These Are Phil Rosenthal’s Favorite Host Gift Ideas

When it comes to host gifts, Phil Rosenthal knows what he’s talking about. The Emmy-nominated creator and star of Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil has dined in countless homes around the world, and he’s developed strong opinions about what makes for a memorable present. When asked about his go-to host gift (and what he wishes people would bring over to his house when he’s hosting), Rosenthal was clear about his preferences. “Oh, a nice gift box from Zabar’s or Russ & Daughters. Or other food item that’s really, really nice and pricey,” he shared.

The key, according to Rosenthal, is thoughtfulness over everything else. When asked about what he wishes people would stop bringing, he emphasized that the gesture matters most. “I like all gifts. Nothing. Whatever you bring is nice. It’s the gesture. I think that’s wonderful,” he explained. We both agree that any gift is appreciated, but gourmet food items from iconic institutions are extra special. Below, we rounded up eight host gifts inspired by Rosenthal’s recommendations, including luxe gift baskets from NYC institutions and premium olive oils.

Phil Rosenthal-Inspired Host Gift Ideas 

• Rosenthal’s Pick: Eli Zabar’s Goldbelly Gift Basket, $109, originally $136 at goldbelly.com
• Iconic NYC Classic: Russ & Daughters The Best of Babka, $32, at russanddaughters.goldbelly.com
• Premium Pantry Staple: Brightland The Duo Olive Oil Gift Set, $67, originally $89 at brightland.co
• Gourmet Gift Set: La Tourangelle Favorites Trio of Oils, $24 at amazon.com
• Luxe Chocolate: Godiva Chocolatier Gold Ribbon Gift Box, $38 at amazon.com

Eli Zabar’s Goldbelly Gift Basket

Eli Zabar has been a Manhattan institution since 1973, and this Goldbelly basket brings together the shop’s greatest hits in one well-curated package so you don’t have to choose. The basket includes house-roasted coffee, freshly baked chocolate babka, wholesome granola, Eli’s famous parmesan crisps, raspberry jam, a signature tea towel, and even a stylish MetroCard (RIP) cookie.

Russ & Daughters The Best of Babka

Rosenthal mentioned Russ & Daughters by name as one of his favorite sources for host gifts, and this babka collection is the sweetest expression of the Lower East Side institution’s legendary baking. Founded in 1914, Russ & Daughters opened their dedicated Bagels & Bakery in 2016, where they craft traditional Jewish baked goods using recipes perfected over four generations. This gift includes three full-sized babkas in classic flavors — chocolate, cinnamon, and chocolate chip — all made fresh at the bakery.  

Brightland The Duo Olive Oil Gift Set

Premium olive oil is exactly the kind of pantry item that Rosenthal would appreciate receiving as a host gift. This award-winning set features two of Brightland’s bestselling California extra virgin olive oils: Awake (bold and robust) and Alive (smooth and grassy), both made from early-harvest olives and cold-pressed within hours of picking. The ready-to-gift box also means there’s no wrapping required. 

Godiva Chocolatier Gold Ribbon 19-Piece Gift Box

This gold ribbon collection features 19 pieces of Godiva’s signature Belgian chocolates in a variety of flavors, including rich dark chocolate ganache, creamy milk chocolate pralines, and luscious caramels. It’s a treat that feels luxurious enough to impress your host without breaking the bank. 

Williams Sonoma Infused Gourmet Olive Oil Gift Set

For the host who loves to cook, this four-bottle set of premium infused olive oils is special enough that the recipient wouldn’t typically buy it for themselves. Williams Sonoma’s award-winning blends feature California Arbequina extra-virgin olive oil infused with basil, garlic, blood orange, and white truffle, which will add a distinct flavor to any pasta dish or roasted vegetables they whip up. 

Stonewall Kitchen Brunch Gift Basket

As a baker, I’ve always loved Stonewall Kitchen’s pastry mixes, and this 8-piece brunch gift basket is a thoughtful option if your host will be taking in-house guests over the holidays and making breakfast for a crowd. The Nantucket-style basket includes Mimosa Jam, Raspberry Peach Champagne Jam, Bellini Jam, Bloody Mary Mixer, and breakfast essentials like Blueberry Scone Mix and Farmhouse Pancake & Waffle Mix. 

La Tourangelle Favorites Trio of Oils

Giving elevated pantry staples shows thoughtfulness, as the gift will actually be used and appreciated by your favorite home cook. This beautifully-packaged trio from La Tourangelle features three premium artisan oils — roasted walnut oil, toasted sesame oil, and avocado oil — handcrafted using 150-year-old French techniques. Each oil brings its own unique flavor profile, like the rich nuttiness of walnut oil, the complex toasted notes of sesame, and the bright fruitiness of avocado oil. At under $25, it also hits Rosenthal’s sweet spot of being “really nice” without being “really pricey,” too. 

Wine Country Gift Baskets The Bon Appetit Gourmet Gift Basket

If you don’t know which direction to take your gift in, this basket delivers a “greatest hits” of gourmet snacks that ensures there’s something for every taste. The generous gift basket includes Lindt milk chocolate truffles, Italian milk chocolate-hazelnut pralines, smoked Gouda cheese spread, baked sesame crackers, olives, chocolate-filled cookies, puff pastry, almond biscotti, madeleine cakes, and even more sweet and savory treats. As a bonus, these are also elements you’d find on a charcuterie board or at tea time, so it could potentially help your host with their next event.