Wine lovers are easy to shop for until you try. They already own a good corkscrew, an aerator they never use and at least one "wine o'clock" sign someone gave them years ago. Bringing another bottle is lovely, but it's gone by Sunday. If you want a gift that lasts past the party, think about the whole evening around the wine: the glasses, the table, the candlelight and the conversation.
This guide covers gifts for wine lovers who have everything, plus easy Christmas hostess gifts for the dinners and parties coming up. Some ideas are general. Others are art-inspired gift boxes we curate and pack in Los Angeles, each one built around a painting, with a mini framed print and home pieces in its colors and mood. Prices are current at the time of writing, and every box ships free within the US.
How to choose a gift for someone who already has the wine
A few quick questions narrow it down:
- Red, white or bubbles? Glass shape matters more to a wine lover than the brand on the box. Note what they pour when they host.
- Do they host, or do they get hosted? A host will use a cheese board and table linens. A guest-type wine lover might prefer something cozy for a night in.
- Solo, couple or crowd? Two glasses suit a couple or a quiet evening for two. A serving set suits someone who fills the table.
- Skip the novelty. Joke gadgets and slogan glasses rarely leave the cupboard. Pick something that looks good on the table, so it gets used.
For red wine and a cozy night in: Caravaggio's Bacchus
Caravaggio painted the Roman god of wine as a young man offering a glass of red, with a bowl of fruit at his elbow. The painting hangs in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, and it's about as close as art gets to a toast.
The Caravaggio Bacchus Wine Gift Box ($69) turns that mood into a full evening at home: two thin-stem wine glasses, a cable-knit throw blanket in forest green or Bacchus red, a pear and freesia scented candle, a wine opener set, a reed diffuser and a mini gold frame with Caravaggio's Bacchus. The green and red throws both feel right for the holidays, so it works as a Christmas gift for a wine-loving friend, a partner or a couple who'd rather stay in.
For a wine night for two: Sargent's The Wineglasses
John Singer Sargent is best known for glamorous society portraits, but The Wineglasses is a quieter, everyday subject. It suits people who care more about the company than the label.
The John Singer Sargent The Wineglasses Gift Box ($59) is built for exactly that kind of evening. Inside are two angled stemless wine glasses with a signature slanted rim, a wooden cheese board with a set of cheese knives, a bell candle snuffer in antique green, a sculptural pillar candle, a champagne table runner with pearl detailing, roasted almonds in a glass jar and a miniature gilded frame with a Sargent print. It's an easy pick for an anniversary, a housewarming or a couple who hosts game nights.
Christmas hostess gifts that aren't another bottle
When someone invites you to Christmas dinner, the classic move is wine. The thoughtful move is something the host gets to keep after the guests go home. A few ideas:
- Something for the table. Linens, candles and serving boards get used at the next party too.
- Something just for them. A candle or a treat they can enjoy the morning after, when the dishes are done.
- A gift that doesn't need to be opened tonight. Hosts are busy. A ready-to-give box can sit under the tree until the party is over.
Here are three boxes that fit the host role well.
The Elegant Pearl Earring Table Gift Box ($59). Inspired by Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring, this one is all about the table: a white runner with pearl details, two crystal candle holders, two Delft-inspired blue-and-white taper candles, two small Delft-style ceramic bowls, a jar of pearl sugar candy, a wooden cheese board with serving tools and a mini framed Vermeer print. You can add a short inscription to the lid at checkout (up to 20 characters), such as "Welcome," "Home" or the host's name, which makes it feel personal without extra effort.
The Vermeer Girl with a Pearl Earring Gift Box ($65). The cozier version of the same idea. Along with the crystal candle holders, Delft-inspired candles, Delft-style bowls, pearl sugar candy jar and wooden cheese board with knife and fork, it adds a soft throw blanket (white or light blue) and a reed diffuser. It's a generous thank-you for a host who has you over every year.
The Barcelona Gift Box ($59). Not every host wants more serveware. For a friend who loves travel and color, this box brings Park Güell home: a gold hard-case fan clutch, a folding fan with a trencadís mosaic print, matching gold-tone earrings and bracelet with colorful stones, a mosaic lizard keychain, a compact mirror and a thank-you card with a mini wine-bottle-and-glass charm. It's a hostess gift she'll wear to the next party.
Pair it with a bottle (the easy upgrade)
None of our boxes include wine, which is good news: you get to choose it. A few simple pairings:
- With the Caravaggio box, bring a red you'd happily drink on a cold night.
- With the Sargent box, bring a white or a sparkling wine and a wedge of cheese for that board.
- With the Pearl Earring boxes, bring something light, or skip the wine and add a nice tea or coffee for the morning after.
If you're not sure what they like, ask the person who usually shops with them, or pick a bottle from a region they've traveled to. A short note about why you chose it means more than a high price.
Quick guide: which gift for which wine lover
| If they... | Try | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Love red wine and nights in | Caravaggio Bacchus Wine Gift Box | $69 |
| Share wine nights as a couple | Sargent The Wineglasses Gift Box | $59 |
| Host Christmas dinner | Elegant Pearl Earring Table Gift Box | $59 |
| Host every year and deserve a big thank-you | Vermeer Girl with a Pearl Earring Gift Box | $65 |
| Love travel, color and dressing up | Barcelona Gift Box | $59 |
You can see every painting-inspired set in our art-inspired gift boxes collection. If the wine lover on your list is also a museum lover, our Christmas gifts for art lovers guide has more ideas.
Before you order: timing and finishing touches
- Order early. Orders usually ship within 1 to 4 business days, and standard US shipping generally takes 3 to 5 business days after that. December gets busy, so order by mid-December to be safe. See our shipping policy for details.
- Ship it to the host ahead of time. If you can't make the party, send the box straight to them. Every box ships free within the US and arrives ready to give.
- Add a line in the card. "Thank you for always saving us a seat at your table" is all it takes.
The best gift for a wine lover who has everything isn't a rarer bottle. It's a better evening around the one they already love.