There’s nothing quite like a pool party. It’s sunshine, cold drinks, and laughter echoing over the water. But while the rest of us show up with our towels and sunglasses, the host? They’ve probably been prepping for hours—stocking the cooler, setting up floats, wrangling Bluetooth speakers, and making sure no one forgets sunscreen. So if you’re lucky enough to score an invite, showing up with a thoughtful gift is the least you can do.
Whether you’re bringing a little something to say thank you, or you’re looking for a fun and practical item they’ll actually use next time they throw a bash, this list is packed with ideas that feel right at home poolside. From clever snacks to chic summer touches, here are the best pool party hostess gift ideas to bring along.
Pool Party Hostess Gift Ideas
1. Outdoor drink holder stakes
Nobody wants to play the balancing game with their drink at a pool party. Outdoor drink holder stakes solve that problem with a simple, genius design: a little metal stand you press into the grass so your drink doesn’t tip over or get knocked into the pool. It’s one of those things your host didn’t know they needed — but once they have it, they’ll wonder how they ever hosted without it.
2. Floating Bluetooth Speaker
Poolside playlists are a must, but not every host is brave enough to bring their phone within splash distance. A waterproof floating Bluetooth speaker makes it easy to bring the party into the water without risking a soaked smartphone. It’s fun, practical, and a great gift that shows you put a little extra thought into it.
3. Pool Towel Clips
If you’ve never watched your towel go flying into the neighbor’s yard during a gust of wind, you’re either lucky or you haven’t been to enough pool parties. Towel clips are a surprisingly useful gift, especially the cute or beach-themed ones. They keep towels in place on lounge chairs — and double as a way to personalize your spot.
4. Acrylic Drinkware Set
Nobody wants broken glass by the pool. A set of sturdy, stylish acrylic cups or wine glasses is a hostess win. They feel upscale but are completely safe for barefoot traffic — and they’re perfect for everything from margaritas to lemonade. Look for sets with fun colors or a touch of tropical flair.
5. Sunscreen Dispenser Pump
It might sound silly, but hear me out: a big, family-sized sunscreen pump (the kind you’d see at a resort) is a genius addition to any backyard. It’s practical, saves guests from digging through beach bags, and feels like a luxury. Pair it with a fun beach sign and you’ve got a gift that’s equal parts useful and charming.
6. Outdoor Citronella Candles
A relaxing summer evening can quickly be ruined by uninvited guests — and I don’t mean the neighbors. Mosquitoes love pool parties, too. Gifting a set of outdoor citronella candles not only helps keep the bugs at bay, but it also adds a nice ambiance when the sun starts to set. Go for something stylish that doubles as decor — your host will thank you every time they’re not swatting bugs.
7. Fun Pool Floats
The fastest way to level up a pool party? Add an absurdly fun float. Whether it’s a flamingo, pineapple, or donut, pool floats are equal parts entertainment and Instagram prop. It’s a playful, low-pressure gift that brings color and joy to any gathering — and your host won’t have to be the one scrambling to blow it up last-minute.
8. Insulated Wine Tumbler with Lid
It’s hot. People are sipping drinks. And yet somehow, everyone’s beverage ends up warm before the second dip in the pool. An insulated wine tumbler with a lid solves this problem in style. It keeps drinks cold, prevents spills, and can even be personalized — an easy, elegant gift that feels a little bit extra in the best way.
9. Portable Mini Fan
You know who works the hardest at a pool party? The host. Between grilling, greeting guests, and keeping the playlist going, they barely get a break. A portable mini fan is one of those unexpected gifts that will make their life cooler — literally. Bonus points if it’s rechargeable or comes with a misting function.
10. Beachy Scented Candle
When the last guest has left and the pool lights go out, it’s nice to unwind with a candle that smells like coconut, ocean breeze, or sun-warmed driftwood. A beach-themed scented candle feels personal, thoughtful, and calming — the perfect way to say thank you for hosting all the chaos.
11. Poolside Snack Tray
Every good pool party needs snacks — and your host probably doesn’t want to juggle a bowl of chips on a lounge chair. A poolside snack tray or floating serving tray is a brilliant solution. It adds convenience, looks fun, and keeps everyone from tracking salsa into the water. Bring one along and you might just be invited to every pool party for the rest of the summer.
12. Floating Pool Lights
Floating pool lights are a fun and eye-catching way to brighten up any evening swim or poolside hangout. They drift along the water, glowing in soft colors or even changing hues depending on the setting. It’s like turning the pool into a mini light show! Your hostess will love the festive touch, and guests will be wowed by the ambiance. It’s playful, practical, and perfect for summer nights.
13. Tropical Drink Mix Set
Sometimes all it takes to make a pool party feel like a vacation is a good drink in hand. A tropical cocktail or mocktail mix set turns your host into the bartender of their own island getaway. Look for mixes like piña colada, mojito, or passionfruit punch — it’s fun, festive, and downright delicious.
14. Monogrammed Beach Towel
When in doubt, go with a classic that’s been elevated. A soft, oversized beach towel — especially one with your host’s initials — is equal parts practical and personal. It shows that you put thought into the gift and gives your host something cozy to wrap up in after a long day in the sun.
15. Sun Hat with Flair
Every pool party queen deserves a little flair — and a wide-brimmed sun hat with personality delivers exactly that. Look for one that says something fun (“Sippin’ Pretty”, “Pool Hair Don’t Care”) or pick a classic straw hat with a ribbon. It’s stylish, practical, and makes every host feel a bit more fabulous.