With Hanukkah coming up early on December 8, it’s time to share some of the best Hanukkah gifts for kids in 2023 — that actually are Hanukkah gifts. Because for the past year, and especially right now, a lot of us are really thinking about what it means to be Jewish and to celebrate Hanukkah, how to talk to our kids about it, and how to practice and preserve the traditions, rituals, and values like compassion, justice, peace, and tzedakah that are important to us.

And if you’re not Jewish, maybe you’ve had it in mind to send a little thoughtful something to a friend who is this year. (If only a text message wishing a Happy and Peaceful Hanukkah.)

Of course you can always shop a coveted toy, game, or any other wish-list item for Hanukkah gifts — check our guide to the year’s top gifts for kids by age for plenty of inspiration. But here, you’ll find creative Hanukkah gift ideas for kids from babies to teens that are sweet, funny, thoughtful, or meaningful — and all carefully curated to be reflective of Hanukkah.

There has been no compensation in exchange for our gift recommendations. Every gift has been determined editorially by our team.

This guide contains affiliate links and some purchases may generate a small commission that helps support our own small business at no additional cost to you. So thank you for your support! 

20 best Hanukkah gifts for kids and teens in 2023

You might also like:
Cool Hanukkah gifts for kids of all ages (besides every toy in the world, basically)
Hanukkah gifts for kids that are cool, not corny
10 wonderful Hanukkah gifts supporting small business

Hanukkah Sugarwish Box of Treats
($57, Sugarwish)

We could all use a more happy surprises in our lives, and this one delivers it twice — first, when a child gets the notification to select 8 different candies, cookies or snacks, then again when it arrives in the mail, brimming with 8 nights full of their very favorites.

Modern Hanukkah Tzedakah Box
$88, Emily Rosenfeld

Teaching kids to give is a gift all in itself. And with this gorgeous handmade tzedakah box, proceeds help support the ACLU, so the giving begins before anyone has even added a coin to it. New to her collection: This pomegranate tezedakah box symbolizing abundance and sustenance, paired with a tree of life.  (PS Emily has so many other wonderful Hanukkah gift ideas for kids and adults in her Etsy shop — get browsing!)

Hamsa Charm Necklace
($40, Jewish Museum Shop, or $32 for members)

It brings the wearer happiness, protection, and luck, and is made by one of our favorite indie designers, Atsuyo and Akiko,

Marzipops Hanukkah marzipan cookies
$58, Modern Tribe

Teens and adults will get the references, younger kids will just scarf down the marzipan.

Hanukkah Sensory Kit 
($44, Young + Wild and Friedman)

I am really happy to discover this Hanukkah Kit made with fidgety kids in mind. It includes a wooden menorah, dreidels and gelt, plus the slightly less traditional chocolate-scented gelt slime and sensory play dough with crafting tools and accessories.

Dreidel Helvetica Shirt
($24.25, Alef Design)

I’m always a fan of clever Hanukkah shirts that don’t lean on bad puns.
Of course if our kids wrote it, it would say Gimel & Gimel & Gimel & Gimel.

A Free Jewish Storybook Subscription
(Yes, free! PJLibrary.org)

This organization devoted to global cultural literacy partners with philanthropists and Jewish communities worldwide to deliver curated, award-winning storybooks (like Pearl Moscowitz’s Last Stand, shown here) and activities for kids from birth through age 12 each month. Free. In fact they’ve gifted 50 million books to children over the years, and your kids can be among them. (Photo courtesy of PJ Library)

Mini Glitter Magen Star Earrings
($20, Ariel Tidhar)

There’s a lot to love at this independent artist shop of jewelry, accessories and housewares, but these “mini magens” make a stunning little Hanukkah gift for earring-wearers of any age.

 Mini Blue & White Hanukkah Sprinkle Cookie Gift Tin
($49.95, Jake Cohen via Goldbelly)

A festive twist on the classic black & white cookie found in any good NYC Jewish deli or bakery, this tin makes a great Hanukkah gift for kids.

Dreidel Popit Fidget Toy
$5.99 on sale, Amazon

I have a teen who’s obsessed with these — don’t assume it’s just a Hanukkah gift for toddlers and little kids!

Paint Your Own Dreidels Marzipan Cookies
($48, Modern Tribe)

I love this Hanukkah gift for kids from Marzipops that lets them flex their creativity, and eat it too.
Or go simple with these classic  “naked” marzipan dreidel cookies.

Related: 8 handmade Hanukkah cookie recipes that make wonderful homemade gifts

Argyle Dreidel Hanukkah Apron
($24.95, American Jewish History Museum Store)

Prefer making your own cookies? Keep things (a little) less messy with this fun apron for kids..

A children or family activity at the Jewish Museum
($35, The Jewish Museum)

We always love experience gifts for kids. If you’re in NYC (as you statistically might be, if you’re shopping this guide), The Jewish Museum offers family and children’s events throughout the year like “The Sound of Color,”an innovative art & music after-school program for preschoolers look at the description — it’s so cool! There’s lots for teens too.
If you’re not nearby, let this inspire you to find a similar activity in your own community.

Hanukkah DIY Jewelry Mini Bead Kit
($22, SuperSmalls)

Let the kids make their own jewelry for Hanukkah party season.

A tribute donation to Bend the Arc
(Justice, Hope, Light box set of Hanukkah cards via Modern Tribe)

This Hanukkah card has the perfect message, and while it’s perfect for a gift card, here’s a creative Hanukkah gift  idea for kids lucky enough to have all they need: A tribute donation in their name to the only national Jewish organization focused exclusively on progressive social change across the United States.

Bend the Arc is building solidarity with all who are impacted by racism, antisemitism and bigotry in the United States to help heal the world, and create a more equitable future for everyone. It’s also one of the very top-rated Jewish charities on CharityWatch.

Dreidel Roulette Game + Chocolate Gelt Bag
($29, Judaica Unlimited on Amazon + $12.00/pack of 10, Amazon)

Ready to up the stakes a bit from mere spinning? Here, dreidel meets…roulette. Just add gelt. (We could all use a little more fun in our lives, not just the kids.)

Jewish Wisdom Fortune Teller
($24, Modern Tribe)

I’m laughing so hard at this satirical adaptation of the Magic 8 Ball that sounds like every Bubbe and Zayde I know. Great Hanukkah gift for hard-to-shop-for tweens and teens.

Related: 18 of the best tech gifts for teens, according to actual teens

American Girl Doll: Rebecca Rubin and Hanukkah Outfit
($151 for doll, book and accessories + $44 for Hanukkah Outfit)

If your favorite kid has been clamoring for an American Girl Doll, Rebecca’s 1924 story is a wonderful Hanukkah gift. You can even add the Menorah and Dreidel set. And of course, any AG would look terrific in that outfit whi

Related: The coolest gifts for 8 year-olds 

Fair Isle Hanukkah Pajamas
($36, Modern Tribe)

Holiday pajamas can be for Hanukkah too! Besides, the kids can wear these for 8 nights in a row, right? Sizes from 0-16, plus adult

Children’s Books for Hanukkah
(Prices vary online, or shop your local indie bookseller or Jewish Museum gift shop)

Queen to the Rescue: The Story of Henrietta Szold, Founder of Hadassah
Nancy Churnin’s book about one of the lesser known sheroes of the world is a wonderful Hanukkah gift for kids.

Very Hungry Caterpillar’s 8 Nights of Hanukkah board book
Did you know Eric Carle’s beloved caterpillar goes on some Hanukkah adventures too? Find this one from the Afikomen Judaica Bookstore.

My Hanukkah Book of Opposites
This beautifully illustrated book for early readers is one of many great Hanukkah gift books available on the PJ Library Amazon storefront

Lila Tov Good Night
By grammy winning artist Mr G (Ben Gundersheimer) and illustrator Noar Lee Naggan, this stunning picture book is about the beauty of the natural worlds — though adults willl see the poignant story of a refugee family in search of a better life. (Note you can also spend a bit more for an autographed copy of Lila Tov Good Night from Mr.G’s website

Tiny Ahava (Love) Necklace
($35, Sima G)

In the words of the Beatles, maybe it’s all we need.

Happy Llamakah Vegan Soap
($11.41/ea, Jiro Soap)

Is it a bit of a stretch that the leaves each represent one flame on the menorah? A little. Will kids care? Not at all.

A gift card for Hanukkah
(Varies, but try multiples of $18)

Because even if you don’t know what the kids want for Hanukkah, they sure do.
Psst.. gift cards to local shops are even better, like Books are Magic in Brooklyn; Nakama Toys in Chicago; or Oddfellows Ice Cream in Pittsburg, Tampa, or NYC. Find their favorite.