24 Perfect Hanukkah Gifts for Kids and the VIPs in Their Life
Nov 2020
Santa might handle the Christmas shopping, but when it comes to finding a sweet Hanukkah gift that befits a child—whether they’re getting the gift or presenting the gift to their grandparents, teachers or care providers—you’re on your own. To lend a helping hand, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite finds in this Hanukkah gift guide for babies, toddlers and the special caregivers in their lives.
In this article:
Hanukkah gifts for baby
Hanukkah gifts for toddlers
Hanukkah gifts for grandparents
Hanukkah gifts for teachers and caregivers
Commemorate baby’s first Hanukkah with clothes, toys and gifts they’ll enjoy for eight crazy nights—and beyond.
Jammies for Your Families Hanukkah Family Collection
What’s the thing to wear for eight special nights? Cute Hanukkah-themed jammies, that’s what! These matching pajama sets will have the whole family feeling festive. Of course, you can always just get the baby or kid-size versions—they’re perfect for celebratory gatherings where the little ones are bound to konk out immediately afterward. There’s even a matching bandana for your four-legged family member.
Buy it: Starting at $8, Kohls.com
Zutano Cozie Fleece Gripper Baby Booties
Parents are on a never-ending quest to find baby’s missing socks and shoes. That’s why you should make one of baby’s first Hanukkah gifts a pair of these cute booties that’ll stay put on their squirmy feet. Zutano’s soft fleece fabric is perfect for winter, two-snap closure ensures a secure fit, and the gripper sole helps steady novice walkers. The navy color is the perfect addition to baby’s Hanukkah themed outfits, but they also come in 18 other colors.
Buy it: $22, Zutano.com
Old Navy ‘This is How I Roll’ Hanukkah Onesie
Baby’s first Hanukkah gifts should be fun and festive, just like this cute jersey knit onesie. Recognize baby’s recent rolling milestone (or wish for it to happen as a Hanukkah miracle) with this affordable unisex bodysuit in sizes up to 24 months.
Buy it: $9, OldNavy.com
Happy Hanukkah Personalized Teddy Bear
A stuffed animal is a great gift to celebrate baby’s first Hanukkah. The plush bear comes in a pink or blue shirt that can be personalized with up to 12 characters. Add details like baby’s name, initials and/or birth year to make the Hanukkah gift bear-y special.
Buy it: $20, PersonalizationMall.com
Rite Lite I Love You a Latke Bib
Although your son or daughter may not be ready to taste latkes just yet, they’re sure to drool all over this cheeky bib—an adorable gift for baby’s first Hanukkah.
Buy it: $11, ModernTribe.com
My First Jewish Baby Book by Julie Merberg
There are plenty of fun and educational Hanukkah books for kids, but this board book goes well beyond the Festival of Lights. Through rhymes and illustrations, baby will get a clever overview of Judaism, from afikomen to zayde.
Buy it: $11, Target.com
From holiday-themed gifts to wow-worthy presents any toddler would covet, here are some of our top picks for Hanukkah.
Oriental Trading Hanukkah Countdown Calendar
The holiday season gets a lot more festive once your child is old enough to understand what’s going on. Help them practice their counting skills and get excited for the first night of Hanukkah with this felt wall decoration.
Buy it: $6, OrientialTrading.com
Really Good Stuff Children’s Yoga Mat
Has your child been mimicking your at-home workouts? Help them get their om on with their own yoga mat, a great Hanukkah gift for toddlers. This one’s illustrated with 24 kid-friendly poses so they can flow on their own too.
Buy it: $20, ReallyGoodStuff.com
Dough Parlour Hanukkah Set
A mom and preschool teacher set out to make dough for kids to play with that’s safe and smells good. Mission-accomplished: this festive set is comes with Hanukkah-themed shape cutters, a mat for toddlers to decorate their own menorah and dreidel, and non-toxic dough in lemon, blueberry, cotton candy and vanilla (Note: while they smell delicious, they’re for playing, not eating).
Buy it: $50, TheTot.com
Melissa & Doug Chef’s Kitchen
You don’t have to stray far from home to find the best latkes in town. Kids as young as 3 will love whipping up family recipes in a kitchen of their own. This set comes with all modern appliances, including a microwave with a spinning plate, a refrigerator with a working ice dispenser, cabinets with doors that open and shut, and much more. It’s one of the best Hanukkah gifts for toddlers, and spacious enough for multiple kids to play at once—ideal for family gatherings.
Buy it: $199, MelissaandDoug.com
Pottery Barn Kids My First Dreidel
Great Hanukkah gifts for toddlers can be enjoyed by the whole family. Help your little one learn how to play the classic holiday game—and improve their math skills along the way—with this toddler-friendly set.
Buy it: $44, PotteryBarnKids.com
Kid Made Modern Rock Crayons
Not sure what to get your kids? You can’t go wrong with a set of jumbo crayons. This 12-piece two-tone set is perfect for little hands to hold and scribble their first masterpieces (and Hanukkah gift thank you cards!).
Buy it: $15, Kohls.com
Whether you’re in search of something the kids can present Bubbe and Zayde or you’re in need of a gift idea yourself, check out these great Hanukkah gifts.
Homesick Hanukkah Candle
Can’t get together with the extended family for this year’s Hanukkah celebrations? Send grandma and grandpa this candle to remind them of happier Hanukkah times. Top notes of butter, potato and apple are reminiscent of homemade latkes, while top notes of vanilla and musk invoke the smell of warm jelly donuts.
Buy it: $34, Bloomingdales.com
Goodnight Bubala by Sheryl Haft
Gift the grandparents this funny parody book to read to your little one as a bedtime story. It also includes an exclusive latke recipe from Ina Garten, so they’ll get something out of it too.
Buy it: $12, Amazon.com
Jonathan Adler Ceramic Dachshund Menorah
Does a trip to Grandma and Grandpa’s also mean a visit with a much-loved family member of the canine variety? If so, kids will love presenting this adorable take on the menorah. The Jonathan Adler-designed piece is crafted in high-fire stoneware by skilled artisans in Peru and finished with a soft-satin matte glaze.
Buy it: $128, JonathanAdler.com
The 100 Most Jewish Foods: A Highly Debatable List by Alana Newhouse
Part history lesson and part cookbook, this entertaining and informative book is perfect for grandparents. They’re sure to learn more about the foods they’ve been eating for decades, and may even be encouraged to whip up their own versions.
Buy it: $17, Amazon.com
Oliviers and Co. Il Fornacino Olive Oil
As any chef will tell you, a dish is only as good as its ingredients—and this essential element is pretty great. Whether the grandparents love to cook or love to eat (or both), this prize-winning olive oil can be splashed on whatever they’re serving during the holiday—in which case (bonus!) you may get to enjoy it too. Plus, gifting oil for Hanukkah seems pretty apropos.
Buy it: $35, OliviersandCo.com
Pix Star Digital Picture Frame
Maybe you’re not getting together as often, or you just want to keep your parents updated on baby’s growth. Either way, a digital picture frame is a great way for families to keep in touch. This one has a dedicated email address, so anyone who has it can email photos from their smartphone straight to the picture frame.
Buy it: $155, Amazon.com
They watch over and help your loved ones—so why not show a little love in return? These Hanukkah gifts are sure to fill their hearts and bellies.
USB Rechargeable Lighter
Sure, if this existed back in the day, we wouldn’t have Hanukkah to celebrate. But this lighter is a cool invention: it uses an electric charge to flamelessly light candles, grills and fireplaces, and recharges quickly via a USB cable. Pair it with a scented candle for a warm way to show your appreciation.
Buy it: $30, TheGrommet.com
Sugarfina 8 Nights of Light Candy Tasting Calendar
Even if your child’s babysitter, nanny or teacher doesn’t celebrate Hanukkah, this tasting box is a sweet way to let them in on the celebration. Each of the eight drawers in this advent calendar-inspired box are filled with four types of candy and chocolates.
Buy it: $20, Sugarfina.com
Katz’s Delicatessen Chocolate Babka
This traditional treat ships directly from New York City’s famed deli. What’s special about this one? The yummy rich chocolate is generously marbled throughout the dough—making every bite downright heavenly. Comes in cinnamon too.
Buy it: $15, KatzDelicatessen.com
W&P Design Porter Portable Ceramic Bowl
Food storage has never been so chic. This ceramic bowl securely transports lunch or leftovers and is perfect to toss in a tote or diaper bag. And bonus: It’s safe to pop in the dishwasher and microwave too.
Buy it: $125, Bloomingdales.com
The New Yiddish Kitchen, by Jennifer Robins and Simone Miller
Who says you can’t enjoy classic cooking and stick to your (very au courant) eating regimen? This hip cookbook, written by two paleo foodies, combines old techniques with new food trends, including paleo and gluten-free versions of Jewish favorites. No fewer than four bagel recipes inside!
Buy it: $25, Amazon.com
Red Wine Stain Remover
Clean up any Manischewitz messes with this pocket-size wine stain remover. Pair it with a bottle of red for the perfect Hanukkah gift for your nanny.
Buy it: $8, UncommonGoods.com
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