Memorial Day Prep: Fabulous Hostess Gifts

LP: This would be a series ("Memorial Day Prep") that I would feature once every few days until the holiday. This post is a national one, as these can be ordered--there's enough time to receive. Later posts would be NY-centric/buying in NY. Also,  this would be a slideshow on your site.

If you're lucky enough to escape your usual confines this Memorial Day--and relying on the hospitality of a friend of family member who has opened their doors to you--we have advice: Don't come empty handed. Reciprocate your host's thoughtfulness with a little thank-you of your own. Here, a few off-the-beaten-path hostess gifts that will have them saying, "Please come again."

Downtown Cookie Company Cookies
Choose from seven flavors or opt for the variety box. These homemade wonders will let your host off the hook for dessert--if she begrudgingly chooses to share. $24/one dozen

Miller Harris Flower Water
Lighten any room, refresh the linens...even use as facial tonic. These multi-purpose fragrances are all-around pretty; the brand's packing is even more gorgeous.
$30; choose from three scents

Maptotes Stationery
Tell them where you come from--or remind them of their urban locale while away from home. Brooklyn and Manhattan are sure winners, but the multi-city card is universally appealing, too. Love the twine hang tag and brown-paper envelope.
$4 each

Cowshed Lazy Candle
Don't know your hosts very well? Can't go wrong with a candle. This version is enviro-friendly and sets a calm mood with sandalwood, chamomile, and jasmine (hence the name "Lazy").
$49

Col. Littleton Camp Bracelet
If you do know your host(ess), and she can appreciate the handmade things in life (A Brooklyn lady, maybe?), we love this rough Western ID bracelet. Good news: It ships same day, so you'll have it in hand by the time you pack your bags.
$34

Tiffany Playing Cards
The ultimate hostess can stock her game room with luxury playing cards--right next to her bar cart and cocktail apron. $30

Chocolate Editions Chocolate Bars
Bundle a handful of these homemade gourmet bars with a ribbon; bringing a touch of NYC by way of the unusual flavors--caramel, Neapolitan, tangerine--is plenty gift enough.
$10 each

Roost Farmers Market Baskets
The traditional produce basket gets an upgrade in bone china. Perfect on the kitchen counter, your host can display fresh finds all summer long in these Jonathan Adler-meets-Gristedes finds.
$28 each