We all know the story of Hanukkah, and the miracle when the oil lasted eight nights instead of one. This gave the Jews more time to find more oil. Now, we celebrate through eight days of lights. Despite discussion on whether the number of candles lit would decrease or increase each night, the ultimate decision provided a brighter tomorrow— an additional light each night until the hanukkiah fills with nine shining candles. And eight nights of celebration means more opportunities for gifts. No matter how well you know someone, gathering more than a week of presents proves difficult.
Check out this article for the Top 10 Items You Should Get Your Friend This Year for Hanukkah in 2023:
1. Stickers
Everyone loves stickers. There’s something undeniably satisfying about personalizing your stationery with fun stickers. You can also get Hanukah-themed stickers. You can find Hanukah stickers that are both silly and serious. There are a variety of different sticker packs available at low prices on Amazon. I also suggest checking Redbubble for specific niches and stickers. While Redbubble is more expensive, it’s a great way to find statement-piece stickers. But for buying stickers in bulk, Amazon is the best.
2. Gift Card
It’s a bit boring but very practical. If you know someone will shop better for themselves than you could for them, gift cards are a good way to go. You can still demonstrate thought and closeness by picking strategically where you give them a gift card. But a gift card is a safer bet than trying to anticipate what someone wants. They also provide a good price range, so it can be either a small or large gift, depending on your intent. You can find a lot of gift cards with Hanukah designs or that are wrapped with Hanukah-themed wrapping paper.
3. Fuzzy Socks
Nobody has ever been upset to receive fuzzy socks. They are comfy and practical but also fun. You’ll find so much variety in terms of design. There are even Hanukkah-themed ones, cute and basic ones, and even some raunchy ones. They’re also pretty cheap, making them a perfect small gift.
4. Tarot
Since these have become trendy, there’s more variety than ever. You can find a plethora of different designs at different price ranges. There is Alice in Wonderland tarot, Dungeons and Dragons tarot, Marvel tarot, Necronomicon tarot and so many more. This is perfect for anyone interested in spirituality or witchcraft. But it’s also perfect for bored teens. The appeal of tarot is similar to a ouija board, meaning that even if you don’t believe in it, you can still have fun playing with them. Definitely buy these on Amazon because small businesses tend to overprice these by a ridiculous amount. They even have Hebrew and Hanukah-themed tarots available to buy. This is good for a medium sized present on Hanukah, slightly more expensive than stickers or socks, but still won’t break the bank.
5. International Snack Box
It’s perfect to send to college students who can’t come home for the holidays. Kids in dorms will especially appreciate the variety of snacks versus whatever their nearest convenience store carries. There are a few different companies that focus on this. Some companies also allow you to customize what comes in the box. Make sure you consider potential allergies.
“That sounds interesting, and I’d definitely want to receive that,” University of Iowa Sophomore Erin Gray said.
There’s something novel about trying snacks from different cultures. Even if the recipient isn’t familiar with the snacks, they may be excited to try them. That said, this is not a good gift for picky eaters. But if the recipient is a college student with an interest in Hebrew culture, they would likely love to try the junk food of that culture. These can get a bit expensive, but you can also find smaller ones for $20.
6. Set of Lip Gloss
Lip gloss is another present on this list that can be both a big and small present, depending on the price range. Very expensive lip gloss would make a good big present. Cheaper sets of trendy lipstick would also make a good small present. Things to consider when shopping for lipstick for another person include knowing what brands, colors, and flavors that person prefers. This is where a lip gloss set is good, though, because then you can cover multiple colors and flavors. You can definitely find cute packaging related to Hanukah, making this another perfect medium-sized present. The key to medium-sized presents is for them to be exciting and dynamic while also not so exciting that you can’t go bigger the next night.
7. College Merchandise
There are a variety of fun directions to take this present. College stores have a wide variety of paraphernalia. For example, I own a Herky the Hawkeye pillow pet from my college store. On top of the usual sweatshirts, sweatpants, shirts, and leggings, the bigger the school, the more options. The Campus store is probably overpriced, and so Amazon is not a bad call, even if it’s not official merchandise. Some of the best merchandise I have isn’t associated with the University, and for this reason, unique among my classmates’ merchandise. Finding overlap between specific college merchandise and Hebrew culture can lead to some interesting and amusing products. This is perfect for one of the last days of Hanukah, as it typically ends up being a bit more expensive, but it also isn’t that big or bulky.
8. Rings
Once again, there’s so much room to personalize. You can buy one higher-quality ring or a bag of them cheaply on Amazon. Rings work with every style— there are goth and girly rings. Make sure you know whether or not the recipient prefers silver or gold as well. Rings have one of the broadest price ranges of any gift.
“I’m always looking for some new rings,” University of Iowa Junior Madeline Fait said.
Rings can be a better present than a necklace or bracelet because it’s easier to get more wear from them. Also, it’s trendy amongst college students to wear a lot of rings, so even gifting stacking rings would get good use. If the recipient is spiritual, maybe consider buying a crystal ring. There are so many cool rings online, so do your research. Finally, make sure that if you do buy a ring off Etsy, they’re not a reseller who mass-bought it off Amazon to resell it. There are many different Hebrew rings, some with a small Star of David and others attempting to mimic the design of the menorah. There are subtle and less subtle Hebrew rings that would be perfect to gift for Hanukah.
9. Portable Mini Printer
This is a perfect gift for a college student. I own one and use it constantly. A lot of college students like to decorate their dorms and bedrooms with photos of their family and friends. With a portable printer, it’s that much easier and cheaper to do this. They can also come in handy for clubs, especially Greek life. They’re perfect for anybody who likes crafting. They’re also perfect for customizing Hanukkah cards. This present is a great larger present because it’s exciting and flashy but can still be outdone.
10. Monopoly
When I bought Monopoly for my apartment, I finally felt like a real adult. Also, because it’s not that expensive, but physically large, it could make a good ‘bigger’ present. Monopoly may test your friendships, but if they survive, they’ll come out that much stronger. You can buy Monopoly most places, Amazon included. There are also collector’s or limited editions, so keep those in mind.
“Monopoly is simultaneously nostalgic and capitalistic. It’s fun for all ages and teaches you not to take life too seriously,” University of Iowa Senior Emma Stanton said.
Monopoly is a good gift for two reasons. First, it’s a fun game. For small parties and game nights, Monopoly is a classic. Second, there are infinite variations. This provides the opportunity to demonstrate how well you know the recipient. For example, the Monopoly I purchased was Britney Spears themed. You can even find Jerusalem themed Monopoly, or Monopoly originally sold in Israel.
Keep reading for gift ideas while avoiding the holiday shopping madness.
Start with something small
A classic Hanukkah tradition gets you excited for the biggest gift on the last night. Some people even scramble them to make every day a surprise. Including small, simple gifts among the bigger ones provides the excitement of the holiday spirit while giving filler gifts in the meantime. Besides, who doesn’t love a bouncy ball or Play-Doh?
11. Advent Calendar
Growing up, my family and I had a Disney-themed Hanukkah calendar we kept on the wall. With a pocket for each of the eight nights, my mom would put small gifts in each for my siblings and me. We would race each night at sundown to find out what was in that night’s pocket, all while arguing over who got what. Despite the pushing and shoving that constantly ensued, the excitement created monumental childhood memories that stick with me to this day.
12. Bouncy Balls
Admit it. No matter your age, bouncing a ball up and down produces serotonin. While this obviously does not suffice for your extravagant Hanukkah surprise, a ball turns into a fun way to get in the holiday spirit. University of Florida sophomore Eden Eyal celebrates eight nights of gifts and opens one each night of Hanukkah.
“Some were small like a ball, and some were bigger, so it added excitement into choosing which gift to open each night,” Eyal said.
Bouncy balls give an inexpensive yet fun option for people of all ages. With an array of colors, patterns, designs and sizes, you can find ones well-suited for anyone. They fit perfectly in advent calendars, or you can present them in a large gift box or bag to disguise the gift while the receiver picks one out, unsure of what lies inside.
13. Play-Doh
My roommates and I recently bought a few containers of Play-Doh, and we remembered how much fun we have with the squishy, gummy substance. We have a variety of colors and often sit together chatting while making our own shapes or simply squishing the Play-Doh in our hands. No matter your age, playing with Play-Doh offers child-like excitement and nostalgia from simpler times.
14. Fidget Toys and Puzzles
Fidget spinners quickly became a meme years ago, but since then, fidget toys have been introduced left and right from game controller designs to hand puzzles. Personally, I love the Hanayama metal brain teasers that serve as both fidget toys and brain games. The puzzles have a level ranking from one to six, with one meaning the easiest and six the hardest, so you can cater to someone’s skill level and experience. Once figuring out the puzzle, taking it apart and putting it back together stimulates the brain and gives you something to do with your hands. If you have a Jewish neurodivergent friend, fidget toys and puzzles create the perfect gift.
Get Bigger
While the small gifts make the night more fun, the big ones often form the biggest memories. In my family, we received our largest, most exhilarating gifts on the final night of Hanukkah. By the eighth night, my siblings and I shook with excitement, counting the minutes until sundown. I remember receiving an iPod Shuffle fourth generation when it first came to stores in 2010 as my final Hanukkah gift, and the joy I felt sticks with me until today.
15. An All-Expense-Paid Trip
Who doesn’t love a free vacation? Whether you give them a trip to do with you or one on their own, it provides a way for them to relax. Take some time off and live in the moment. Vacations or even staycations give an excuse to not think about anything besides your own needs. They can also reunite people with family. Eyal’s most memorable gift came in a suitcase.
“I opened up the suitcase, and there was a plane ticket in it,” Eyal said. “It was a trip to San Francisco with my grandparents where they lived at the time. It was super exciting for me.”
Eyal still remembered the gift to this day despite after over a decade since the trip. The gift of a vacation lasts forever through photographs, memories and shared experiences. A couple of years ago, my sister gifted me a plane ticket to visit her in Indiana. I got to see her place for the first time, and our time together cemented our relationship.
16. Skincare care package
Hanukkah this year falls in mid to late December when the weather cools down and your skin starts drying out. Putting together a skincare package, or getting one already made, offers a sweet, intimate gift for anyone close to you. This Amazon Prime package includes a full-size citrus soap bar, citrus body scrub, grapefruit body oil, facial clay mask, shower steamer mist, natural lip balm, soy candle, cosmetic bag and soap saver all in a beautiful care box.
17. A New Phone
With new iPhones coming out constantly and old iPhones not standing the test of time, gift ideas come easily. Phones, a necessity in our culture, provide easy access to anything you need. From playing games to working on homework, smartphones can do it all. When University of Florida senior Rose Rogers was 10 or 11, before phones could do much more than text and call, she got a blue Pantech Pursuit flip phone as her first-ever cell phone.
“I thought it was the coolest thing in the world,” Rogers said. “That night, I put in all my contacts, which were probably three people, two of them were my parents. I set up my own voice intro, and I remember that being really, really exciting for me.”
Whether your Hanukkah gifts provide a 10-year-old with their first phone or a 20-year-old with an updated smartphone model, this useful and entertaining device can make someone’s night. You also do not need to pay for it all at once. Instead, you can sign up for a plan and pay it in smaller portions. Just make sure you know your audience. Don’t get an android user an iPhone or an iPhone user an android. Stick with smartphone loyalty.
18. Hanukkah-Themed Dishware
Half of the holiday consists of food. Not just any food, greasy food. My family has used the same latke recipe for generations, and we always serve them with our “latke” spatula. A matching platter perfectly sets up a tradition that can follow you for years. The Aviv Judaica Ceramic Hanukkah Platter on Amazon includes a colorful latke platter decorated with dreidels and a matching ceramic bowl for toppings. For the best way to eat them, you can fill this bowl with applesauce for the perfect dipping combination.
Gifts that Spark New Hobbies
Hanukkah marks the end of the U.S. calendar year. With the New Year comes some new resolutions that may include picking up new hobbies or trying new things. University of Florida junior Lisa Reichelson’s favorite gifts include ones that spark new hobbies. From art supplies to sportswear, infinite gift ideas exist.
19. Sewing Machine
Sewing machines offer limitless ways to use them from making clothing, stuffed animals to storage bags. They also come in a variety of styles and colors, giving you the chance to personalize the gift. A few years ago, Reichelson got a sewing machine from her parents, and she had a friend come over to show her how to use it.
“I still use it to this day, and every time I do, I remember that night,” Reichelson said.
Most craft stores sell sewing machines, but Amazon also offers quality ones. The Magicfly mini sewing machine has an affordable price for a small business and works best for beginners. It depicts a threading direction on the machine and meets any basic home sewing needs. It also has an extension table, built-in light, safety needle guard, sewing needles, a dual power operation, two-speed modes, an anti-slip rubber pad and a sewing accessory set.
20. Camera
While smartphones offer nice camera quality, they pale in comparison to professional cameras. Whether someone shows interest in video blogging, YouTubing or photography, a camera provides a range of purposes, making it the optimal gift. Amazon offers camera sets with all the supplies necessary to start a new hobby. The Canon Rebel offers quality usage for beginners, and this set comes with a camera strap, battery pack and charger, lens cap and dust cap, memory card, a variety of light filters, wide angle and telephoto lens attachments, a tripod, HDMI cable, gadget bag and more.
21. Skateboard
I gifted myself my first skateboard, one of my best purchases. When I was quarantined at the beginning of the COVID pandemic, I taught myself to ride it, and I consistently ride it as my main method of transportation to this day. They come in a range of designs, sizes and styles, so if you get someone a skateboard, have fun and make a whole day of it. Amazon has an array of options, but you can also go to a local skate shop to test them out. Just don’t fall off it in the store.
22. Paint
Anyone can paint. You just need the right tools. If you know someone with a creative spirit and tons of ideas, help them to develop their strengths by gifting them a painting set. Amazon Prime offers an adult painting kit with wooden easels, brushes, acrylic paints, sponges, canvases and more. Put on a Bob Ross tutorial, sit down with a friend, and let your imagination run wild.
23. Jigsaw puzzle
Gifting someone a jigsaw puzzle leads to the unmatched excitement of a finished piece. When you complete the puzzle, you can even help them glue and frame the finished product to show it off for years to come. This beautiful Hanukkah puzzle comes in either a 500 or 1000-piece set, so make the choice carefully based on the skill level of the recipient. Then grab a glass of wine, a plate of latkes and gelt and get to work because this might take a while. In the meantime, put on a Hanukkah movie. Well, not many Hanukkah movies exist, so maybe pick one from the thousands of Christmas movies.
24. ICEMULE Cooler
An ICEMULE Cooler isn’t just a practical accessory—it’s the gift of adventure and new experiences. Its hands-free portability and reliable cooling power inspire your loved ones to explore new hobbies, from hiking scenic trails to kayaking peaceful lakes or hosting impromptu picnics in the park. Built for durability and versatility, this cooler is perfect for fishing excursions, tailgating with friends, or weekend camping trips. By giving an ICEMULE, you’re not just gifting a cooler; you’re offering the freedom to embrace new passions and create lasting memories, all while keeping their refreshments perfectly chilled.
* *Updated on December 18, 2023 by Ariana Lessard to include gifts 1-10.
