Rosh Hashanah host gifts: Are they a thing? No one that I’ve polled quite agrees, but either way, Rosh Hashanah is fast approaching, starting this year on the evening of October 2, and it will be mixed with so much sweetness and sorrow. I think one of the lessons that I’ve learned this past year is how little acts of kindness that make one another feel seen really matter. Whether it’s for the person hosting you for Rosh Hashanah dinner this year, or just someone who you want to acknowledge during the High Holidays, a card, a bottle of wine, or one of these beautiful Jewish items could go a long way. (We also wouldn’t judge you if you bought any of these for yourself, you deserve it!)
Here’s some of our favorite Rosh Hashanah gifts for the person you want to treat this upcoming Jewish New Year.
A postcard or print by Shoshke Engelmayer
ShoshkeArt on Etsy is selling a lot of beautiful items that draw awareness to the plight of the hostages, including magnets, tote bags, jewelry and signed prints. Engelmayer’s gorgeous and haunting daily postcards have become iconic over the last 11 months, paying tribute to the hostages, their families, and the sadness, anger and longing that comes with the fight for their release.
What stuns me about this plant-based cookbook is how many of the recipes I really, really want to make right away. This isn’t just a gift for someone who eats a plant-based diet or who is hoping to cut down on meat this coming year; it’s full of wonderful, appetizing Jewish recipes for all.
Apple and honey dish from Arielle Zorger Designs
As someone who always wants more color and prints in my home, I love the colorful hand-painted prints of artist Arielle Zorger that adorn her dishes and wares.
Honey cake, challah, babka and honey from Russ & Daughters
All the treats you need for the perfect Rosh Hashanah dinner so your host doesn’t have to bake themselves.
Jewish holiday calendar print from Modern Tribe
Give your host the gift of never forgetting when any Jewish holiday is because they can just look at this pretty calendar!
A book of poems written in the aftermath of October 7 that can be incorporated into your Rosh Hashanah dinner or just gifted for someone who needs them. All the net proceeds are being donated to the Israel Trauma Coalition.
Schmutz dinner napkins from The Nosh Table on Modern Tribe
These embroidered napkins are the perfect thing for the stylish host that has everything — and there are also these incredible matching nosh placemats.
Apple and honey candle from The Card Bureau on Modern Tribe
For those of us who want our house to smell like Rosh Hashanah even after the High Holidays, which, yes, I would love that.
“I love chutzpah” and “shalom owl” prints from Suzy Ultman
For the friend who needs to decorate their house with something really adorable (and Jewish).
Apple hair claw from Jenny Lemons
This apple make me feel fresh and ready for the new year!
Beaded apple earrings from J. Crew
I can’t decide if these are more adorable than the hair claw or not!
’80s Shanah Tovah challah cover
For your friend who is still living in the ’80s (as they should, it’s the best decade). Put code kvell20 at checkout for 20% off your super colorful challah mat or anything else in the Midrash Manicures store.
The best tahini and halvah in town from Seed & Mill
Some extra hearty sweetness for the Jewish New Year. We all need it.
