The best gifts on the internet for Hanukkah at home
The best gifts for Hanukkah at home. Image by iStock
By Irene Katz Connelly December 5, 2020
Let’s admit it: Hanukkah is the perfect pandemic holiday. Its central rituals take place entirely at home. It can be celebrated alone or in small groups. And it involves one of the chief pastimes of the coronavirus era: eating way more carbs than we should.
But in a year when many of us have barely left our houses, it’s going to be a little more difficult to make the holiday, which starts December 10, feel special.
That’s why Hashem gave us the internet, where you can find plenty of cute, cozy and even useful gifts for everyone on your list — and let’s face it, for yourself.
Whoever you’re shopping for, here are some suggestions to make working, playing, eating, drinking and just being at home a little more festive this Hanukkah season.
For the home decorator: Hanukkah garlands
Image by Etsy/SimchaCentralShop
Skip the underwhelming Hanukkah displays at the mall and indulge your inner Instagram influencer with these heimish menorah cutouts or a punny balloon garland.
Etsy, $10.50+ or Modern Tribe, $25.99.
For the family that celebrates everything: Interfaith ornaments
Image by Etsy/FusionedFamily
Thought finding tasteful Hanukkah decorations was difficult? Wait ‘til you start shopping for the interfaith families on your list. These modern ornaments will stand out on Christmas trees, Hanukkah shrubs, or whatever foliage you’re bringing into the house this season.
Etsy, $18.00.
For the first-time Hanukkah host: A modern menorah
Image by Modern Tribe
If my mother is reading this article, I’d just like to point out that I could use one of these.
Modern Tribe, $29.99.
For the mood guru: Timothée Chalamet candle
Image by Etsy/CandECraftCo
The pandemic may have ended celebrity worship, but “ironically” drooling over Timothée Chalamet will never go out of style. De-stress with a candle that (maybe) smells like our favorite Jewish starlet.
Etsy, $15.99.
For the Epicurean: Chai tea set
Image by Explore Jewish India
Skip the Starbucks drive-through this year. With this Chai kit created by Rahel Musleah, a native of Calcutta’s centuries-old Jewish community, you can drink your tea from a traditional terracotta cup.
Explore Jewish India, $29.00.
For the Zoom happy hour organizer: Jewish wine labels
Image by Etsy/TheRitzyRose
These wine labels will allow you to pretend you’re overindulging at an over-the-top Hamptons bat mitzvah instead of overindulging on the couch that is also your home office. Wine is not included, but we’re pretty sure you can take care of that.
Etsy, $19.95.
For the one who’s over Zoom happy hours: a wearable sleeping bag
Image by Poler
If you need this item, you know who you are.
Poler, $130.
For the kvetcher: Oy Vey mug
Image by Etsy/StoaMart
To be raised pointedly to the lips at choice moments of your morning Zoom meeting.
Etsy, $21.95.
For the pandemic baker: “Nosh” rolling pin
Image by Jewish Museum/Unkosher Market
Now that everyone and their dog can bake a perfect sourdough blindfolded, we all need to up our holiday cookie game. This rolling pin will help. For those feeling a little Grinch-y this year, there’s also an “Oy” option.
Jewish Museum, $48.00.
For the one who never bakes: Everything bagel nail polish
Everything bagel nail polish. Image by Unkosher Market
If you buy this for someone on your list, you are legally obligated to accompany it with a jar of Trader Joe’s everything bagel seasoning.
Unkosher Market, $18.00.
For the crafter: Hanukkah Cross Stitch
Image by Modern Tribe
The pandemic-era nesting instinct is a thing, so here’s a low-investment, high-reward option for anyone feeling it. Snag an ugly sweater ornament kit for a novice novice or a sampler for the accomplished embroiderer in your life.
Modern Tribe, $20.00 or $28.00.
For the pooch: Dreidel dog bow tie
Image by Etsy/chucklehounds
You may plan on wearing leggings for the next several months, but there’s no reason your dog shouldn’t get gussied up. Bow ties look great at Zoom candle lightings, just saying.
Etsy, $4.00.
Irene Katz Connelly is an editorial fellow at the Forward. You can contact her at connelly@forward.com. Follow her on Twitter at @katz_conn.
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