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17 Gifts To Keep On Hand For Surprise Guests

Last-minute gifts under $30 everyone wants.
By 

Creative Specialist, HuffPost

Associate Commerce Editor, HuffPost

and

Contract Commerce Writer, HuffPost

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The turkey’s in the oven. The stuffing’s all set. Even the cutlery’s tidily tucked into napkins. It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for all season long. While your checklist’s finally finished, the arrival of an unexpected guest throws out all your plans.

We’ve all been there. Whether they’ve shown up unexpectedly or slipped your mind while you were doing all your holiday shopping, there’s nothing worse for a “Type-A” host than having an ungifted guest.

Even if it’s just a trinket of appreciation or a stocking stuffer, keeping gifts on hand for those you didn’t anticipate is an easy way to make the holidays less stressful. You don’t have to overthink these gifts and they’re sure to bring you brownie points for being thoughtful enough to have a gift on hand anyway.

Be prepared for those just-in-case moments with these gifts under $30 that are sure to impress anyone who walks through your door this holiday.

Here are 17 gifts to keep on hand for surprise guests:

1
A travel hot sauce gift set, for those who like things spicy.
Uncommon Goods
For the guest with a spicy palate, this travel size get set of hot sauces will make the perfect stocking stuffer.
2
A beautiful mug.
Anthropologie
This adorable bug tiled mug is *almost* too stylish to sip from.
3
A planner for the new year.
ban.do
Give the gift of organization with this 12-month planner.
4
A really stylish wine stopper.
Target
Buy a few of these and keep them on hand for any unexpected guest.
5
A set of beautiful coasters.
Anthropologie
A nice set of agate coasters are the perfect addition to any home.
6
A set of luxury lotions.
Sephora
Boxed lotion sets are sure to make anyone (and their hands) happy.
7
A candle gift set.
Sephora
This trio of candles will surely brighten their day and stay at your house for a holiday meal.
8
A portable charger
Amazon
Never met anyone who didn't need a charger on the go.
9
An anti-anxiety coloring book.
Amazon
This best-selling book is perfect for those looking to unwind after a long day.
10
A fun word search, the perfect stocking stuff.er
Amazon
This word search book will keep anyone entertained for hours.
11
A coffee carafe who those who love their java.
Blue Bottle
For those who run on caffeine to get through the work week, this coffee carafe will make sure they stop and take some time to smell their roast.
12
Flavored bitters, for your boozy guests.
Amazon
For the foodie guest, this inexpensive bitter by Woodford Reserve will elevate their drink game.
13
This World Salt Tower, for those with a savory tooth
Food52
Let your guest tour the world's various flavors with this World Salt Tower from Food52.
14
A pair of warm gloves.
Amazon
These gloves, which can be used with a touchscreen and one-size-fits-all, are a practical gift that anyone who texts can appreciate.
15
A pair of fuzzy winter socks.
Amazon
It's not until your'e an adult that you realize how practical it is to get a pair of warm socks on the holidays.
16
A dish towel that any dog-lover can appreciate.
Anthropologie
Because everyone could use a new dish towel to replace the ratty one in their kitchen.
17
A box of chocolates that you won't have to wrap at all.
Godiva
No one can resist a box of Godiva chocolates.
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