Hanukkah Best Gifts for Kids Adults Pets

Chanukah

Hanukkah begins at sundown December 25, 2024 - January 2, 2025

Unique Gifts Ideas for Kids, Grownups, Pets

I could not be more thrilled to share this Hanukkah gift guide with you featuring the hottest, best-selling collection of gift ideas you won't find gathered together quite like this in any other shopping guide. I'm so enthusiastic to share these ideas, not only because my own family celebrates the Jewish Festival of Lights, but because I personally love all the items I've curated for this collection of beautiful and unique affordable gift ideas. Whether you're shopping for Chanukah for kids, women, men, and or pets, there's something here to discover that would make the perfect gift for just about everyone on your list.

MBE partnered with Fairytale Brownies, this post also contains affiliate links

8 Nights of Gifts 

It's traditional for many families to exchange small gifts on each of the eight nights of the holiday of Hanukkah. Among the tunes young and old also enjoy singing is this folksong which is also sung in Yiddish by some ...

 

I Have a Little Dreidel (AKA The Dreidel Song)

I have a little dreidel, I made it out of clay.

And when it's dry and ready, then dreidel I shall play.

Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, I made it out of clay.

Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, then dreidel I shall play.

Now that you're in a festive mood, start scrolling, browsing to check out all the wonderful merchandise available this season. The majority of these items are inexpensive, making them ideal for giving as thoughtful gifts during each night of the 8-day holiday, all priced at much less than $100, except for one. You'll find clickable links to buy the items you really like in the product descriptions immediately below each gift guide page section.

Fun and Playful Kids Gift Ideas

Hanukkah is really all about the kids, right? Whether you're looking for screen free Hanukkah toys and books, festive decor, or something more practical like footie pajamas, these gift suggestions will make you, your kids and family smile.

Dreidel Menorah String Lights

A 6-foot string with 5 dreidel and 5 menorah lights to decorate your home or classroom

My Mini Wood Menorah 

A colorful wood menorah children will enjoy pretending to "light"

My First Xylophone Menorah

Kids will enjoy playing The Dreidel Song on this musical menorah

The Very Hungry Caterpillar's 8 Nights of Chanukah Board Book

This charming, sturdy book is a favorite for toddlers ages 1 to 3

Hanukkah Cotton Footed 2-Way Zip Pajamas 

An adorable one-piece in sizes preemie, newborn and 3, 6, 9 months

Hanukkah Bingo Game

Includes 18 game cards and everything needed to play

Build-A-Bear Hanukkah Gift Box

A gift box that magically reveals a fun, new surprise gift for 8 nights

Personalized Fabric Applique Menorah Wall Hanging

Add the name of a special child for a truly unique heirloom quality gift

Gifts for Girlfriends, Wives and Moms

All of the ideas for gals are just my style. So let's just say I'm dropping a hint to anyone who might be planning to surprise me with a gift that I will definitely love this Hanukkah.

Hanukkah Shopping Bag Ornament

This 4-inch glass Kurt Adler design is perfect for shopaholics

Delicate Menorah Stud Earrings

These colorful menorah Bauble Bar earrings are so festive and fun

Jeweled Blue Velvet Hanukkah Hairband

I couldn't wait for Hanukkah, so I already bought this one for me

Olivia Riegel Sophie Bronze Finish Pewter Menorah

An elegant menorah, with handpainted enamel encrusted with crystals

 

Blue Tile Accordian Pleated Maxi Dress

A luxurious blue tile flowy print dress in the prettiest hues of blue and white

Foodie, Entertaining, and Hostess Gifts

Fairytale Brownies Hanukkah Sampler Box - Kosher

These come boxed and individually wrapped (Hanukkah Sampler Box is pictured above) with a mouth-watering assortment of brownies in various sizes (3" x 3", 3" x 1.5", 1.5" x 1.5"). Delicious flavors in the sampler gift box include Pecan, Toffee Crunch, White Chocolate, Mint Chocolate Espresso Nib, Cnnamon Cocoa, Caramel, Chocolate Chip, Raspberry Swirl, Walnut and Cream Cheese plus 4 Blondie Magic Morsels (4 flavors)  and 4 different cookies (Snickerdoodle, Caramel Pecan, Chocolate Chip, and Double Chocolate) ready to give in a festive "Happy Hanukkah" box. 

Fairytale Brownies Chanukah gift boxes are also offered in Gluten-Free Brownie Morsels (choice of 12 or 24 pieces) and Sugar-Free Brownie Morsels (24 pieces). In all, as of press time, there are 31 different Hanukkah gift box options in the brand's collection. All Fairytale Brownies products are certified kosher under the supervision of the Greater Phoenix Vaad Hakashruth in Arizona.

A few more gift ideas from other brands in this category...

Hanukkah Menorah Kitchen Tea Towel

This 16" x 24" white waffle weave tea towel makes a wonderful holiday gift for your host or hostess

Multi-Color Chocolate Hanukkah Coins - Kosher

Kids love chocolate gelt even more in so many colors like this, OU Dairy certified

Whimsical Gifts for All, You Included

Mini Bead Hanukkah Jewelry Making Kit

The charms, beads and more set the stage for getting creative

Heart Dreidel by Michael Aram

A beautiful, nickleplate hand-forged piece from the brand's Heart Collection

Hanukkah Menorah by Artist Yair Emanuel

The modern Tree of Life branch design is offered in 3 sizes

Classic Blue and White Hanukkah Menorah Candles

Chanukah for a Cause menorah candles - Proud to Stand with Israel

Happy Hanukkah Felt Mouse

A delicate, sweet needle-felted handcrafted collectible

LED Light Blue Kurt Adler Hanukkah House

Battery operated, this gingerbread cottage style piece belongs on your table

Gifts for Family and Friends

Ceramic Nail Polish Menorah

Faux nail polish bottles hold the candles on this adorable menorah

Hanukkah Spa Gift Box

This holiday spa in a box includes a succulent along with soap, candle and more 

Happy Llamakah Pop Up Hanukkah Card

Send this 3-D LovePop card to the animal and llama lovers on your mailing list

Hanukkah Flower Bouquet Pop Up Card

Also from LovePop, send this sweet card that won't wilt or die like real flowers

Matching Pajamas for Mom, Dad and Kids

Imagine the family photos you'll be able to take wearing these lookalike PJs

Pet Gifts for Cats and Dogs

These cat and dog gifts are perfect for pet parents to give to your four-legged children. They're surprisingly inexpensive, too, so you'll probably want to buy them all!

Crinkle Fish Interactive Cat Toy Play Set

Your kitty will be mesmerized by these 4 fish that make crackling sounds

Dreidel and Gelt Cat Toys

This catnip fleece set is a really popular Hanukkah gift for cats this year

Hannukah Gelt Plush Dog Toy

A fun find for dogs is this stuffed oversized coin made with metallic fabric

Happy Hanukkah Dog Bone Toy

Include your dog in the festivities with this holiday-themed plush dog toy 

Hanukkah Plush Cookie Dog Pull Rope Toy

A dog pull toy with pretend dreidel cookies attached that's fun for you both

Hoping you find one or more gifts for someone special on your shopping list. Happy Shopping!

FTC Disclosure: MBE participates in Amazon affiliate advertising program and well as other affiliate marketing programs. So when you click on a link and make a purchase, I will earn a small bit of compensation at no extra cost to you. 

Happy Hanukkah to
All Celebrating

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Movie Review

Movies

by Janis Brett Elspas, Editor 

Mommy Blog Expert 

 

A New Family Comedy in Theaters

The movie The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (2024, Rated PG) family friendly comedy film opens in theaters in nationwide on November 8. 

A Christmas Film for Kids and Parents

In a world that can feel like it’s moving at a lightning pace, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever offers a relevant, refreshing and beautiful pause at this time of year -- a warm reminder of old-fashioned virtues that transcend time across the generations. This movie adaptation of Barbara Robinson’s beloved book resonates with moms and dads who will see the potential for good in every child, no matter how "bad" they might seem at a glance. For those celebrating Christmas, both parents and kids alike, viewers will also take away values that they can bring with them into the upcoming holiday season. 

The story, which takes place during Christmastime, follows the six Herdman siblings—Ralph, Imogene, Leroy, Claude, Ollie, and Gladys -- an eccentric, scrappy, and notorious group of kids whose rowdy ways have earned them a reputation in their small town. But when they unexpectedly audition for the town’s annual Christmas pageant, which has been performed for the past 100 years, they turn tradition on its head in the most hilarious and heartwarming way.

Known for their rebellious ways, the Herdmans come across as anything but sweet, innocent, and angelic, yet the film invites viewers, both kids and grownups, to look deeper. As they learn about the Christmas story and get caught up in the magic of the season, these wild ones surprise everyone, including themselves, showing a glimpse of their own capacities for kindness, bravery, and, yes, goodness.

In the role of Grace Bradley, the courageous and warm-hearted mother who takes on the daunting task of directing the pageant, we see Allison Tolman (known for her award-winning performance in Fargo and Why Women Kill). Tolman brings a delightful mix of compassion and strength as she battles through her doubts to help the Herdmans and the entire community navigate toward seeing the good in everyone.

Scenes from this New Movie . . .

Each Herdman Kid Offers Something Unique

• Ralph Herdman (Mason Thames, known for The Black Phone) is the eldest and takes on a slightly reluctant leadership role. With a scowl that hides his vulnerability, Ralph’s character begins to thaw as he learns that kindness can be powerful, not necessarily a trait showing weakness.   
• Imogene Herdman (Brooklynn Prince, from The Florida Project) is sassy and fearless, with a reputation for stealing. Yet, she’s also incredibly smart and resourceful. Her portrayal as Mary in the pageant becomes one of the film’s most touching transformations, revealing Imogene’s ability to care deeply when given the chance.
• Leroy Herdman (Roman Griffin Davis of Jojo Rabbit fame) is mischievous and adventurous, quick to fight but also fiercely loyal to his siblings. Davis’s portrayal captures a playful, impish side that audiences will find both amusing and endearing.
• Claude Herdman (Jacob Tremblay, well-known for both Room and Wonder) is quieter than his siblings but has a knack for getting into trouble just the same. Tremblay brings depth to Claude, showcasing a kid who’s lost and simply looking for a place where he can feel he belongs.
• Ollie Herdman (Iain Armitage, Young Sheldon) brings an intellectual curiosity mixed with a wild streak that often leads to some pretty chaotic situations. Armitage’s comedic timing is spot-on, adding a layer of humor while also displaying Ollie’s softer side.
• Gladys Herdman (McKenna Grace, known for Ghostbusters: Afterlife) is the youngest and most energetic of the group, famous for her shrill cries and dramatic antics. As the “angel” in the pageant, her enthusiasm adds a hilarious twist to her role, showing that even the smallest Herdman has a heart of gold.

With this well-rounded cast of young talents and seasoned grownup actors, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever captures the humor, challenges, and revelations that come when people from different walks of life come together. Through the antics of the Herdman kids, we see that every child -- even those labeled as "troublemakers" -- has the potential for positive change.

What makes this movie a gem is its dedication to showcasing old-fashioned values without feeling preachy or outdated. These are morals rooted in compassion, understanding, and forgiveness -- qualities that the younger generation, so often glued to their smartphones and screens, might need a little reminder of now ad then. Through the antics of the Herdman youngsters, we see that every child, even those labeled as "troublemakers," has the potential for meaningful growth that leads to positive change.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever isn’t just a feel-good holiday flick; it's a call to parents and children alike to slow down, look beyond labels, and find the goodness that’s often hiding in plain sight. This heartwarming, family-friendly story serves as a sweet reminder that sometimes all it takes is a little patience and understanding to bring out the best in each other, especially during the holiday season.

More About The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

See a preview of this film by watching the official movie trailer. Also learn more about The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, visit the movie website and follow @bestchristmaspageantever, @lionsgate, and @kingdomstorycompany on Facebook and Instagram. Buy tickets now to see this film with your family at a local theater near you.

Many thanks to Kingdom Faith Marketing Services for providing screening access to facilitate this movie review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Lost on a Mountain in Maine Movie Review

Movies

by Janis Brett Elspas, Editor 

Mommy Blog Expert 

WIT PR provided screening access to facilitate this movie review 

New Family Film in Theaters 

The new family friendly movie Lost on a Mountain in Maine (2004, Rated PG), produced by Sylvester Stallone, opens in theaters November 1. If you’ve ever been separated from your son or daughter, even for a moment, you know that intense feeling of worry, love, and hope that grips you until you're again reunited with your child. This new feature film docudrama taps into these universal fears and emotions, bringing to the big screen the true story of 12-year-old Donn Fendler, who was lost in the vast and treacherous wilderness of Maine's Katahdin Mountains for nine days in the 1930s.

How Family Bonds Give Strength When Needed Most 

This film is more than just a tale of survival; it’s a heartfelt reminder of how powerful family bonds are—especially when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, when things get really tough. In Lost on a Mountain in Maine, the focus and POV (point of view) splits between Donn’s frightening solo journey and the emotional rollercoaster his family experiences while searching for him. This back-and-forth storytelling creates a deeply relatable experience for viewers, particularly parents, who can’t help but feel for Donn’s mother and father as they grapple with the unknown. 

Every scene is an emotional tug-of-war, with Donn fighting to survive while his family struggles to hold onto hope. The film opens with a scene you likely relate to: a family hiking, enjoying the outdoors and quality time together. As the story moves further, Donn joins his father, brother and a family friend playing trail guide and together they set out on a challenging and dangerous hike. Headstrong Donn climbs quicker than the rest of the group and before he knows it, he's separate from the others. 

Now lost, what should have been just an innocent day hike adventure quickly takes a dangerous turn. Donn finds himself alone in the dense, rugged woods of Maine, struggling to navigate his way back while facing severe weather, unfamiliar rugged terrain, hunger and thirst, multiple injuries, and exhaustion. What’s truly special about this movie is how it shows Donn's resilience of never giving up hope, born from his memories of home and family. 

The movie’s portrayal of the main character's mental journey as he calls on his inner strength is both touching and inspiring. In moments of despair, Donn thinks of his family: his mother’s comforting words, his dad’s strength, and his siblings’ laughter. Even though he’s physically alone, these memories serve as an emotional lifeline, keeping him moving forward against unbelievable odds. 

Back home, his family is enduring their own ordeal. As moms and dads, we know that feeling of helplessness when our kids face trouble. Donn’s mom, like so many of us would, turns to her faith, her emotions swinging between desperate hope and fear. His dad is portrayed as a strong, focused figure, out in front of the search and rescue team's efforts throughout the ordeal. 

There’s an incredible strength that parents show for their children, and the movie captures this beautifully. You feel their pain, love, and unbreakable determination as they try to bring their boy home.

Spoiler Alert

When Donn is finally found, the reunion with his family will warm your heart. You can see how much he’s grown and matured, not only from his experiences of being alone in the wild, but from realizing just how loved he is. And his family? They hold him tighter than ever before, filled with gratitude and love for their boy who has returned to them. It’s the ultimate expression of the strength of family bonds, showing how, no matter what life throws our way, love and resilience will see us through.

Lost on a Mountain in Maine isn’t just a movie about survival; it’s a powerful family story. It reminds us of the strength family brings, how memories of loved ones can inspire us to keep going, bonding and keeping us connected even in the darkest times. 

This is a film that every family member old enough to see a PG rated picture should see together. It’s a reminder to hold loved ones close, in good times and bad, and to trust in the unbreakable bonds that connect us. So grab some tissues, and get ready for an adventure that will leave you feeling grateful for the love and strength of family. Lost on a Mountain in Maine is a film that doesn’t just retell a true story that actually happened almost 100 years ago; it reminds us of what’s really most important in life. 

More About Lost on a Mountain in Maine

See a preview of this film by watching the official movie trailer. Also learn more about Lost on a Mountain in Maine, filmed on location in the Hudson Valley, New York, by visiting the movie website and by following the film on Facebook and Instagram. Buy tickets now at a local theater near you.

Many thanks to WIT PR for providing screening access to facilitate this movie review. Opinions are 100% my own.