My favorite holiday is just around the corner. I look forward to Hanukkah every year — and this year, it coincides with Christmas, so we can have the happiest holiday season of all! Hanukkah starts the evening of Wednesday, December 25, and runs through January 2, 2025.
I've always loved Hanukkah — and, honestly, not because of the presents I've gotten. (Although I will always love the tradition my mom, brother, and I began years ago, where we'd each have a paper grocery bag under the piano and would toss gifts into them throughout the month leading up to Hanukkah for the others to open.) Lighting the menorah is such a beautiful way to connect to the Jewish faith throughout all eight nights, and singing the prayers with my family (whether IRL or over Facetime) is one of my most-loved traditions of the entire year.
Last year, I put together a Hanukkah gift guide featuring products from Jewish-owned and Israeli-owned brands. In the wake of October 7, connecting with Judaism has become more important to me than ever, and I find it important to encourage shopping from these brands to most truly represent the holiday. To that end, this year's gift guide features a new plethora of gifts from a variety of Jewish and Israeli brands, too! If you need a gift for a friend or family member who celebrates Hanukkah — or you just want to treat yourself (hint, hint), keep reading to discover the 14 best Hanukkah gifts you simply need to get this year.
Factor's Famous Deli Choose Your Own Rugelach
I play trivia every Monday, and one of my teammates brings us a selection of Factor's delicious desserts almost every time. While they're all mouthwatering, I always go for the chocolate chip rugelach, since they're just the right amount of flaky, doughy, and chocolatey. This gift lets you choose two pounds of rugelach in two different flavors, including — of course — the chocolate chip, plus apricot, cinnamon, raisin, and raspberry. In a word? Yum.
$75.95 at goldbelly.com
Ahava The Triple Treat Gift Set
I've been a fan of Ahava for years, and I'm especially in love with their hand creams and bodycare. This set combines both, with a Mineral hand cream, body lotion, and shower gel nestled in a gorgeous gift box.
$30 at ahava.com
True story: I actually won this exact necklace from Emmanuelle Chriqui earlier this year! I couldn't believe my luck. The necklace is absolutely gorgeous. You get your choice of rose, yellow, or white gold, three different chain lengths, and a miniature Jewish star pendant accented with .08 carats of genuine diamonds. This is a compliment getter for sure.
$440 at brookerayn.com
I've had my eye on this backgammon set for YEARS. It's bold, fun, colorful, and whimsical — AKA it's exactly what I'd hope Jonathan Adler would create. Who wants to buy it for me? (Wink!)
$425 at jonathanadler.com
Chanita's Naturals Be the Light All Natural Aromatherapy Candles
From the natural beeswax to the beautiful dried flowers, these are candles that are as gorgeous to look at as they are to burn. I also love that Makers of Israel, the website where these can be purchased, aims to connect talented Israeli makers with customers looking to support unique Israeli craftsmanship and small businesses, which is exactly what I want to do right now.
$43 at makersofisrael.com
Alice + Olivia Sunny Staceface Hoodie
Even though I moved away from New York a decade ago, this sweatshirt still speaks to me — and I'm absolutely in love with the adorable Staceface in place of the heart. I've had a longstanding love affair with Alice + Olivia and have purchased multiple treasured pieces over the years, and this one is the cutest yet!
$275 at aliceandolivia.com
LoveShackFancy Octavia Rosa Beaux Pouch
I'm of the firm belief that you can never have too many pouches. They're great for travel, storing makeup and beauty products in your cabinets, or just having around to stare at lovingly. This one, with its allover bow and floral print, is so gorgeous, I'm definitely planning on keeping it atop my vanity when guests come over just for the compliments.
$135 at loveshackfancy.com
Honeysuckle always makes me think of my grandma — it was one of her favorite scents. How could I not include a honeysuckle-scented candle from Jewish-owned brand Demeter Fragrance Library, whose scents always smell exactly like what they're supposed to be?! It has a 25-hour burn time, so you're guaranteed hour after hour of sweet, luscious honeysuckle scenting your home.
$21 at demeterfragrance.com
My drink of choice? An espresso martini. My favorite Hanukkah pastime? Lighting the menorah. This one Hanukkah gift so expertly combines my love of both that it's like Susan Alexandra took a peek inside my brain. Each espresso bean holds a candle, and the martini is the Shamash. Is it wrong to drink an espresso martini as I light this each night?
$348 at susanalexandra.com
I've been coveting this cookbook for months. It has so many time-honored Jewish recipes, like noodle kugel and honey cake, and the ones I've tried have been perfect and delicious. Inside the pages are over 400 recipes from the Middle East, Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa. It's worth a spot in any home cook's library.
$54.95 at phaidon.com
Suri Marc Chagall Silver & Yellow Mezuzah Case
Start searching for a mezuzah case and the options seem endless. As soon as my eyes alighted on this beautiful case from Israeli creator Suri, though, I knew I'd found the one. It features a pattern inspired by Marc Chagall stained glass windows, and includes a variety of choices for size and scrolls.
$45 at suri-art.com
Meshugge The Original Hoodie
Okay, I'm obsessed with this sweatshirt. My whole family has been saying "meshugge" for as long as I can remember. Not to mention it's spelled out in Hebrew letters that look like English ones (IYKYK), which just makes this extra unique. Is it wrong that I want to buy one in every color?
$80 at meshugge.org
Da Shayna Punims Not Practicing, Perfected It Mug
Oh.Em.GEEEE. If you haven't heard Paul Rudd's quote about Jews in "Between Two Ferns," you haven't lived. And yes, I'm serious. This is quite possibly the best mug I've seen in quite some time, thanks to his, well, perfect phrase about how perfect we are.
$11 at dashaynapunims.com
Want a subtle yet beautiful way to show off your faith? These miniature Jewish star earrings are simple and gorgeous. They come in a variety of colors, including blue, teal, and tortoiseshell, but my eyes were immediately drawn to this pink and white swirl. You can choose between sterling silver or gold-plated posts, and they're pretty affordable, too. I love how delicate yet luxe they are.
$20 at arieltidhar.com
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