The Ideal Gift For Your Host

Whether you're attending a summer dinner party or your friends have offered you a place to stay this summer, don't show up empty-handed.

Redbook magazine has some great ideas that are affordable and chic. Their list goes beyond the standard bottle of wine.

Redbook's Cheryl Kramer says the key when it comes to buying this type of gift is to get something functional that the host can use over and over, or an item that the hosts would love, but not necessarily buy for themselves.

Kramer visits the Saturday Early Show to offer the following fun and unique items for every host on your list this summer.

Laundry detergent: Hosting guests can be fun, but there is a lot of work involved. Give your host a helping hand with a luxurious laundry detergent. Mrs. Meyers laundry detergent costs $12 and it works for 32 loads. This detergent is a treat. Redbook recommends the lemon verbena and the geranium scents.
Available at www.mrsmeyers.com.

Fragrant soaps: These soap sets from Fresh are another luxurious item hosts wouldn't necessarily buy for themselves. Three petite soap bars are in each box. They come in an array of scents such as apple cranberry and pear cassis. The boxes are so beautiful, you won't even need to gift wrap them. The cost is $26.
Available at: www.fresh.com.

Trays: The trays Redbook suggests are by Design Ideas. They come in six juicy colors and since they are metal, they are easy to clean. You can also use these as serving pieces. The cost is $7 each.
Available at: www.cocoononline.com.

Cheese boards: Made from very sturdy bamboo, these cheese boards are very popular, and your host can use them for future parties. The cost is $10 and up.
Available at: globaltable.com.

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