors) and a set of little Scottish terrier dog candles in a snappy plaid box ($22).

Seaside Gift Shoppe in Hampton Bays has soft-hued pillar candles in misty blue and creamy white, adorned with tiny seashells and embedded starfish ($7.99).

The Fair Trade Market, also in Hampton Bays, has colorful, festive hand-painted candles from South Africa ($18 a pair).

And for the host or hostess who loves to light a cozy fire in the fireplace on a chilly evening, Hildreth’s offers gift-worthy single fire-starter bundles with local driftwood ($9.99), and fire-starter crates that also include candles and pinecones ($25.99).

For the Body

Throwing a party or a dinner is hard work—maybe the host or hostess would enjoy a little personal pampering. Special soaps and bath products can provide a little aromatherapy during a long, luxurious soak.

Gone Local in Amagansett stocks locally made Hampton Basics bath salts and liquid soaps in assorted scents ($8).

Or broaden your host’s bathing horizons and check out Napa Soap Company soaps ($10), or Pre de Provence natural soaps (five guest soaps for $8.50), at Simply French in Southampton.

For the more practical host or hostess, how about a bar of Vegetable Therapy antibacterial soap? It’s ideal for cooks and comes with its own wooden dish at Hildreth’s in Southampton ($16).

This and That

There are loads of other ideas to consider for an out-of-the-box gift.

To stash valuables and spare change, the Fair Trade Market in Hampton Bays has beautiful silk jewelry rolls ($16) and small purses ($22) made in India from recycled saris. There are beaded coin purses, too ($17).

Or, how about a decorative picture frame to hold a favorite photo? The Elegant Setting in Southampton has environmentally friendly bamboo frames in two sizes ($45 and $50). Simply French, also in the village, has dog-themed frames for that adorable pooch, with bone or other doggy motifs ($16.50 to $39). Lynne’s Cards and Gifts in Westhampton Beach has lovely fabric-covered and embroidered picture frames by Purva ($22.50 to $24.95).

How about an orchid plant for a flower lover? They’re available at many local florists and garden shops, and most will bloom for weeks or even months.

Wrapping It Up

Whatever gift is given, the care and thought put into it will make it special, according to Stephanie Finkelstein, owner of The Elegant Setting in Southampton. She suggests a “little something extra” approach to gift giving.

For example, if you’re going to give a wine decanter, then give a bottle of wine along with it (local wine, of course!). If it’s a crystal jam jar that strikes your fancy, then pick up a jar of locally made jam at a farm stand and include it as part of the gift.

There are many treasures to be found in our local shops. And check out museum shops, too—you’ll find an array of off-the-beaten-path possibilities at places like the Parrish Art Museum and the Southampton Historical Museum, both in Southampton Village.

Oh, and here’s one more idea: When the party’s over, your host or hostess might need a set of Healing Power semiprecious stones ($15.95 for a set), sold at Metaphysical Books and Tools in Sag Harbor, to recover for the next time.

Happy holidays!