Columbus Gift Guide: Teacher Gifts and hostess gifts

Need a small gift of appreciation for someone in your life? This list of small gift ideas is great for teacher gifts, hostess gifts, as well as office, friend, or extended family gifts – basically, any adult in your life! 

Most people have enough “stuff”, so aim for gifts that are consumable or something that everyone uses.  Here’s a list of teacher gifts, hostess gifts, (or gifts for any adult) that can be found in Columbus or online. 

*Amazon affiliate links included

Check out all of the local options below, and head over to our Amazon storefront to see other hostess and teacher gifts!

Gifts Cards for teachers

Gift cards aren’t creative, but they are practical. Include a note to show your appreciation for their hard work. If it’s for a teacher, have the child write the note (or color a picture).

Any teacher would appreciate a gift card for a couple of cups of coffee or tea, lunch, or dessert. Target or Amazon gift cards are also a great option. Check out these gift cards with bonus offers available for the holidays.

Small Gift Ideas for Teachers and Hostesses: Food

Buckeyes: Buckeyes are a perennial Columbus favorite as long as the recipient or family doesn’t have peanut allergies. These can also be made with other nut butters.

(Note: some teachers don’t eat homemade items, as they don’t know the family on a personal level. You should only gift packaged items to teachers and other recipients who you don’t know personally)

Columbus Bakeries for Small Gift Ideas

There are so many amazing bakeries around Columbus that you surely have a favorite. Here are some great options that are Columbus favorites.

Note: many bakeries require pre-order for holiday cookies and goodies, and/or may only be offering curbside pickup. Check links and details for each.

Sweet Tooth Cottage Bakery in Powell

Cherborg Bakery in Bexley – My personal favorite; everything is gluten-free and nut-free, but you wouldn’t know it.

Pattycake Bakery near Clintonville – Organic and vegan options

Piece of Cake in the Short North – Offering more than just amazing cakes

Bake Me Happy in Merion Village and North Market Bridge Park – Gluten-free and locally sourced ingredients.  In addition to cookies, scones, pies, cupcakes, muffins, and bars, you’ll find nostalgic homemade treats such as Oatmeal Creme Clouds, King Dongs, Zebra Cakes, Spongies, and more.

Pistacia Vera in German Village and North Market – Homemade beautiful macarons and other sweets

The Suisse Shop in Polaris – Delivery within Central Ohio available

Nothing Bundt Cakes in Gahanna, Dublin, Lennox Center – Bundt cakes from bite-sized to party-sized. These are SO amazing! Get one free on your birthday, and sign up for the email list for other offers.

The Original Goodie Shop in Upper Arlington

Mozarts in Clintonville – Features European and Austrian baked goods, including traditional holiday desserts such as Yule Logs, Strudels, Lebkuchen, and more

Schmidt’s in German Village – Perfect for the cream puff lover

Cheryl’s Cookies in various locations, as well as the Corporate Headquarters in Westerville

Locally-made Chocolates in Columbus

Winans Chocolates & Coffees in German Village, Dublin, and Downtown Columbus

Anthony Thomas Candy Company with locations throughout Columbus, as well as the factory store

Chocolate Cafe

Pure Imagination Chocolatier in Grandview Heights

Eagle Family Candy Company in Clintonville

Schmidt’s Fudge Haus in German Village

Goumas Candyland with locations in Licking County have over 100 years of candy-making experience

Columbus Popcorn for Teacher Gifts and Hostess Gifts

Al’s Delicious Popcorn on Bethel Road

Shirley’s Popcorn in Westerville

Pam’s Popcorn in Gahanna (formerly in the North Market)

Doc Popcorn at Polaris Fashion Place

Gift the best Columbus Ice Cream 

Pick up a pint (or 3) or ship it. Include some toppings or an ice cream scoop from this brand, which was recommended by Jeni herself (and I concur).

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream

Graeters

Johnson’s Real Ice Cream 

Whit’s Frozen Custard

Columbus Coffee for Teacher Gifts and Hostess Gifts

Who doesn’t need a good pick-me-up?

Pick up some local beans or other coffee treats at one of the local coffee shops located on the The Columbus Coffee Trail.

Columbus beer, wine, liquor for Hostess/friend/coworker/anyone gifts

There are SO many, but make a stop on the Columbus Ale Trail, Route 33 Brew Trail, Columbus Distillery Trail, or the Capital City Wine Trail to pick up some goodies for your host/hostess.

OYO, Middle West Spirits, or Brothers Drake Meadery also have some great options! You probably shouldn’t get your kid’s teacher alcohol – unless you’re friends with the teacher and will be able to deliver it outside of school. But these make great hostess gifts!

Whether beer, wine, or liquor is the beverage of choice, there are TONS of local drink options.  

Wine on High is offering lots of holiday gift options, including 3, 6, 12- month wine club memberships, wine baskets, and gift card specials.

Watershed Distillery has won double gold medals for both their Bourbon Barrel Gin and their Guild Gin as well as earned the title of Ohio’s Gin Distillery of the year from notable international spirits competitions.

The distillery is happy to help create custom gift baskets including their spirits, distillery swag, tours and restaurant gift cards to create the perfect gift this season. 

Wolf’s Ridge Brewing are getting creative with customized gift wrapping options and delivery of experiential gifts like brew pairings to celebrate the holidays in case you and your loved ones may not be able to gather this holiday season.

See some of the special gift they have packaged, and check out the merch they have available on the website.

Other Local Goods for Gifts

Krema Nut Company in Grandview Heights – Offering homemade nut butter, as well as all chocolates, nuts, jams and jellies, popcorn, and other food gifts. Try the Hot and Spicy Peanut Butter!

The Krema Kitchen served gourmet sandwiches and milkshakes, but are closed during the holiday season.

Local maple syrup or honey or local jams or jellies. You can find these in specialties grocery stores and year-round farmers markets, as well as the shops listed at the bottom.

Fancy olive oil or specialty balsamic vinegar – you can find these at a variety of price points at The Green Olive Co. in North Market or Grandview

Yutzy’s Farm Market has plenty of great consumables and local goodies

Small Gift Ideas for Home

Flowers and plants are a great option, but if you bring flowers, bring them in a vase so the hostess doesn’t have to scramble to find somewhere to put them just as the party is starting. 

Air plants or succulents are perfect plant options for anyone – green thumb or not. These tiny plants need very little care, and are completely adorable.  Find them at florists, Whole Foods, Garden Centers, and Trader Joe’s. 

Candles are a standard option, but they are such a standard option that I’d avoid them so one doesn’t receive more candles than she can burn in a year.

I have a box of candles that have been gifted to me that I just never can get through. That said, if you are going with candles, pick a local company!

Candle Lab: Pour your own high quality candle – 100 scents are available. These candles burn so nicely, and the scents last! You can also give a gift certificate, so your recipients can pick and pour their own favorite scents. 

Hand soap and cute towels. Check local shops, or TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, or Home Goods. I also love the funny/sentimental/quirky dish towels on Amazon from Primitives by Kathy.

Ohio or Ohio State ornament, but only if they are fans, of course.

Ohio-themed books

Columbus-area stores with lots of local hostess and teacher gifts

Still not sure what you’re looking for? Head to one of these stores that have a ton of great, local gift options. 

Celebrate Local – Located at Easton, this store offers Ohio-made artisanal goods from 300+ Ohio small businesses!  You’ll find locally-made apparel and jewelry, housewares, and lots of amazing local foods! You can also shop online if that suits you better.

The Ohio Craft Museum offers handmade jewelry, accessories, decorations and more from independent local artists. You’ll find options at all price points. 

North Market has so many vendors that it’s easy to find something for everyone – especially if looking for consumables. 

Whole Foods carries lots of local brands throughout the store and has local section as well. 

Morgan House has rooms and rooms of goodies

Gift shops at Ohio Statehouse and Ohio History Center feature many Columbus-themed products.

Local holiday craft shows

Over 40 Holiday Art and Christmas Craft Festivals around Columbus

Still not seeing what you’re looking for? Head over to our Amazon storefront to see other hostess and teacher gifts!

Columbus on the Cheap is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

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Last update on 2024-12-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API