If you plan to party hop this holiday season, there's no need to show up empty handed when there are plenty of unique stores in the area that offer a variety of host and hostess presents for $10 or less.

1. Something Gourmet

Let's face it, when you're invited to a party, one of the most practical gifts to bring  is food or wine.  If you have time to step it up, why not bring a gift that can be used any time? Patch suggests prepackaged treats, such as coffee, tea, chai, coco mix, jams, jellies, and mustards. Virginia peanuts, and reasonably priced wines also make great gifts, especially if you dress up the wines in Christmas jackets.  To find these gourmet gifts, we suggest Tastefully Yours located at 406 Mill St in Occoquan, and Old Dominion Wine Shoppe located right next door at 408 Mill St. 

2. For the Everyday Cook

Some people love to cook, and some people just.... cook.  So why not buy a little something that celebrates the art of cooking? If you bring the salad dressing, make sure to bring a new shaker for your hostess; Salt and Pepper Books located at 125 Mill Street has one that calculates all the ingredients for you. You may also want to pick up salt and peppershakers, decorative plates, ornaments, and notepads in holiday themes which can all be found next door at Serendipity. 

3. For the Cocktail Party Diva

Not every woman cooks and bakes, but these are not skills required for throwing a cocktail party. There are a variety of cocktail gifts that can make creative hostess gifts, such as wine and bottle tags, so that partygoers don't pick up the wrong drinks; saucy party napkins, holiday wine stoppers, and Santa Coats for wine bottles. Polka Dot Divas on 416 Mill Street specializes in sassy gift, but if you can't get to Occoquan, Wegmans and Pier One in Woodbridge also carries a selection of cocktail bands, jewels and fabulous ornaments.

4. Something Scented

One great present Patch discovered that's under $10 is an aromatic mug matt. All you do is place any hot beverage on this matt, and it will release scented potpourri.  We found this at Simply Country on 311 Mill Road in Occoquan, in addition to inexpensive coasters, cookie-cutters, and decorative accents. Also, keep in mind you can get great scented candles almost anywhere you go, such as Giant, Target, Home Goods, or specialty stores like Yankee Candles at Potomac Mills Mall.

 5. A Gift on the Run

You don't need to plan a special trip to buy a great hostess gift, because your local supermarket can be a great one stop source. Safeway, Giant, and Wegmans all have poinsettias for under $10 as well as seasonal wines and beers with holiday themes. And don't forget bringing desert; you can also find beautifully decorated Christmas cookies, cakes and pies that are reasonably priced under $10.