Hostess Gifts for the Beach House Owner

Scrambling to think of the perfect hostess gift now that you've accepted the invitation to a beach house? I asked several savvy beach goers for suggestions for the perfect beach house hostess gifts and this is what they came up with. These gifts are thoughtful, thematic and beach house friendly. They're also versatile, addressing the needs of a wide range of beach house owners.

Basket of Flip Flops and Sunscreen...

When it comes to gift baskets, Carly Hart knows just what to fill them with for the beach house hostess. Fill a basket with flip flops in varying sizes, sunscreen and s'mores supplies, she says, and you'll be a welcome guest. Carly also suggests throwing in some baby powder or corn starch, two products known for separating sand from skin.

Or Sunglasses and Aloe

Jody Morse also likes the gift basket idea but she'd fill it with sunscreen, aloe and sunglasses.

Guest Book, Sand and Shell Centerpiece, Photo Frame

Kelly Herdrich suggests a guest book or beach theme decor. She says a centerpiece vase with artistically placed sand and shells will be appreciated. A picture frame decorated in shells or other nautical themes likewise would complement most any beach house.

Oversize Pillow, Citronella Candles, Colorful Plastic Ware

An oversize sea-themed pillow to decorate a window seat, grace the sofa or even serve as floor seating appeals to Karen Wyman. She also suggests pretty citronella candles to ward off bugs and colorful plastic ware.

Beach Blanket

On the beach, what hostess wouldn't appreciate the beach blanket gift suggested by Lisa Carey? Lisa would make her own, but for folks not as crafty, a store bought one works just as well.

Lemonade Fixins, Bag of Beach Towels, Toiletries, or Entertainment

Still not sure what gift to bring your beach house hostess? Here are some additional tried and true suggestions:

• * A fresh lemonade fixins basket contains an unbreakable pitcher and glasses, a dozen lemons, box of sugar and citrus reamer.
• * Buy a beach bag (a beach house owner can never have too many) and fill it with colorful beach towels. Those extra towels are sure to come in handy.
• * Create a gift package for the beach house bathroom, brimming with all the supplies beach house owners and their guests use in abundance like conditioner, guest soaps, big plastic combs, face cloths and maybe even some safety razors, extra toothbrushes, or after-sun relief products.
• * Stuff plastic buckets with shovels for kids and reading material for adults, and the beach house hostess will be ready for a day on the beach with guests of all ages.

Two things most people in the know seem to agree make less-than-ideal beach house hostess gifts are chocolates (they melt!) and flowers, whether potted or cut. Wine or margarita supplies work in some situations but don't make the list of always-appropriate and well-received beach house hostess gifts.