Traditional Hannuka gifts 2009

The Hanukah dates for 2009 are from 11th to 19th of December so if you are invited to light the traditional Hanukah candles, and to be a part of the Hanukah prayers with a family over the Jewish holiday, you may like to take a small gift for your host.

There are several Hanukah symbols which can give you gift ideas.

LIGHT AND CANDLES

Decorative candles or scented candles. These would not be used for the Hanukah candle lighting but it is a thoughtful gift with a connection to the theme of the party.

Any thing to do with light, a table lamp perhaps, and for children luminous stickers.

OIL

Olive oil is a perfect gift for your hosts as it is very fitting to the festivity and will not go unused. Buy kosher oil of course, and make it Extra Virgin oil.

BOWS AND ARROWS

For the kids you might bring a toy bow and arrow.

HANNUKA GELT

It is also traditional to give children Hanukah money, a small amount of pocket money called Hanukah Gelt, or instead of real money give them kosher chocolate coins.

A SMALL CERAMIC JAR

A vase or ceramic pot either containing something or empty. You could fill it with jam/preserves/jelly, to be eaten with the doughnuts that are traditionally eaten at Hanukah. Alternatively bring a ceramic container with olive oil in it, or a vase full of flowers.

.I don’t recommend taking food unless you are invited to, as firstly you don’t know how kosher the food has to be for the hosting family, and secondly the traditional  Hanukah foods are specific, and each family tends to enjoy them in a particular way. For example Latkes or potato pancakes are eaten sweet by some and savory by others.