Hanukkah gifts are often more practical than extravagant, but that doesn’t preclude a little indulgence. Without going over the top, opt for everyday luxury items that are special but inexpensive. Because many families share gifts on each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, keep the focus on small items that are meaningful, fun, and practical. These Hanukkah gifts will make an impression in an understated way that works for everyone on your gift list.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
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Mezuzah
$20 from Mezuzah MasterShop Now
A mezuzah is a tiny scroll and holder to put at a door thresholds, inside and outside the house. This makes a particularly nice gift for young couples, students who are studying away from home, or anyone who has just moved.
Small Batch Chocolate
Prices vary from Vosges Haute-ChocolatShop Now
It’s never a bad idea to give chocolate. Look to a small handmade-chocolate company with good ethical sourcing and practices — based in Brooklyn, Vosges Haute-Chocolat ships its handcrafted assortments nationwide.
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Menorah
$17 from AmazonShop Now
The original symbol of Judaism, and one of the centerpieces of Hanukkah, a menorah is a must-have for anyone who wants to celebrate the holiday. This thoughtful and inexpensive gift is ideal for young people who may be starting to explore their heritage or living on their own for the first time. A silver-plated menorah can become a lifelong family heirloom that carries significance far beyond its dollar value.
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Hanukkah Cookie Cutters
$4 at Party CityShop Now
Homemade cookies are always a welcome gift during the holidays, and Hanukkah is no exception. Find a themed cookie-cutter set for making festive treats from a basic sugar-cookie recipe, copy a family favorite onto a recipe card, and spend a few more dollars on icing and sprinkles. Present it on a festive plate wrapped in colored cellophane from a dollar store to complete a special homemade gift.
Gelt Coins
$20 from Judaica.comShop Now
The iconic chocolate coins, coming in a pack of 24, are an easy and inexpensive small gift for one of Hanukkah’s nights, or if handing out gifts to a group of children.
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Handmade Candles
$13 at Traditions Jewish GiftsShop Now
Giving handmade Shabbat candles is a small way to bring a little extra luxury into someone’s home. These colorful candles come by the dozen, dipped and hand decorated in the ancient city of Safed in Israel.
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Our Family Recipes Journal
$11 from Amazon
A perfect way to preserve and organize family recipes so they can be passed down easily from generation to generation. This journal includes pages broken down by appetizers, side dishes, main courses, desserts, and more.
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Hand Towel With Hebrew Blessing
$9 from Judaica.comShop Now
The recipient will appreciate a pretty and practical hand towel with a Hebrew prayer, not to mention how handy it will come in at holiday gatherings for years to come.
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Darn Tough Socks
Price varies from Darn ToughShop Now
Socks are a traditional Hanukkah gift, but they can get boring year after year, so opt for a colorful pattern. All Darn Tough socks are made in the United States and guaranteed for life — a cut above the usual cotton-poly blends of years past.
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Specialty Salts
$3 and up at The Spice & Tea ExchangeShop Now
Add a brilliant pop of flavor and even color to gourmet and everyday dishes over the holidays and afterward — a little goes a long way — with three samplers of gourmet sea salt: earthy Chardonnay Oak Smoked Sea Salt, Lime Frost Sea Salt, and a brilliant Merlot Sea Salt.
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Hot Water Bottle With Cover
$13 from AmazonShop Now
Since Hanukkah falls during the coldest season of the year, practical seasonal gifts are especially popular. A hot water bottle comes with a soft fabric cover to provide a step up in comfort. It should come in handy for warming up cold sheets before crawling into bed and for snuggling when temperatures drop.
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Chili Chocolate Kahlua
$29 at Total Wine & MoreShop Now
An adults-only gift that packs a lot of punch. The drink’s smooth and sweet flavors are delicious on their own, but also work well in hot or cold cocktails and in holiday baking. The high quality of the product, inexpensive price tag, and overall deliciousness make this a winner.
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Personalized Pet Pillow
$16 and up from Amazon Shop Now
While pets aren’t usually a part of Hanukkah, it’s a time to remember all family members — even the furry ones. Turn it into a throw pillow. There are six sizes to choose from, and the pillow can be printed on either one or both sides.
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Storytelling Game
$25 from Amazon Shop Now
For family gatherings during Hanukkah, give the Rememory game. Players pick cards that indicate a person, time frame, and a loose prompt, and each player shares an associated memory. Consumers have given it solid reviews.
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Herb Scissors
$15 from Amazon Shop Now
If one family member is stuck in the kitchen making latkes and other Hanukkah treats, consider a gift that makes their efforts a little easier. Cutting, dicing, and slicing are hard for some, even if hands are limber and knives sharp. These unusual five-blade scissors from RSVP make it easy to chop fresh herbs. More than 4,000 customers give the tool an average of 4.4 stars in reviews. The scissors are dishwasher-safe, and a silicone handle provides a comfortable grip.
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Monkey Vegetable Peeler
$13 from AmazonShop Now
Just because something is useful doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. This monkey vegetable peeler is a perfect example of that and it gets great reviews.
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Cozy Throw
$12 and up from AmazonShop Now
A little bit of softness plays into the seasonality of the holiday time, and is a gift that keeps giving all season long. While there are plenty of expensive versions, this cozy throw gets an average 4.2 out of 5 averaged from thousands of reviews.
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Purifyou Glass Water Bottle
$15 from PurifyouShop Now
A sleek and lightweight glass water bottle makes a practical yet special gift for just about anyone. This upgrade from a conventional plastic bottle is a great way to encourage loved ones to stay hydrated in style.
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An Oil Diffuser
$15 at TargetShop Now
Attractive oil diffusers are popular and inexpensive. They can be customized with whatever scent is desired and contribute micro amounts of moisture into the air, doubling as a small humidifier.
