Summer is filled backyard barbeques and outdoor parties and while it may be easy to pick up a bottle of bubbly or vodka, why not think outside the box? Plenty of guests bring alcohol so standout from the crowd and try bringing one of great items:

1.  Flowers

Summer is in full bloom so bring a bouquet of colourful flowers. Try yellow sunflowers and purple tulips arranged in a simple vase. Tie a pretty fabric ribbon around it and present it to your host. She won’t have to worry about finding a vase when the guests arrive and she can simply display the flowers.

2.  Magazine Subscription

For under $20, magazine subscriptions are the gift that keeps on giving. Your host will enjoy reading it for the whole year-just make sure they don’t already receive the magazine. Buy the current issue and present it to the host upon arrival. Suggestions? Bon Appetit, Food & Wine or Martha Stewart Living.

3.  Artisanal Cheese

Every foodie adores cheese and no one can resist a piece of cheese in a decorative bag with a note telling the host to enjoy it after the party. Toss some crackers in the bag to top it all off!

4.  A Cookbook

For those who love to entertain, a cookbook is golden! Think about their style as a host and select a new cookbook.

5.  Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Every foodie uses it, so they will be delighted to receive a bottle of good quality, extra-virgin olive oil for finishing.

Left to right: Flowers, Bon Appetit Magazine, Artisan cheese gifts, Jamie Oliver cookbook, extra virgin olive oil.

Beside the usual alcohol, what are your go-to host gifts? Share your suggestions in the comments below!