Hanukkah is on the way
Hanukkah is on the wayJWG

Stunning. Exquisite. Extraordinary. Perfect! These are just some of the words you might hear when your friends, family, or loved ones open up a well-chosen gift that’s just right. We could all use some gift-giving inspiration, and so you’ll find 10 suggestions designed to help you find a gift that won’t fail to delight, while keeping in the Hanukkah tradition of learning, light, tradition, and identity.

Gifts of Learning – Hanukkah is about Jewish identity, so a gift that helps Jewish people connect to their Jewish identity is on point. In fact, one of the most traditional Hanukkah gifts was money to help students continue Torah study. You can keep this tradition by giving gifts to help advance Jewish learning in all forms.

Jewish & Israeli History Books – Help your friends and loved ones discover more about Jewish tradition, Israeli history, and more with an informative and thought-provoking history book. A history book is a suitable choice for folks of any age who love history and reading. A book on Jewish and/or Israeli history is a splendid way to connect with Jewish history either apart from or in conjunction with religious studies.

Hebrew Learning Software – Whether it’s for kids getting ready for Bar or Bat Mitzvahs, older teens preparing for yeshiva, seminary or Israel travel, or adults with an interest in learning Hebrew, the gift of the Hebrew language is priceless! A self-guided Hebrew learning set makes a fantastic introduction to Hebrew or can help jump start Hebrew learner’s progress.

Religious Books, Texts & Explanations – They say for every Jewish person there is a different opinion. They also say that Judaism isn’t about answers, it’s about questions. And thus in addition to the Tanakh itself, there are lots of commentaries available that keep discussions alive, debates vibrant, and Jewish learners engaged. Choose from the popular “Torah Lights,” “Covenant & Conversation,” various commentaries, and more as a fitting gift for the Torah learners on your list.

Gifts of Light – Hanukkah is about the miracle of the light. Thus Hanukkah gifts that bring light into the home are always popular. Not only do they remind us of this one particular miracle, but also of the miracle of the creation as we observe the difference between lightness and dark.

Hanukkah Menorahs – Hanukkah is certainly the right holiday to give a menorah. It’s also a great time to pass on the family menorah to grown children and start anew with a new menorah for you. Not only that, Hanukkah is also the perfect holiday to impart growing teens with the responsibilities of carrying on traditions, like lighting the menorah. And as a bonus, Hanukkah menorahs (hanukiya) serve as beautiful Judaica decorations and symbols of Judaism throughout the entire year.

Shabbat Candlesticks – Bring light into the home all year long with a set of Shabbat candlesticks. Shabbat Candlesticks are great because they reflect on the light theme of Hanukkah as well as tradition & observation.

Havdalah Sets – One of the most neglected Shabbat rituals can be the havdalah. Guests are scrambling to get packed up and on the road. Kids are running about switching on their electronic toys. Adults are ready to catch up on the news. And in all of this post-Shabbat chaos, the havdalah can get neglected. Return or fortify the presence of the important havdalah ceremony to your Shabbat repertoire with an appealing havdalah set.

Gifts of Tradition – One of the tragedies of Hanukkah was that the Greeks took ritualistic items from the Jewish people and defiled them – and endangered Jewish traditions and identity. It is because of this that many folks choose to purchase new Judaica during this holiday where Jewish ancestors were unjustly stripped of their religious freedom. Bringing Jewish tradition and identity into the home is particularly critical during Hanukkah as we remember how assimilation affected Jewish people during Greek rule. Judaica and Jewish ritual objects are especially suitable for Hanukkah gifts.

Kiddush Cups – Part of tradition is prayer, some of which involves the ever-loved Kiddush Cup. A Kiddush Cup makes a great Hanukkah present because it serves as an impetus and reminder to keep the Jewish traditions. Its also one of those items you can always use more of, particularly for folks who host large dinners and Sedars.

Netilat Yadayim – It’s hard to forget the hand washing ritual when a delightful netilat yadim is waiting. An attractive eye-catching netilat yadim can remind adults of their hand washing duties, while luring children to set healthy and thoughtful hand washing routines.

Tzedekah Boxes – While prayer and ritual are a part of Jewish tradition, there are other important elements, like the giving of charity, which can get pushed to the side or forgotten. An attractive tzedekah box makes a marvelous gift for children and adults alike. In addition to brightening the home with a gorgeous piece of Judaica, a tzedekah box is a reminder of the very essential Jewish tradition of charitable giving.

Jewish Blessings – No matter how much a person has, there’s always room for more blessings. A blessing is an outstanding choice for a Hanukkah gift that your recipient will appreciate the entire year. Blessings are available as stunning embroidered tapestries, striking silver cutouts, gorgeous hanging hamsas and more. A blessing for the home is always a welcome gift. Other popular blessings or decorative texts during Hanukkah are Ana Bekoach, Woman of Valor, Traveler’s Prayer, and Remember Jerusalem.

The Gift of Identity – One interesting element of the Hanukkah story is the loss of Jewish identity. In today’s global society and diaspora, Jewish people still struggle with identity. An important role of Jewish holidays, including Hanukkah, is to reinforce Jewish identity. This is where you can help by giving gifts of light, learning, and tradition, ensuring that Hanukkah retains its Jewish nature.