‘stocking stuffers’
CHANUKAH EDITION
MARISSA STERN | JE STAFF
W H I L E N OT A PA R E N T M YS E L F, I C A N I M AG I N E T H AT C H A N U K A H P R E S E N T S A U N I Q U E C O N U N D R U M
I N T H AT I T M E A N S E I G H T N I G H T S O F G I F T- G I V I N G , W H I C H I S A LOT.

But without worrying about the risk of spoiling your child (that’s
what grandparents are for), the eight nights can be a way to give
little gifts that may be small but just as meaningful as one big gift.

So if you’re looking to give eight presents that aren’t Barbies or
Legos, here are some gift ideas that are fun and, most importantly,
easy. Stocking optional.

NIGHT ONE: TRADITIOOOON, TRADITION
What would Chanukah be without gelt and dreidels?
On the first night, set the tone of the holiday by sticking with
tradition and give little gifts that remind us of why we celebrate
Chanukah to begin with — and it’s not because it’s the Jewish
substitute for Christmas. You can also add in some Chanukah
candles and oil for significance.

While not exactly traditional, you can also have some fun and
give a Mensch on a Bench, the Jewish answer to Elf on a Shelf. The
stuffed character is accompanied by a book about Moishe the
Mensch, who helped Judah Maccabee. So as much as it’s a wacky
retail product, it also has an educational
component. Win-win.

N I G H T T WO : B O O K S ,
BOOKS, BOOKS
Speaking of books, I might be biased but
books are one of the best gifts to both give and
receive during the holidays. The best part
about them is there is something for everyone.

If you’re looking for a children’s book that is
a fun read and also educational and inspiring,
look no further than actress Amanda Peet and
friend Andrea Troyer’s Dear Santa, Love,
Rachel Rosenstein about a young Jewish girl
determined to celebrate Christmas and what
she learns about different religions along the way.

Philadelphia-based novelist Jennifer Weiner has two new
books out that would be perfect for many generations in your
family. Her first middle grade book, The Littlest Bigfoot, about two
little girls who feel out of place in their respective worlds, is
perfect for 8- to 12-year-olds (though this 23-year-old enjoyed it).

Weiner’s collection of personal essays, Hungry Heart, will
satisfy the more mature members of your family as she tackles
everything from body image to parenting.

For the HGTV fanatic, Fixer Upper’s dynamic duo (and #rela-
26 NOVEMBER 24, 2016
tionshipgoals) Chip and Joanna Gaines have released their
Magnolia Story, which is available now.

Or if you’re looking for a gift for the funny girl in your family,
actress and hilarious Twitter favorite Anna Kendrick’s new
memoir, Scrappy Little Nobody, should do the trick.

Or honestly just go with Harry Potter, since there’s so much to
choose from: There’s the script for the play Harry Potter and the
Cursed Child published in July; the screenplay for the recently
released Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (the original
Hogwarts “library book” the movie is based on comes with
Quidditch Through the Ages); or the shiny, new illustrated edition
of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

NIGHT THREE: FOR STUDENTS
If you have someone in your family who’s in school, there are a
few little gifts that will make their night.

If they’re in college, give them the gift of caffeine, whether it’s a
Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts gift card or a box of individual coffee
cups. It will be much appreciated, trust me.

Since Chanukah falls around New Year’s
this year, a 2017 calendar or planner is a
perfect gift so they can chart their schedules.

To help the older students take a load off,
pick out a fun flask. A personal favorite includes
one engraved with a line from Game of Thrones:
“I drink and I know things. That’s what I do.”
Or maybe only my family gives flasks as gifts?
N I G H T F O U R : C OZ Y U P.

Pajamas! Chanukah falls in the dead of winter
this year, on Christmas Eve to be exact (Happy
Chrismakkuh!). What better little gift to give
than a nice flannel pajama set? You can get
these sets anywhere, in department stores or places like Old Navy.

Or if pajamas aren’t really doing the trick, go with a few pairs
of fuzzy socks. Everyone loves fuzzy socks.

For students, try a comfy sweatshirt or pair of sweatpants
representing their school. This way they can show school spirit
without spending any money, for which they will thank you.

NIGHT FIVE: BUNDLE IT UP
Giving eight gifts also presents a prime opportunity for those who
are creative-minded and not afraid to get a little crafty.

WINTER HOLIDAY MAGAZINE
JEWISHEXPONENT.COM