8 fun Hanukkah gift ideas for kids, one for every night. Shopping done!

Compared to last year (holy Thanksgivukkah!), it may seem like we have tons of time to prep for Hanukkah, but I have a feeling that the time will fly. Quickly. Before we know it, we’ll be on the hook for eight crazy nights of festivities and, probably Hanukkah gifts for your kids, too. Of course, all of the toys and gifts in this year’s Cool Mom Picks gift guide make great options, especially our ideas for Baby’s First Hanukkah if you have a new baby or toddler. But for older kids, I've tracked down these great Hanukkah gifts for kids in every price range for those of us who celebrate the Festival of Lights. Just pace yourself: Eight nights of gifts is no joke! Filled with proverbs both silly (Dress up a broom and it will also look nice) and poignant (When one must, one can),  Yiddish Wisdom: Humor and Heart from the Old Country shares the spirit of Judaism. And it does it without a heavy—or particularly religious—hand. Plus, I love the design making it a cool Hanukkah gift for a family or for older kids. DIY Hanukkah Candy Pops ($39.95, Shop Seedling) This gift may be modest but, if you ask me, it’s a gift that keeps on giving. This gift set comes with candy pop molds, white and mill chocolate, lollipop sticks, bags and twist ties. What it also comes with: time to spend time with your kids together. And in the end, everyone benefits from this one. Handmade Hanukkah Craft Box ($17.95, Kiwi Crate) If you like the idea of a crafty gift but want to skip the chocolate, grab this Handmade Hanukkah box from one of our favorite craft subscriptions, Kiwi Crate. Don’t worry: you don’t need to buy a monthly subscription to get this holiday box. You can buy it on its own; though be warned that your kids might fall in love with the idea of receiving a Kiwi Box once a month. If they do, at least you’ve got an easy, last minute gift for the eighth night.

Related: 9 tasty Hanukkah food gifts for every taste

 

Hanukkah Mad Libs ($3.28, Amazon)

We featured Hanukkah Mad Libs last year and just have to again. They’re just so much ______! [adjective]  Give this one on an early night: With 21 stories, these Mad Libs are sure to keep kiddo occupied all 8 nights of Hanukkah. And on the car trips long after.  

Hebrew Alphabet Blocks ($34, UncommonGoods)

Our Baby’s First Hanukkah gifts list has a ton of amazing gifts for babies, but I'm especially in love with these colorful Hebrew Alphabet Blocks. Handcrafted and printed with non-toxic ink from favorite toymaker Uncle Goose, these pretty blocks double as a fun introduction to the Hebrew alphabet.  

Hanukkah Nail Decals ($11.99, Midrash Manicures)

Yes, I know these are complete absurd. But with nail art being all the rage, these are kind of fun in a kitschy, silly way if you pair over a bottle of white or blue polish. Besides, who doesn't want to be the only kid at the Hanukkah party with a Judah the Maccabee nail?  Bonus: Your nail art-obsessed recipient is going to kill it on Instagram and Pinterest with these.   Hanukkah Pajamas ($32.00, Bloomingdale’s) Christmas PJ’s are a common holiday tradition for a lot of my friends families. While the nighttime celebration of Jewish holidays doesn't call for PJs in quite the same way, these Hanukkah pajamas will keep kids in the spirit all season, with visions of menorahs and dreidels dancing in their heads. And chocolate gelt. Of course.    

Child's Play  Shabbat Set with Challah ($39, Modern Tribe)

My kids are 5 and 7 and we still haven’t gotten rid of our play kitchen. I know that I’m biased as a food writer, but play food sets are among the best toys ever for kids. This set from long-time favorite Modern Tribe allows kids to bring the Shabbat dinner tradition into their pretend play. That's especially nice for those of us who haven't brought the weekly tradition into real life.

For more great holiday gifts for kids of all kinds, visit our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide plus check out all the kids' toys in our archives.