^Hard to find good GF cookies. My Mom has pretty much given up on them.
That’s why I suggested macarons. 
Gluten free cookies include meringues, macaroons and macarons as noted above, rice krispie bars, cheese cake bars with a nut or oatmeal crust (you can get gluten free oats).
I have food snob tendencies and will take See’s any day. Ghirardelli is very good, but Sees has always had a special place in my heart. Was thrilled to find some for a gift in SFO this past week.
As a hostess gift, chocolate covered fruit or nuts are always lovely. Most would be gluten free.
Favorite See’s?
California Brittle
Bordeaux
Dark Chocolate Truffle
Free full size sample piece every time you go to a See’s.
Also you can buy them by the piece (no minimum).
The Gold Truffle box looks more ‘special’.
Chocolate covered Driscoll strawberries… Dark chocolate covered Michigan or Washington cherries. Super gifts.
Yum.
@Madison85 - My favs are Scotchmallows, Bordeaux, Mocha, and Maple Walnut. Caramels, too.
Well, my standards for chocolates and truffles are not the same as most other people’s, I freely admit.
I received a box of See’s candy a number of years ago and was very underwhelmed. That’s the only time I’ve had them. It didn’t include truffles.
I would also not buy Godiva. Godiva was originally hand-made in Belgium. Now it has gone through several owners, including Campbell’s, if I am not mistaken. Look at their ingredient labels. They use all kinds of what I would consider “fake fats” that are cheaper and more shelf stable than cocoa butter and cream. Godiva is a shadow of what it once was.
Since you live in the Chicago area, PG, you have options. Vosges Haut Chocolat is probably the best known. (I only had their truffles once, years ago, and I found them insufficiently succulent, but again, I am weird on the topic. )
Yes, Vosges makes a pretty presentation. One of my coworkers used to work for them.
@Consolation, I agree with your regarding Godiva. It used to be good but that was 30 years ago. Maybe better for another thread, but what chocolates do you like, either small or not so small batch, that is available in the USA?
Agree about a good balsamic. Heaven. A local honey is always nice, particularly if she is a tea drinker. If you want to make something, these are super easy to make and delicious. My daughter has used them as a hostess gift for a gluten-free hostess. http://www.glutenfreecanteen.com/2011/01/19/little-gluten-free-nutella-bites/
Callier, the Swiss chocolate, is now being distributed in the U.S. for the first time. I had it years ago when we were traveling and thought it was quite good. Amazon started selling it in October and I think you can purchase a 25 piece assorted box for about $35.
I’m not a chocolate snob, so honestly if I were gifting a box of chocolates it would be about presentation, and I still think Godiva has nice packaging even if it isn’t the very best in quality. They were almost a client of mine (their parent company is based in Turkey, of all places) and it’s fun to see different Godiva shops in different countries. Vosges has some really neat, out-there flavors and a fun, funky presentation. I was in Whole Foods recently and there were tons of artisanal chocolate bars in great packaging – but super expensive (I was thinking of having a small chocolate bar for each of my TG guests and it was more than I was willing to spend).
The problem with a box of chocolates is you don’t know what is in any individual one – and hence, a person on a gluten-free diet is unlikely to be able to eat them. (Unless of course, they are optionally gluten free and divert from the diet as they feel inclined). I know my celiacs would not be able to eat them, regardless of how pretty the package. For those who are wondering, malt is (again) typically the problem, it seems to be in everything. Since it is a barley product, it is not gluten-free. For example, Kellogg’s rice krispies (and many other types) have barley malt, and are not gluten free. Kellogg’s is trying to promote a gf version of Rice Krispies, with varied results as far as safety and actual gf status.
Agreed. So it’s easiest to bypass the food issue all together and bring a scented candle, some pretty soaps, etc.
I seriously do not think a hostess gift is necessary, especially if it is a large holiday party. Let’s assume that 40 people are coming to the party, all couples. Does anyone really want 20 scented candles or bath soap packages? From the bottom of my heart, NO! I don’t even want one scented candle (unless it is a Diptyque candle, but no one is bringing those).
I don’t want any of this stuff, as I’m in decluttering / downsizing mode. I am very anti-tchotcke, myself.
Hostess gifts can be difficult if you don’t know the taste of the recipient. I would love See’s but wouldn’t eat Godiva. I love a gift from the local vinegar and olive oil shop but on others it would be wasted.
Things I have taken- locally roasted coffee. Pistachios. Dish towels from William Sonoma. Nice kitchen soap.
Candles can be a nice gift , again if you know the tastes of the recipient. Like nottelling I would love a Diptyque candle ( or similar type of candle) and would donate a Yankee candle to the thrift store.
An orchid plant I think is a pretty neutral gift. They are pretty and if the recipient wants they can toss it after the flower blooms have fallen.
On the other hand my Mom taught me to appreciate the gift and even if I don’t like it to be polite. I’ve taught my children the same. It’s the thought that counts.
I think the best thing to bring to a large holiday party is a bottle of wine.
Agreed, but OP said that the recipient doesn’t drink and would not want a bottle of wine.
I hate Sees chocolates. They are way too sweet.
I like the idea of a flavored olive oil. Things I’ve enjoyed that I’ve been given is an assortment of dried fruit, tea towels, and beeswax candles . While I’m happy to get flowers, at a big party they can be annoying as you race around trying to find a vase and more people are coming to the door.