by Janis Brett Elspas

December 11 - 19, 2009 - Memorable Gifts for the Festival of Lights features the most brilliant ideas imaginable for kids, families, parents, relatives, and friends. From a custom-made look alike doll that bears uncanny resemblance to a child's parent, to a clever Yiddish baby book, to a Hanukkah dog sweater, to a kosher Festival of Lights Cheesecake that can be air shipped to you, to even "giving" a goat or donkey as a gift, chances are you'll find some ideal gifts here to enhance the holiday for everyone on your Hanukkah gift list. Pictured is a favorite family piece, a 14" handmade dimensional ceramic menorah, limited edition, by artist Branah Layah, private collection.
Hanukkah, which starts at sundown on Friday, December 11th this year and runs through Saturday, December 19th, is also known as the Festival of Lights. This Jewish holiday lasting eight days that usually falls in December (though not always) has historically been thought to be the people of Israel's equivalent to Christmas -- both among non-Jews and even some Jews themselves. This is particularly noticeable in the U.S. where cultures and religions have blended and the holidays have become much more commercialized than in other parts of the world.

But, the most observed holiday in Judaism, really has nothing to do with Christmas. Hanukkah can be best understood and more fully appreciated by reflecting upon its roots. Original homemade Hanukkah Gingerbread House made by the author of this blog is pictured at right.

But, the most observed holiday in Judaism, really has nothing to do with Christmas. Hanukkah can be best understood and more fully appreciated by reflecting upon its roots. Original homemade Hanukkah Gingerbread House made by the author of this blog is pictured at right.

You might ask, "How did this festive holiday originate and what do latkes have to do with a candelabra, chocolate coins, and dreidel, anyway?" American Girl's Miniature Menorah and Gold Coins, private collection, pictured above.

Today, Jews remember that famous oil around the world in several ways: by lighting a menorah each of the eight nights and by eating fried foods like crunchy potato pancakes and delectable jelly donuts. Holiday celebrants also play a game using pennies (or gold chocolate coins) and a 4-sided dreidel that is spun around with different Hebrew letters on each of its sides: Nes, Gadol, Hyah, Sham, which roughly translates as, "A great miracle happened there."
In modern times the colors most associated with Hanukkah are blue and white, reflecting the color scheme of the official flag of Israel since 1948 when the country declared statehood. Gold and silver are often incorporated into the holiday to add to the festivity. The handpainted wood dreidel & and Stand above shows Noah's Ark (a dreidel depicting a well known Chagall wedding scene is also available). Both made in Israel, $26. Noah's Ark dreidel pictured is from Taigan.com


ChocoBouquet Baby "Cupcakes" in Giftbox, $19.95. Four darling blue/white "cupcakes" washcloths for baby in a festive cupcake bakery box with chocolates tucked inside. From Chocobouquet.com
Yiddish for Babies by Janet Peer, $12.99. A really cute baby picture Yiddish word book that will make both kids and adults chuckle. Published by Simon & Schuster and available at YiddishforBabies.com and at fine booksellers. Watch for MommyBlogExpert's indepth review on this book soon.
Loveable Lookalike Doll, $44.99, is an eye-opening mother's invention that all parents of young children ought to know about. The soft personalized doll (made with digital photo you provide) comes with re-recordable voice chip and includes a special custom message t-shirt. Watch for MommyBlogExpert's in-depth product review on this item soon. Available from LoveableLookalike.com ENTER MommyBlogExpert's holiday giveaway of a Loveable Lookalike DIY Doll HERE
For Older Kids

For Older Kids




For Tweens & Teens
HexBug Nano, $9.99 each, from Innovation First International, is a tiny gift that will go over big this Hanukkah, especially with boys who love electronics. This micro robotic creature is battery powered and comes with its own unique code inside the box to register and play online too. Hexbug Nano is available nationally at ToysRUs and Radio Shack.
Customized Sterling Silver Hanukkah Bracelet, $53.51/bracelet shown, incl shipping, comes with 5 charms: menorah, present, lucky penny, dreidel, and Star of David or you can choose to have it made with any others from the massive holiday offerings or 100s of other unique charms. Charms also available individually for less than $5 each. From the Charm Factory WIN Charm Factory merchandise with MommyBlogExpert's Holiday Sweepstakes, now through January 4, 2010, ENTER HERE http://tinyurl.com/yczp9zn Also, watch for several more in-depth product reviews of their other novel theme bracelets and charms soon.



Zum Tov Bow Bar, $6.25, by Indigo Wild. Your boy or girl teen will be sullen no more, when when you pamper them with this aromatherapy gift that smells almost like the Garden of Eden. Kosher scented in almond and orange, this 3 ounce bar is made with 100% saponified food grade olive, coconut, and palm oils, in a goat's milk base with herbs, pure essential oils and natural colorings. Perfect for Hanukkah, in a swirling blue and white bar presented with organdy bow. Indigo Wild's handmade products are available at over 2,000 retail stores nationwide, including high end natural grocery stores such as Whole Foods. Watch for a MommyBlogExpert holiday giveaway of Indigo Wild products soon. From Indigowild.com
For Big Girls, Especially the Young at Heart



Poule de Luxe Vanilla Lemon Pie Solid Fragrance, $18, smells almost good enough to eat. Surprise that favorite big girl on your list with this lip stick sized .17 oz/5 g scent that's made in France, and she'll be smelling practically like the real thing. Best of all, this is not a liquid so she can pop it in her carry on bag and breeze right through the security screening process at the airport. WIN a Poule de Luxe solid fragrance by entering MommyBlogExpert's Holiday Giveaway, now through January 4, 2010. From Crazy Libellule and the Poppies

For Men of All Ages


This Handmade Menorah Men's Tie with Steven Harris label, $12.95, will be a real conversation starter at any Hanukkah gathering. The seven-branch menorah is reminiscent of that which once stood in the temple thousands of years ago, but is updated for wearing today with the phrase "Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem" inside a Mogen David star just above the menorah. Framed by a dark, midnight blue textured background, this brightly colored tie also integrates the remains of the temple's walls that still stand in the Holy City into its unique design. Don't miss MommyBlogExpert's Holiday Giveaway to win another cool novelty tie from this company, contest now through January 4, 2010. From ABC Neckties

Latkes, Dreidels, Menorahs &
Holiday Foods & Drinks
Holiday Foods & Drinks
What would Hanukkah be without Latkes? Whether you make this crispy or soggy, out of the box or homemade, these gift ideas will bring the holiday to a new level.
Year of the Latke Jewish Zodiac T-shirt, $24/adult, $20/youth, is a fun gift for young and old that features a 1950s vibe logo. The coolest graphic I've ever seen celebrating that scrumptious fried potato treat we all look forward to. A partial quote from the text of this shirt says it all, "Working class with a grating exterior, you're a real softie on the inside..." This design also available as a coffee cup. BTW, this company produces an astounding offering of Jewish Zodiac products so it's worth a visit to their site to check it out. From Jewzo.com
Get 'em While They're Hot - Latkes Platter, $28.50, is a new take on an old tradition handpainted on Ceramic by Our Name is Mud. Now imagine those sizzling potato delicacies on this serving plate when your guests pass the food around the table. I know I'm hungry, already, aren't you? From EdibleGiftsplus.com
Giant Menorah Cookie, $35.50, is another delightful kosher find this year, that will be remembered long after the last crumb is enjoyed by those who receive this sweet gift. Measuring 9-10 inches, this delicious sugar cookie definitely makes my personal wish list of memorable gifts. From EdibleGiftsplus.com
Jay Strongwater Menorah with Swarovski Crystals, $1,200, Corzine & Co., is at upper edge of the luxe spectrum. A stunning menorah brightly accented with colors that represent the vibrancy of life. Cream/brown/green magnolia bud motif with Hand-set Swarovski® crystals. Handcrafted in USA.
8 x 7 x 5 inches. Pictures available showing the artistic beauty of this Judaica piece from all angles can be viewed online. From Taigan.com
Hanukkah Cheesecake, $40, is kosher and baked fresh by Eli's Cheesecake, famous for their awesome dessert specialties in more flavors than you can probably imagine. Available for a limited time for U.S. customer home delivery, just for Hanukkah, they're offering an out of this world special edition featuring Eli's Original Plain Cheesecake topped with clouds of creamy mousse, festive blue chocolate decorations, and an edible Happy Hanukkah message. Uncut, serves 16, packed in dry ice and delivered fresh via air express to you.My kids and I visited Eli's factory outside of Chicago several years ago and we were lucky enough not only to see how the best cheesecakes in the world are made, but we got to sample some because a slice of cake was included in the admission price for their fun, old-fashioned tour. Take my word for it, these cheesecakes are better than any you've tasted before. Watch for MommyBlogExpert's report from the Eli's Cheesecake Factory Tour soon. From Eli's Cheesecake

Gourmet Hanukkah Candy Apples by Mrs. Prindables, $26.95, clearly are not just for Halloween. Why not give these a try to make a memorable conclusion to your holiday celebration? This giant elegant caramel apple, weighing up to 1.5 pounds, is festively presented with a porcelain dreidel attached to a big blue bow and is available in all 8 signature apple flavors. Shown in Triple Chocolate here. Just think of the oohs and aahs you'll be hearing when you bring out a tray with some of these works of art for dessert. Serves 8-10. From Mrs. Prindables
Milk Chocolate Coins and Dark Chocolate Bars from Divine, prices vary, are at Whole Foods and also available at select stores in the U.S. and online Kosher certified by Triangle-K, this gourmet chocolate is made with the finest Fair Trade cocoa beans from Kuapa Kokoo, a co-op of smallholder farmers in Ghana.
When I opened the beautifully packed box they sent, loaded with two generous bags of gold milk chocolate "gelt" for Hanukkah and two of their large Divine 70% Dark Chocolate 3.5 ounce bars, the smell and taste of both chocolate types from their extensive line was heavenly. As I read the brochure included in the package, I was even happier to find out that this is a chocolate company with a very big heart -- because the local cocoa farmers not only get a fair deal for their cocoa, but also premiums to invest in their communities, and a share of Divine ChocolateUSA profits.
Now, that you've got some unforgettable ideas, hurry up already...you've got eights days of memorable gifts to shop for. A gentle reminder: don't forget to buy Hanukkah candles like I did last year, when you are picking up gifts for everyone.
Readers: Would love to get your reactions to my best gift idea picks for Hanukkah, so please post a comment and let me know what you think.

When I opened the beautifully packed box they sent, loaded with two generous bags of gold milk chocolate "gelt" for Hanukkah and two of their large Divine 70% Dark Chocolate 3.5 ounce bars, the smell and taste of both chocolate types from their extensive line was heavenly. As I read the brochure included in the package, I was even happier to find out that this is a chocolate company with a very big heart -- because the local cocoa farmers not only get a fair deal for their cocoa, but also premiums to invest in their communities, and a share of Divine ChocolateUSA profits.
Now, that you've got some unforgettable ideas, hurry up already...you've got eights days of memorable gifts to shop for. A gentle reminder: don't forget to buy Hanukkah candles like I did last year, when you are picking up gifts for everyone.
Readers: Would love to get your reactions to my best gift idea picks for Hanukkah, so please post a comment and let me know what you think.
Wishing You and Yours
FTC Disclosure: For this holiday gift showcase, Mommy Blog Expert received the products and/or services from companies mentioned for test, review and/or to giveaway to this blog's readers. Exceptions: No products and/or services were provided by Chocobouquet, HandstandKids, Artistic Sensations, jChoice.org, and Mrs. Prindables. Additional items identified as private collection were purchased. MommyBlogExpert was neither paid nor received other compensation from any company mentioned in this post.
No comments:
Post a Comment