Tonight is the first night of Hanukkah. For those who don’t know, Hanukkah is neither a particularly important holiday (compared to e.g. Passover), nor is it tradition to give gifts. However, it does happen to fall at a time of year, when all around the world, gift giving is at its peak, although this morning I did hear a woman on NPR talk about how relaxing and non-materialistic Hanukkah in Israel is.
Anyhow, giving gifts is a joy no matter what the occasion may be, and if you can make someone happy for eight straight days, they might feel a little bit of the wonder that the Hebrews felt at the rededication of the Second Temple.
Hanukkah gifts need not succumb to the plastic craziness of Christmas — unless you happen to know a kid or two, who are just dying to get Transformers or iDogs. You can find lots of wonderful presents that capture the spirit and tradition of Hanukkah, be they contemporary or classic, for grown-ups or for kids.
Being the great believer in gift giving that I am, I have come up with 8 great “Happy Hanukkah” gift ideas that are only a mouse click away — how easy is that?
- A menorah. I know, it’s not exactly an innovative idea, but what is Hanukkah without a menorah? And they are so beautiful and come in a myriad of shapes and sizes that any home can house at least three of them.
- Candles. A menorah without candles is not much of a menorah, and to light them and other holiday candles, a silver plated Shabbat lighter is the perfect tool.
- Yes, you guessed it, number three is a dreidel. Or why not a do-it-yourself dreidel kit? Kids can get a little bored with holiday eating, but with fun stuff to do, they may not get completely sugared up on chocolate gelt.
- Decorative wall hangings made from raw silk are a wonderful way for children and grown-ups alike to remember and honor their Jewish heritage.
- A latkes plate. Or course mom will be happy serving her tasty latkes on the fine china, but this year you could surprise her with a plate that says exactly what she usually cries through the house: “Get ‘em while they’re hot!”
- A new hand embroidered kippah or a delicate lace haircover is a gift that the recipient can use and cherish throughout the year.
- Music is an integral part of Hanukkah and there are lots and lots of great recordings to choose from, if you can’t carry a tune or play an instrument yourself.
- And finally, Star of David jewelry — both a personal and religious gift, which shows that you truly hold them dear.
Those were just a few ideas for Hanukkah gifts. If you still don’t know what to get someone, you can always count on gelt to be a welcome gift. To make it super neat and easy, try to create & print Hanukkah themed cards, and money- and gift card holders — someone will be very happy, and you won’t have to face any of the gift buying mall madness.
Tags: chanukah, Hanukkah, hanukkah gifts, holiday, Jewish Holidays, menorah
December 5, 2007 at 5:14 pm
check out our Hanukkah animation called “My Menorah”
go to http://americancomedynetwork.com/animation.html?bit_id=32267
pass it around to friends and family.
Happy Hanukkah