Best Hanukkah Gift Guide for Kids, Adults

Chanukah 

Hanukkah 2023 is December 7-15

Oh Hanukkah, oh Chanukah, come light the menorah. As the traditional song goes and however you spell this holiday transliterated into English from the original Hebrew, if you, freinds or family celebrate, it's time to finish your shopping for the 8-night Jewish Festival of Lights. To help you wrap up the task of buying presents your kids and the rest of your family and friends will love, MommyBlogExpert has compiled our picks for the perfect gift for everyone of every age on your list.

 

This post contains affiliate links with some featured products gifted for review

Gift suggestions curated by MBE are all things I personally love, from my favorite places to shop: Amazon, Etsy, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdales, Birch Lane, Build-A-Bear, and Crate and Barrel.

For Babies and Toddlers, Ages 0-5

Isn't this Baby Girl Handmade Hanukkah Outfit the cutest? Bodysuit (regular short sleeve or flutter long sleeve) available in sizes premie to 24 months. Additional add-on accessories pictured include tutu bloomers, leg warmers, headband, necklace, and barefoot sandals.

For boys and girls this Personalized Baby's First Hanukkah Unisex Onsie will create warm memories for family and friends you are celebrating with this year. Available in short and long sleeve options, the each personalized onsie includes the child's name and year.

 

This Jewish Holiday Cloth Baby Book which can be personalized with your child's name is interactive with something special on every page. Destined to become one of your little one's favorite books to read together.

For toddlers old enough to play with play dough, this Set of 6 Wood Stampers would make a wonderful gift. High quality, handcrafted solid wood stamps include a candle, menorah, Magen David Jewish Star, sufaganiot (a jelly doughnut), oil pitcher, and dreidel.  

 

For Kids Ages 5-10

For crafty kids, how about this DIY Menorah Craft Kit. Easy and fun to make, this set includes everything needed to make this kids menorah: wood pieces, paint, decorations, craft clue, and paint mixing tray.

Keep elementary kids busy with this Pop & Spin Hanukkah Board Game. A new, fun way for them to play the game of dreidel which is enclosed under a plastic dome that one presses down to make it pop and "spin" the dreidel. The best part: it's not electronic and Shabbat friendly!

The perfect gift for children is this Build-A-Bear 8 Nights of Hanukkah Workshop set. The box, which is available exclusively online, features a little box to open each night of Chanukah. Included are a total of 8 surprise items for kids to "unwrap" : 2 mini plush bear toys and 6 assorted mini clothing pieces and accessories.

This Menora Wall Hanging Banner with velcro candles and flames is a classic gift that my own kids grew up with. Beautifully machine embroidered, this colorful interactive fabric decoration makes it possible for kids to add a new pretend candle and "light" it each night of the holiday.

For Tweens

Kids who love standing out from the crowd are gonna to love this Plush Menorah Hairband with Candles. The perfect accessory to wear to Hanukkah parties and celebrations this year! 

This Hanukkah Bead Jewelry Making Set comes with everything need to make two bracelets or one necklace. Includes the gold and blue and white beads and charms pictured as well as elastic cord to thread on to create wearable holiday bling.

 

Tweens (and likely Teens) will enjoy DIY manicures with these adorable and uber trendy Hanukkah Fingernail Manicure Decals. Includes dozens of Chanukah themed decals: dreidels, menorahs, Hebrew letters, and more.

These Sparkling Menorah Pierced Earrings will complete the outfit she's wearing to that Hanukkah party she was invited to. Handmade, light weight and above all festive.

For Teens

Teenage girls who keep up on the latest fashion trends will love this Handmade Hanukkah Knot Hairband. With hairbands being very in vogue right now, this hair accessory bejeweled with faux jewels and Jewish-inspired charms will amp up her holiday look this season.

What teen isn't always hungry? Mrs. Prindables Jumbo Hanukkah Candy Apple is just the sweet treat teenage guys and gals will savor. Available in an assortment of flavor combos, Kosher certified Dairy by CRC and festively presented as pictured with a blue decorated bow.

This Personalized Hebrew Name Necklace is so popular right now with more young Jews proudly showing off love of their heritage. Available in a choice of sterling silver, gold plated or roseplated, in a variety of Hebrew letter fonts.

What could be better to give than this Handmade Hanukkah Gelt Cashbox? This money box is ideal for hard to shop for teenagers as a truly memorable way to give a gift of gelt by taping dollar bills or even Israeli paper currency end to end. Includes mini gift bag, adorned with a sparkling dreidel, to present this gift to the recipient.

20-Somethings

This Sparkling Menorah Handcrafted Glass Ornament is just the thing to decorate their first apartment. Whether they hang it up in a window or on their wall this is a beautiful small gift they'll likely treasure as they move from place to place till they finally settle down.

The recipient will stay cozy and warm in this comfy Flannel Hanukkah Pajama 2-Piece Set. Long-sleeved with "I Love You Latke" on the cuff in an adorable pattern of dogs, cats, menorahs and Jewish stars. 

Give this Rustic Golden Branch Menorah to celebrate a special 20-something's first Chanukah away from home. A gorgeous modern goldtone metal rendition of the classic menorah, this stands 18 inches tall and can double as a table centerpiece in their small apartment.

Whether you're gifting them a Menorah or they already have one, these Blue Ombre Menorah Candles will beautify their Hanukkiah. Includes a full set of 45 hand-dipped paraffin and palm wax candles, enough to light the menorah for all eight nights.

For Grownups 30+

Guys and Gals who love baking will appreciate this Hanukkah Wood Embossing Rolling Pin. Handmade solidly out of beechwood, the user rolls the 15.8" long x 2.4" diameter pin over cookie dough to create a lovely raised pattern features symbols of Chanukah such as the menorah, Star of David, dreidel and more.

No matter how old the recipient, this tasty and festive Hanukkah Handmade Goodie Box will be a welcome nostalgic gift. Brought to you from the heart of the Borscht Belt in Upstate New York, the box of Chanukah themed individually-wrapped treats certified OU - Dairy includes 1 decorated holiday cupcake, 10 cookie assortment, and cinnamon rugelach.

For those who love entertaining, how about the HotMat, to keep food hot or to warm it up? This is a must-have small kitchen appliance: a modular, expandable 2-burner electric hot plate which the recipient will truly appreciate when serving guests for Hanukkah, as well as for warming or reheating food for Shabbat and other celebratory occasions throughout the year. Watch MommyBlogExpert.com for a separate upcoming review post with more about this kitchen wonder product and how I'm using this during Hanukkah soon.  

These 100% cotton washable Blue/White Pomegranate Tea Towels would be a thoughtful gift for your host/hostess or even yourself. The blue and white design on this generously-sized 20" x 30" set of three tea towels is perfect for Hanukkah but may also be used year-round.

DISCLOSURE: We participate in Amazon as well as other affiliate advertising programs that allows our site to earn a bit of compensation for including referral links (without extra cost to consumers who make a purchase) based on MBE's recommendations.

Best Christmas Gift Guide for Kids and Adults

Christmas

2023 Holiday Gift Guide for Everyone on Your List

There really is no such thing as one gift that suits all, right? So this year we've curated an eclectic gift guide with present ideas for every age group and a wide variety of likes and tastes. From gifts to pamper, to entertain, to cook and bake, to learn and play, Mommy Blog Expert has you covered. 

This post contains affiliate links with most featured products gifted for review

Gifts to Pamper

1. The MelodySusie Hair Blow Dryer offers some unique benefits not found in other products in this category. Design-wise, it's blow dryer body is lightweight with a 7-inch long handle that's narrow in diameter to fit comfortably in the palm of the hand. Other innovative features include a powerful motor inside the muffler for quieter operation as well as the ability to finely adjust the air wind speed by sliding the roller on the handle. Other pluses include a separate heat switch so you can set the dryer to cool (normal), medium heat or high heat temperature, a smoothing nozzle attachment that stays on while styling, and an easy to clean dust filter for maximum performance. Available exclusively on Amazon in two colors: pink or black

2. The Antica Farmacista Prosecco Bubble Bath comes in a 15.8 ounce bottle that is 7-inches by 2-inches. This is a brand on offer in some of the most luxurious hotels like The Beverly Hills Hotel and Four Seasons. Not only will the recipient luxuriate in a hot lovely-smelling bubble bath, they'll also enjoy just keeping the beautiful looking bottle on display in their bathroom instead of tucking it away in a cabinet when not in use. Non-alcoholic, yet remiscent of a crisp, sparkling, effervescent prosecco wine, this bubble bath is a slice of true luxury enriched with honey, aloe vera, green tea, and jojoba oil for long-lasting bath bubbles that leave the user feeling relaxed with skin that is silky soft. Available on Amazon in Prosecco as well as other luxurious scents including Desert Sage and Bergamot and Ocean Aria.

3. Bootleg Bath, San Francisco offers some of the most richly scented solid bar hair shampoo soaps and conditioners I've smelled in a long time. The Bootleg Bath Rice Water Protein Solid Bar Shampoo with argan oil is formulated for strengthening hair while the Biotin while the Bootleg Bath Rosemary Oil Solid Bar Conditioner is marketed as a growth formula. Both the solid bar shampoo and solid bar conditioner are pH balanced and hair color safe and are an ideal substitute for liquid shampoos and conditioners, especially while traveling. All Bootleg Bath products are made in small batches, including the brand's bath bar soaps such as the Greyhound Grapefruit and Bergamot Bar Soap type which is Exfoliant Free and all natural, enriched with Sea Buckthorn Oil.

4. The Bluzen Mini Percussion Massager with Type-C charging cord is a welcome gift to anyone who is looking for more zen in their life and who appreciates a good massage and/or is looking to soothe and relax muscles. Easy to use, this compact light massager comes with its own carrying case to store at home or to pack for traveling. Massage speed can be adjusted at the touch of a button to any of 8 levels of intensity. Included are 4 detachable massage heads with different purposes. The Ball attachment is used primarily for full body massaging and relaxation. The smaller Flat attachment is also for use on the entire body and can be used for targeted area. The Bullet attachment is designed for joints, deep tissue and trigger points, while the larger Fork attachment is intended for use on neck and spine areas. Available at Walgreens in several feminine and masculine colors.

Gifts to Entertain

5. The recipient of this gift will stay fully charged and connected with this Hyper Charge On the Go Bundle. Includes the Hyperjuice 35W USB-C GaN Charger and Hyper 2 Meter (6.6 feet) USB-C to USB-C cable make it possible to fast charge the iPhone 15 Pro Max or a MacBook Air or iPad with the ability to charge 2 devices simultaneously. At home, work, on the go or while traveling the charger with 2 USB-C ports has the user covered. 

6. The CoComelon Boom Box with carrying handle and attached microphone is a toddler's dream come true. For kids ages 18 months and up, this sturdy, portable toy offers built-in CoComelon singalong music including three songs: "The Wheels on the Bus," "Bath Song," and "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star." Flashing lights enhance the toddler experience giving kids the ability to rock and roll and be a star anytime and anywhere.

7. JLab is your go-to source for true wireless earbuds. Whether you choose JLab JBuds Air Pro True Wireless or JLab Work Buds In-Ear Headset with removeable boom microphone, you'll be gifting an essential tech accessory they'll truly appreciate and use to keep up with their on-to-go lifestyle. JBuds are perfect for walking the dog, binging on their favorite Netflix shows, listening to podcasts, and attending meetings via laptop. The Work Buds are ideal for road warriors who travel often and who make or receive phone calls and attend meetings. Either way each type of ear buds comes with its own charging case.

8. The movie Dumb Money: The Gamestop Story is new this month on Blu-ray + Digital and DVD + Digital. Based on the infamous true story about every day people who banded together and got rich by turning GameStop (the mall video game store) temporarily into the world's hottest company, literally flipping the script on Wall Street. The film, with some exclusive special features (filmmaker commentary, deleted scenes, featurettes and more) that were added after the movie left theaters, is nothing short of funny and entertaining.

Gifts to Cook and Bake

9. Here's the perfect gift for home cooks and bakers who are fans of the food and drinks of Disneyland and the other Disney Parks. The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set is ready to give featuring three hardback cookbooks also featuring fun trivia and park maps by Ashley Craft: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks Epcot Cookbook, and The Unofficial Disney Parks Restaurants Cookbook. We tried making the copycat Dole Whip from the first cookbook volume in the set (pictured here) and it was so good; we can't wait to make the giant Mickey Pretzels next. In the second volume, next on our to do list is the Grilled Street Corn on the Cob from Trowel and Trellis at Epcot. In the third cookbook in the set we're looking forward to making the Impossible Spoonful Pasta and Meatballs made famous by Pym Test Kitchen at Disney California Adventure.

10. For budding cooks and bakers, Let's Eat: Recipes for Kids Who Cook authored by DL Acken and food stylist, Aurelia Louvet, is a good starter cookbook. Geared for kids ages 9 and up, as well as adult newbie cooks, this beautifully-illustrated cookbook is fun to look through with lots of recipes that will appeal to kids like Sticky Soda Pop Ribs and Oven Baked Doughnuts. The cookbook begins with a chapter of simple recipes introducing beginners to the basics while later chapters build upon basic skills with more detailed recipes.   

11. The Bake and Create Kids Holiday Cookie Kit is a best seller among families. Exclusively available from Williams Sonoma, the set is educational as well as fun to use. Included are 4 measuring cups, 4 measuring spoons, 6 holiday metal cookie cutters, spatula, cookie turner, 3 icing bottles with decorating tips, a child-size chef's apron and a storage box.

12. The Hot Mat Connect, from Armadale Brands is a thoughtful host or hostess gift for those who enjoy entertaining during the holidays and throughout the year. The electric counter top appliance is modular and folds in half for compact storage. With high and warm heat settings, the 2-dish modular warming tray is expandable making it possible to connect up to 5 units together to heat up or keep warm as many as 10 pots or serving dishes at once. The contemporary styling incorporates silicon heating surfaces and is available in five stylish colors.

Gifts to Learn and Play 

13. Start toddlers out on the road to learning their letters with this colorful Upper Case Alphabet Wood Puzzle from SOLOBO. This well-made puzzle is not only fun but educational, too, to help develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and spatial abilities. Not long after they've mastered placing each letter in the correct spot, they'll be ready to begin tracing their finger in each puzzle slot giving them a head start on not only learning their ABCs but also preparing to eventually write their name in all cap letters.

14. Henri and the Magnificent Snort by Samantha Childs is a beautifully illustrated hard cover picture book for kids which entertains while delivering an important message about bullying. In this story Henri, a world-famous French Bulldog, moves from New York City to San Diego and, as a newcomer, is bullied and teased by the other animals about the way he snorts. The book is a reminder that kids can relate to about how hurtful bullying can be and how everyone -- and every child -- should take pride in and celebrate their uniqueness.

15. Inspired by the 1950s, the Step2 Company's Cooking Time Kitchen Playset is brand new for Holiday 2023. Sturdy and designed for hours of fun, this kids dream play kitchen invites children to use their imaginations and roleplay. Perfect for preschoolers, the kitchen features a faux refrigerator, freezer, and oven (all with open and close doors), as well as a sink complete with pretend faucet, a mechanical clock with moving hands, storage space and more. Also comes with child-size play plates, cups, coffee maker, utentils and sturdy plastic silverware.

16. Bababoo and friends offers a wide variety of lovable and charming characters for toddlers 12 months and up, with an old-fashioned vibe. For example the sweet Whale Wilma collection (pictured) includes a colorful solidly-made wood pull toy, a stacking lighthouse toy, a plush toy to cuddle, and a really cute baby board book.

DISCLOSURE: We participate in Amazon as well as other brand's affiliate advertising programs that allows our site to earn a bit of compensation for including referral links (without extra cost to consumers who make a purchase) based on MBE's recommendations.

Trolls Band Together, Universal Studios

Movies

TrollsFest, Movie Review, Universal Studios Parks

by MBE Kids Editor

Rachel Marks

TrollsFest Movie Pre-Release Kickoff 

My family and I had the most enchanting time at TrollsFest, a pop up event promoting DreamWorks latest kids movie Trolls Band Together. The outdoor event took place outdoors at Century City Westfield in Los Angeles earlier this month, ahead of the picture's opening on November 17 nationwide.

MBE partnered with Trolls Band Together, post contains affiliate links

We arrived at TrollsFest with high spirits and anticipation as my family are big fans of everything Trolls-related, especially the previous two Trolls movies, Trolls and Trolls World Tour, which are both available to rent or buy. Joining me for the day for this fun live family entertainment assignment were my three kids -- Izzy, Ori, and Arya (ages 5, 2.5, and 1), my husband Chaim, and my dear friend Danielle along with her two sons, Jojo and Alex, ages 6 and 2.

The variety of activities catered to a wide age range of girls and boys activities. From Trolls makeovers (hair, nails, and makeup by Hally Hair and Sally Hansen Nail Polish), meet and greets with the characters to a chance to spin the wheel to win prizes like Trolls Poppy & Pout lip balm and movie theater tickets from Fandango to see Trolls Band Together, a Trolls-inspired miniature golf course,  and more, there was something for everyone making this an ideal family outing for both sons and daughters.

One of the highlights of the event's festivities for my husband and I was undoubtedly Izzy's sheer excitement upon meeting his all-time favorite Trolls character, Poppy in real life. The joy and amazement in his eyes as he interacted with Poppy was truly heartwarming to watch and made for some wonderful photo opportunities that will make wonderful mementos for the future.

 

Izzy and his buddy Jojo were inseparable throughout the afternoon, sharing all the fun that TrollsFest had to offer. Another especially memorable moment was the video photo booth opportunity for the kids to record themselves performing on stage with the film's all-star boy band, BroZone. There was also a Trolls Party Plane photo opp provided by Southwest Airlines, but my toddler lost his attention span, so we couldn't stick around and wait our turn for that one.

Trolls-themed food and drinks also did not disappoint. In addition to brightly colored Trolls flavored Icee drinks which our boys loved, there was also Shine Water in specially-designed bottles and a Trolls milkshake by Shake Shack available. Ultimately, TrollsFest proved to be an immersive fan event like no other for us all.

Trolls Band Together Mom's Movie Review

Shortly before the movie was officially released to the public, my boys and I had the chance to see Trolls Band Together on the big screen. 

My big boy, already very familiar with the Trolls enterprise and all the loveble and colorful characters, absolutely loved it. Meanwhile, though it was the first Trolls movie he has seen, my 2-1/2 year-old seemed mesmerized by the on screen action of all the colorful characters as well as the soundtrack playing in the background. 

Speaking of the characters, it's worth noting that the movie's voiceover cast includes some of Hollywood's best known names: Anna Kendrick (Queen Poppy), Zooey Deschanel (Bridget), Justin Timberlake (Branch), Amy Schumer (Velvet), Troye Sivan (Floyd), Camila Cabello (Viva), Eric Andre (John Dory) Zosia Mamet (Crimp), Daveed Diggs (Spruce), Kid Cudi (Clay), among others.

The story revolves around Poppy who learns that Branch used to be a member of the band BroZone with his brothers Floyd, John Dory, Spruce and Clay. As the movie opens, brother Floyd is kidnapped. When Poppy and Branch discover this, they jump into action to save Floyd and to reunite with all of the brothers.

As always in family-friendly films, the movie's script has specially-written lines that intentionally reach and engage the grownup moms, dads, and caregivers. Adult appeal is also enhanced thanks to the score's musical performances by such A-listing vocal artists as Justin Timberlake who reunites with his boy band, NSYNC, for the movie. Other established solo vocal artists on the soundtrack include Camila Cabello and Troye Sivan.

Trolls at Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Orlando

While Trolls Band Together dances into theaters nationwide, both Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood are celebrating the iconic Trolls enterprise by offering park guests some really fun limited-time experiences for the entire family tying in with DreamWork Animations' new film.

Trolls-inspired Universal Theme Park Specials

Trolls Refreshments

Themed Beverages at Mel's Diner (Hollywood) and Schwab's Pharmacy (Orlando)

  

• Tiny Diamond Shake (both Coasts): Vanilla soft serve ice cream blended with Oreo cookies, whipped topping, and topped with edible silver glitter
• Poppy's Popping Strawberry Shake (Hollywood only): Strawberry soft serve ice cream topped with whipped cream, Blue-Raspberry Pop Rocks candy and flower sprinkles
• Poppy's Popping Strawberry Lemonade (Orlando only): Strawberry Dole Whip, sweet lemonade, strawberry sorbet, topped with Blue-Raspberry Pop Rocks candy and flower sprinkles
• BroZone Shake (Orlando only): Vanilla soft serve ice cream with whipped topping and ganished with Blue-Raspberry Pop Rocks and colorful Nerd Candy

Rockin' Trolls Photo Opportunities

Park guests can pose with fan-favorite Trolls Character Poppy as she rocks her dazzling new band attire during special meet and greets inside Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood. Also, interactive sets at Universal Studios Florida and Universal CityWalk Hollywood where guests can digitally interact with characters, along with a dual-sided photo backdrop that gives participants the chance to be on stage with Trolls characters Poppy and Viva

New Trolls Merchandise

Throughout both Universal parks, guests can shop for a specially-curated selection of new Trolls merchandise including a stylish new purse, cute figurines of the characters, apparel and more

Kids who are Trolls lovers across a wide age range will definitely appreciate any of the cool toys and parents will love the apparel choices ranging from cozy pajamas and slippers to unisex casual wear and the prettiest girls party dresses for girls that we've discovered on Amazon for you. 

Start your holiday shopping 

HERE

Trolls Toys for Girls

Trolls Toys for Boys

Trolls Kids Clothing

DISCLOSURE: We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that allows our site to earn a bit of compensation (without extra cost to you) for including referral links within our posts to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.