Kids Gifts for the In-Between Nights

GOLDA gang,

As every Jewish kid (or former kid!) knows, eight nights of Hanukkah does not mean eight huge presents—no matter what we tell our gentile peers. There’s usually a night or two of blockbusters (the yellow discman my sister and I both got one year) and then a bunch of… smaller stuff. 

While kids are understandably focused on the showstoppers, there’s magic to be found in the in-between nights. I know, that’s such a parent thing to say. But hear me out! These nights are a chance to inject some Jewish beauty into a holiday that for a lot of kids has gotten reduced to a Christmas copycat.

So for the second of our Eight Days of GOLDA, we’re bringing you thoughtful Jewish gift ideas for kids on those in-between nights, all under $36.

Hanukkah ABCs Coloring Book

Artist Alix Greenberg sent me her Rosh Hashanah Coloring Book, and my older daughter Edith absolutely loved it. Alix’s new Hanukkah edition is equally charming. Get yours at the Jewish Museum Shop with code GOLDA. 

Customizable Dreidel Pouch and Dreidel Game Kit

Designer Jenny Rozbruch makes these great canvas holiday-themed pouches for kids to color (I have personally colored the Afikoman kit and can confirm it is highly entertaining). This dreidel pouch lists the rules of the game on the back, and comes with two dreidels, four mini markers, and a bag of gelt inside. This is also a Jewish Museum Shop exclusive; use code GOLDA. 

Hanukkah Pajamakkahs

The Hanukkah pajama craze has been officially enshrined: Dara Henry’s sweet picture book is about a girl who gets a pair she loves so much she insists on wearing them for all eight nights. Lessons about the beauty of spills and messes abound. While you’re at it, check out Dara’s latest picture book, Mazel Tov, Baby! 

Hanukkah Light and Latkes Kids Pajamas

Now that you have the book, you need the pajamas! This new pair from Modern Tribe has a fun vintage vibe, and if you look closely at the illustrations, you’ll spot Modern Tribe’s epic Dino Menorah. 

Toba Torah

My friend Sophia Rossi picked this for GOLDA’s Hanukkah gift guide last year, and I’ve been obsessed ever since. These adorable (and machine washable) plush Torah toys are handmade from sustainable materials at a fair trade workshop in Mexico.   

Twinkle, Twinkle, Hanukkah

Talia Benamy’s new picture book celebrates Hanukkah with a sweet sing-along set to the theme of Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star. She signed a copy for my daughters at the Jewish Book Month 100 pop-up bookstore, and they were over the moon.  

Donate to a Charity 

One lovely tradition is dedicating a night of Hanukkah to giving back. Choose a charity together as a family, and use the moment to talk about what people in your community may need right now: coats, winter supplies, food, support. It’s an easy way to show kids that they’re part of something bigger. We’re going with the West Side Campaign Against Hunger, located in our neighborhood. For local organizations to support, check in with your area’s JCC, synagogue, or preschool.

Customizable Hanukkah Book

When Jessica Kasmer-Jacobs and Aliza Landes, two moms in Tel Aviv, couldn’t find a customizable Hanukkah book for their kids that was both meaningful and beautiful, they decided to make their own. The result is Doorway Books: “Beautifully told, beautifully illustrated customizable books where children don’t just read about Jewish history—they walk right into it.” Simply enter your child’s name and choose their avatar to bring this Hanukkah story to life. Use code GOLDA15 for 15% off; order by Dec. 6 for Hanukkah delivery. 

GOLDA may earn a few shekels from any purchases made from links in this newsletter.

Stay GOLDA,

Stephanie