The holiday of Passover (or Pesach) commemorates the Israelites' exodus from Egypt more than three millennia ago. Passover lasts for either seven or eight days, depending on which denomination of Judaism is observing the holiday. This year, it begins the evening of April 12 and goes until the evening of April 19 or 20.
To celebrate the holiday, Jewish people traditionally have a seder, a ritual meal that takes place on the first night (and, in some branches of Judaism, the second night as well). The word "seder" literally translates to "order," because there is a specific sequence in which everything is supposed to be done during the meal.
As you might imagine, it takes a lot of preparation to make sure everything during the seder is in place and runs smoothly. This special and joyous gathering often involves a large number of friends, family, and members of the community, and with all the specific instructions and ceremonial touches the hostess needs to consider, she can have a lot on her proverbial (seder) plate.
If you're attending a seder this year, you'll want to bring your hostess something that shows how much you appreciate her taking on such a meaningful event in her home. Here are 10 unique Passover hostess gifts that are sure to be celebrated.
10 Passover hostess gifts to bring to seder
Personalized butcher block cutting board
Personalized butcher block cutting board
Shop : Passover Personalized Butcher Block Cutting Board from Personalization Mall
This show-stopping slab of North American hardwood will wow your hostess with its heft — it weights almost 5 pounds! Every time she uses this personalized board to chop up the ingredients for her famous charoset or slice the brisket for future seders, she will remember your thoughtful gesture.
Shop : Passover Personalized Butcher Block Cutting Board from Personalization Mall
Etched party pitcher
Etched party pitcher
Shop : Etched Lenox Tuscany Party Pitcher from thingsremembered
A pitcher is used to ceremonially wash hands during the seder dinner. While gifting this classy glass pitcher doesn't mean you intend for the host to use it during this tradition — it's always best to let the host use what they prefer during this ceremony — it's a lovely gift for them to use for future dinners.
Shop : Etched Lenox Tuscany Party Pitcher from thingsremembered
Engraved slate coaster set
Engraved slate coaster set
Shop : Hand-painted Seascape Coasters (set Of 4) from 1-800-Flowers.com
These sturdy and stylish coasters are of exceptional quality, and feature the colors traditionally associated with Judaism (blue and white). Additionally, since guests will be drinking wine throughout the seder ― four cups are drunk during the meal! ― having extra coasters around is always helpful.
Shop : Hand-painted Seascape Coasters (set Of 4) from 1-800-Flowers.com
Wine decanter
Wine decanter
Shop : Lancia Crystal Wine Decanter from 1-800-Flowers.com
The wine you drink at a seder usually isn’t of the highest quality, so putting it in a decanter first probably won’t make much of a difference — but that doesn’t mean your hostess won’t appreciate you bringing one of these gifts for Passover. This crystal option holds 40 ounces of liquid and is a striking piece of decor to display anywhere in the home.
Shop : Lancia Crystal Wine Decanter from 1-800-Flowers.com
Engraved Reversible Wooden Cake Pedestal and Chip & Dip Server
Engraved Reversible Wooden Cake Pedestal and Chip & Dip Server
Shop : Engraved Reversible Wooden Cake Pedestal and Chip & Dip Server from thingsremembered
A special holiday deserves a special gift, and this ingenious reversible wood cake pedestal/chip and dip server is a thoughtful way to thank a host for welcoming you to their home for this sacred occasion. Your recipieint will find multiple uses for it for years to come in many different celebrations, religious or otherwise.
Shop : Engraved Reversible Wooden Cake Pedestal and Chip & Dip Server from thingsremembered
Daisy napkin rings
Daisy napkin rings
Shop : Set of Six Daisy Napkin Rings from 1-800-Flowers.com
Another present that conjures up images of spring, this happy set of flower-shaped napkin rings are a seasonal and fun gift that thank the host and will add a bright pop of color to their next meal. Another set is available in butterfly shapes, if you think that would be more to their liking.
Shop : Set of Six Daisy Napkin Rings from 1-800-Flowers.com
Hand-painted Shabbat candlesticks
Hand-painted Shabbat candlesticks
Shop : Matashi Hand-painted Shabbat Candlestick (2-piece Set) from 1-800-Flowers.com
Ceremonial candles are lit at the dinner, so gifting a special set of candlesticks would be lovely for future seders, and can be used all year long. This set from Matashi comes with two in your choice of 14 different beautiful crystal designs.
Shop : Matashi Hand-painted Shabbat Candlestick (2-piece Set) from 1-800-Flowers.com
Fruit gift
Fruit gift
Shop : Triple Treat® Deluxe Fruit from Harry & David
This beautiful box comes with 18 pieces of perfectly ripe fresh fruit — apples, pears, and navel oranges — for your hosts to enjoy over the course of the week. It's over 8 pounds of sweet produce picked at their peak, and is sure to be a hit.
Shop : Triple Treat® Deluxe Fruit from Harry & David
Herb garden trio
Herb garden trio
Shop : Herb Garden Trio from 1-800-Flowers.com
Parsley and herbs are frequently incorporated into the rituals of the seder, so this gift makes sense. And if your hostess likes to cook or has a green thumb, she'll appreciate you bringing something that feeds into her interests and passions.
Shop : Herb Garden Trio from 1-800-Flowers.com
Tulip and iris bouquet
Tulip and iris bouquet
Shop : Tulip & Iris Bouquet for Valentine’s Day from 1-800-Flowers.com
Flowers are always a beautiful gift for a host, and pairing them with a vase makes this an incredibly thoughtful and convenient option for a dinner. While there is no traditional flower that is associated with Passover, flowers that are in season, such as irises and tulips, tend to be popular, making this gorgeous option one that will be greatly appreciated.
Shop : Tulip & Iris Bouquet for Valentine’s Day from 1-800-Flowers.com
AUTHOR
Alida Nugent is a freelancer writer specializing in commerce content, with over 10 years of experience in the media space. She has bylines in HGTV, Better Homes & Gardens, NY Magazine, and more -- and has published two books with Plume. She lives in Brooklyn, and eats at least two bagels a week.
