Deciding on a gift for a party hostess can often be a difficult task. You want to choose a gift that is not too personal, but not too generic either. You want to get the host something nice, but don’t want to go over the top either. With all of this to consider, what is a party guest to do?

To make things easier this season, we’ve compiled a selection of great gifts, ranging in price, size, and the ‘personal factor’ (i.e. gifts that reflect how well you know the host). So, you can check another gift off your list as we give you 10 perfect presents for your holiday party hostess.

1 Candles
While a candle may seem like a generic gift, there is absolutely nothing boring about the holiday line of scented candles from Voluspa. Available in a variety of six delicious wintry scents such as Frost Pinecone (shown), Snowflake and Winter Cherry, these 10 oz. candles are held in a silvery glass and packaged in a luxe velvet box. Your host will be impressed with a gift that gives more luxury than a regular votive. (Available at select Indigo and Chapters stores, $30 each)

2 Holiday cookbooks
For many, the holiday season evokes thoughts of warm baked cinnamon treats and spicy gingerbread cookies, and nobody does decadence better than Nigella Lawson. Her new holiday cookbook is filled with yummy holiday recipes and would be the ideal gift for the hostess who loves to cook goodies galore. (Available from amazon.ca, $32)

3 Brie baker
This nifty little warming pot is sure to be a hit with gift givers this holiday season, so make sure your holiday host doesn't miss out. The Petite Maison Brie Baker is an earthenware-esque pot that allows you to warm brie in your oven without ruining the texture or form. Perfect for the host who considers themselves to be a cheese connoisseur. (Available at select Indigo and Chapters stores, $20)

4 Personalized cards
While opting for boxed sets of pretty cards is still a good option for a host gift, make your gift special by giving personalized cards. These beautiful chrysanthemum printed cards by Pink Lily Press are available in custom colours and fonts, allowing you to cater to the host's preferences and give a gift that shows thought but doesn't break the bank. (Set of 10 notecards with envelopes, $16 US)

5 Party games
You're going to a party, so why not bring some fun along? The Table Topics box of questions is a great gift for the hostess who loves to provoke chatter amongst her guests, and is a perfect party game for guests to become acquainted with each other. Available in different themes such as Family (shown), Girls Night Out, Couples, and Book Club, you can take your pick of the one that you feel would best be suited for your host. (Available at Teatro Verde, $39)

6 Bath products
Organizing a party can be quite stressful for the holiday host, so why not give a gift that encourages them to relax? These chocolate bath bombs from Pier 1 Imports are nicely packaged for the holiday season and create a delicious aroma when dropped in a warm bath. ($9, set of 3)

7 Specialty teas
Nothing is quite as soothing as a hot cup of tea on a winter's day, so give your host the gift of serenity. Indigo's Tea Forte holiday tree packages nine infusers in a festive box and offers blends of Sweet Orange Spice, Crimson Nectar and English Breakfast. Pair this with Crate and Barrel's silver or red metallic mug and you've got a great gift for your party's host! (Tea tree, $17, available at select Chapters and Indigo stores nationwide; mug, $10, Crate and Barrel)

8 Cocktail picks
Cute, chic and festive, these cocktail picks are ideal for the host who loves to entertain. Available from Accents de Ville, these snowflake picks come in a silvery holder and are a much more sophisticated option for a serving platter than regular toothpicks. Tip: When wrapping this gift, print out a recipe for a yummy canape and attach as a gift tag for a more personalized present. (MSRP $16, set of 6)

9 Holiday CD
If someone is hosting a holiday party, chances are they like the holiday season and thus enjoy holiday music! If going this route, avoid the tacky tunes and go for a sophisticated CD like Sarah McLachlan's Wintersong. Released in 2006, this CD has the perfect combination of holiday and winter-inspired tracks, soft enough to be soothing background music at any dinner party. (Available at HMV, $15)

10 Memorable ornament
If you're in a situation where you need to get a gift in a pinch, you can always resort to a beautiful ornament for your host's home. This round berry ornament from Restoration Hardware is ideal for dressing up any front foyer or Christmas tree. Tip: Stock up on decorative ornaments like these so that you have them ready on hand for when you need a chic last minute gift. (Mixed Berry Kissing Ball, $39 US, Restoration Hardware)