In the pre-holiday season, malls are filled with people hunting for the ultimate gift idea. You may be wondering what you can give to your family and friends that will really say “Chanukah.” With all the red and green décor, ribbons, tinsel and other symbols of the season, it might be worth looking for something that is uniquely Jewish and related to Chanukah itself. Menorahs, dreidels and Chanukah gelt are great ideas, and with a bit of browsing, online or off, you can find something truly original that will be treasured for years (except maybe the Chanukah gelt, which, though it is considered too pretty to eat, invariably is.)
If you haven’t yet visited a Judaica store, on the Web or in another neighborhood, it may be a good time to take that initial visit. I am hoping to devote an entire blog to different kinds of menorahs, since the variety is staggering. You can find menorahs in every shape, size and design. I’ve even seen Noah’s ark menorahs for kids with a different animal for each candle, or a line of Maccabean soldiers forming the candle holders. If you browse a little further on the Web, you can find custom designed menorahs made of stained glass and other materials. I’ve seen some menorah’s painted beautifully with Stars of David or scenes of Jerusalem. There are many artists who sell their work online, so make sure you order your item early so you can give the gift before the beginning of Chanukah, which is on Friday December 15th this year.
Dreidels come in two varieties: those which should and shouldn’t be spun. Classic wooden dreidels are great traditional gifts, as well as plastic musical dreidels filled with candy. Many artists specializing in Judaica make ceramic or glass dreidels to display in your cabinet or shelf all-year-round. Buy a dreidel for playing and a dreidel for displaying. You can also give Chanukah gelt in fancy tins or glass jars that can be kept and reused for other purposes. This is a great gift idea for co-workers and friends as well as kids.
Wrap your gifts in blue and white (or silver) paper if you can find it. These colors distinguish Chanukah from other holidays of the season. You might not be able to find paper in these colors in regular stores this time of year, but you may be able to find at least blue paper, which can be spruced up with a silver ribbon, or vice-versa.
Happy Chanukah Shopping!