Chanukah begins tonight! Yes, we know you’re still digesting your turkey and mashed potatoes from Thanksgiving which was a handful of days ago, but our people like to keep things exciting by moving around the holidays to new dates every year. Sometimes Chanukah falls around Christmas which really helps put our Festival of Lights in the Challmark Holiday category, and sometimes it keeps us on out toes, peeking through at the beginning of December. Well, here we are, first week of December and we’re about to start lighting candles, spinning dreidels, and eating fried goodness. Jenny Craig, who???
Anyone who went to Hebrew school knows that Chanukah is about family time, celebrating a miracle, and noshing for eight days in a row. The ancient gifts of gelt have taken on new meanings in the shape of Nintendo Wii systems and iPads. But what to get for the person in your life who has everything? Fun, Jewish gifts.
Our friends at ModernTribe Jewish Gifts are well stocked this year with presents — funny and genuine — for everyone on your list. So how do you say “thanks a latke” to the special people in your life? Check out some of our favorite items that will be sure to put a smile on some of your VIPs.
Let’s start with the man that makes your heart go pitter patter. For those nights out on the town when he doesn’t want to carry a bulky wallet, a money clip is easy, classy, and totally man chic. We love that this one says “Gelt” on it because even the Maccabees would agree that that’s funny. If your man is anything like ours, he already has the newest and flashiest gadgets. But he may need protective gear for his man-toys, so we think these iPad Covers are kind of kitschy and fun. The thematic angel and devil themes should help indicate if your Chanukah sweetheart has been naughty or nice this year. Can’t decide which one he deserves? Get both as a set and let them set the mood. There’s no better way to drink, than drinking in style. The Hebrews certainly know how to party, and they do it with He’Brew Beer. This set of glasses lets everyone know your guy’s drink of choice, while paying homage to our people and the clever, kitschy brand of l’chaim. Speaking of l’chaim, celebrate the life you have together with a classy touch on his dapper duds. The chai cuff links make a great Chanukah gift that your soon-to-be mister can also wear on the wedding day. Future fancy occasions or days in temple will be a little holier with the cuff links from The Jewish Museum.
Tis the season of keeping warm with a little bit o’ looooove, and we might expect to see some new babies popping up within the year. For the babies that are still cooking or the just-born bundles of joy, we have some gift ideas that will give everyone the giggles. It’s never to late for any baby to advertise his or her upcoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah… in 13 years. These onesies help spread the word and save the date. Other threads we love are The Lil Kosher Ham, I Love My Mishpokhe, and the Super Jew Bodysuit. Adorable!
For the cook and/or latke lover in your life, we’re fried with love over this potato pancake stainless steel server. It’s dishwasher safe, too, so you don’t have to lift a finger, literally, when serving and cleaning. And that’s the way it should be on Chanukah.
For the one you woof the most in your life, ModernTribe has a healthy collection of dog presents in time for Chanukah! No chocolate allowed for Rover, right? Well, he can still enjoy some gelt as he squeaks with joy over this Chanukah themed dog toy! Also, add a little extra Jewish “oomph” to Spot’s jingle-jangle with the Mishugana pet tag. Chances are if he’s anything like Charlie or Princeton (the official pups of the Yentas), your dog has a punim that drives you mishugana/meshuganah/meshugena with love, right?
Just like your best girlfriend, ModernTribe has your back! ModernTribe also has ideas for your best girlfriend whether it’s your mom, cousin, or sorority sister. She’ll have good laugh over this one: 2011 Nice Jewish Guys Calendar. Who wants to navigate through the months of the year with blonde hunks sporting glistening muscles and strong athletic equipment when they can drool 12 times a year over some clean cut members of the tribe in polo shirts?! Also, you can help your girlfriends go green by shopping around with this cute little schlepper bag! Perfectly sized to carry groceries or goodies from the Nordstrom half yearly sale, this tote will make any gal look tote-ally cool.
Chanukah is one of the more festive holidays we get to celebrate (no guilt, no fasting, and all that jazz) so it’s likely you’ll be enjoying a few Chanukah parties. That means you’ll need decor and fortunately, ModernTribe has enough Chanukah themed party tchkochkes that could rival the Christmas decorations on Santa Claus Lane. The hanging decorations by Polli have ornate and delicate symbols of Chanukah that you can use for gift wrap or wall art — you decide! Your party will glow with the six-pointed star lanterns that would look fabulous draped across a high ceiling or covered patio. The Jewish take on this modern, party decoration is super chic. ModernTribe has a fabulous assortment of menorahs. Really, they do! But if we had to choose one (so tough!), we would choose the Lalo Treasures Funk Menorah, which, with its bright colors and whimsical shape, will make anyone excited for sundown and candle lighting. Finally, that tried and true dreidel game we’ve been playing since we were kids could afford to kick it up a notch. Thankfully, ModernTribe is the exclusive vendor of No Limit Texas Dreidel. Chanukah + Poker = What could be better? And no, that is not a bluff!
We hope you’ve enjoyed your Chanukah gift guide and browsing through our favorite one-stop shop. Chanukah is just beginning so place your orders now to enjoy them before the last candle is lit. And if anything, you’ll be prepared for next year, which, by the way begins on the 21st of December. Go figure.
