Chanukah means tradition, with visions of friends and family gathered around the glowing lights of the menorah, singing the blessings aloud in unison. Each year, we look forward to getting together, sharing delicious food (latkes, anyone?), and of course, some fun gift giving. While not the primary focus of Chanukah, giving gifts has become a fun way to add excitement and joy to this beloved winter holiday.
Chanukah lasts 8 days, giving you the opportunity to get to everyone on your list over the course of the holiday. We’ve prepared this gift guide so you won’t have to burn the candle at both ends trying to find the perfect Chanukah gift.
Electronics and gadgets
Most everyone loves giving (and receiving!) electronics as gifts. Smart devices like phones or watches, wireless headphones, Bluetooth speakers, or gaming systems are just some of the popular options out there. Gadget gifts suit a huge range of ages and interests, making them a safe bet when it comes to buying a gift for just about anyone on your list.
Traditional
Why not go classic for your Chanukah gifts this year? They may already light the menorah, but why not give your loved ones a beautiful, artistic menorah (also called a chanukiya) with which to light the holiday candles year after year? Pair the gift with some gorgeous colorful candles, and you’ve got a winning holiday combination. A unique or special dreidel - whether a collector’s piece or one the family can really play with, or maybe even one filled with yummy Chanukah treats - also makes for an apt Chanukah-themed gift.
Decorative pieces make great gifts for Chanukah as well. Giving the gift of something beautiful to hang on their wall is a thoughtful, personal way to show you care. An original piece of art or a quality reprint can make great gifts. Does the recipient connect to timeless values? The gift of biblical wall art based on a bible verse that holds special meaning to them will no doubt delight them on Chanukah and all year round. Consider a Blessing for the Home or the best-selling print of The Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)
Cozy gifts
Chanukah’s date may fluctuate from year to year based on the Jewish calendar, but it will always be a winter holiday. A gift that wraps the recipient in comfort and warmth can be just the right thing for this time of year. A luxe blanket, elegant robe, or feather-soft sweater can feel totally decadent when the temperature drops.
Books
Getting a Chanukah gift for the bibliophile in your life is easier than ever. Order a book you know they’ve been dying to read, or get them a popular, new cookbook they’ll enjoy using in the kitchen. Pair a cookbook with some high-quality olive oils for that added Chanukah-themed touch. Or think out of the page entirely and give the gift of an audiobook subscription so they can enjoy listening to some amazing literary works during their daily commute.
Jewelry
Chanukah is a great time to add some sparkle by giving your loved one a piece of jewelry. A Jewish-themed piece of jewelry can be especially appropriate, like a Jewish star or a dreidel pendant. But jewelry with a Jewish touch isn’t a must. A chunky necklace, statement piece earrings, or a set of shiny bangles are also great choices. The gift of bling is a very festive way to say, “Happy Chanukah!”
Gift subscriptions
Want to give them a gift that keeps the fun going all year round? Gift-of-the-month subscriptions are a creative new way to give that special someone on your list a whole year full of surprises that will delight them all the way to next Chanukah. Gift subscriptions are available for all kinds of things like wine, fun socks, chocolates, plants, and lots more.
Money (gelt) Gift cards
Gelt, or money, is a long-standing tradition when it comes to Chanukah gifts. When you’re all out of ideas, or just not sure what the recipient would enjoy, Chanukah is a time of year when money as a gift is a no fail alternative. If cash just feels too cold, give a gift card to a store or brand you know they like. Go old school and add a little baggie of gold-wrapped chocolate Chanukah gelt (coins), and you’re all set.
Chanukah, the festival of lights, is a great time to add some sparkle to the lights of your lives by giving them a thoughtful gift. Give them something they’ll love, so they won’t just be singing Maoz Tzur - they’ll be singing your praises as well. Happy Chanukah!