By Kelsey Mulvey

Sure, a bottle of wine is thoughtful, but unexpected? Not so much. We canvassed dozens of interior designers and asked them what they bring as a hosting gift when they've scored an invite to a pal's summer digs. One overarching theme: Give something that they'll use or use up. Here, seven gifts that design pros have found so well-received, they stock up in case an overnight invite pops up at a moment's notice.

1. Fruity Loops

"If you're invited to a pool party or beach house, these are fun for adults and kids," said Lauren Conner, in Birmingham, Ala., of these Jasonwell Inflatable Fruit Pool Tubes. $30 for set of four

2. Li'l Light

Jeanne Barber of Camden Grace Interiors, in West Hartford, Conn., bestows this nearly 11-inch, rechargeable lantern that can go outdoors: "Fits anywhere, comes in many colors." Zafferano America Poldina Pro Micro, $125

3. Linen Spritzer

Wilson, N.C., designer Grey Joyner stocks up on this lightly scented linen spray, available in four aromas. "Vetiver reminds me of a high-end hotel," she said. ElizabethW Linen Water, $30

4. Handsome Blades

"Steak knives are beautiful and functional," said Coco Greenblum of Los Angeles, who brings along a set of six Laguiole Ivory Steak Knives from Crate & Barrel. $65

5. Named Flame

Heather Weisz, in Wellington, Fla., loves that a high-end candle elevates any space. But since gifting one can be predictable, she personalizes a Le Labo Laurier 62 Classic Candle with her host's name, $87, and adds an Eye for Pretty at Home Match Cloche, $38.

6. Soothing Smoke

Kousaido's happily packaged incense set includes 17 different scents and a ceramic holder. Giving the collection is "a gesture of calm and care," said Washington, D.C., designer Christopher Boutlier. Japanese Incense Hyakuraku-kou, $89 at Omakase

7. Witty Fish

Lynn Kloythanomsup, founder of Landed Interiors and Homes in Berkeley, Calif., totes along Cluizel's individually wrapped, sardine-shaped chocolates: "Canned fish is all the rage, and these are a quirky take on the trend." Chocolate Sardines in a Net, about 3 oz., $20

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(END) Dow Jones Newswires

June 05, 2025 17:20 ET (21:20 GMT)

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