Happy Hanukkah!

When you're scrambling to do last-minute planning for Hanukkah 2024, it’s easy to feel the stress building up.

And it's almost normal to take mental notes and make a list of what you'll need for the celebration.

Menorahs? Check. Candles? Check. Dreidels and gelts? Check. Gifts? Wait…gifts?

As if the preparations aren’t hard enough, Hanukkah gift-giving is also closing in. You can shop for traditional Hanukkah items and wrap them in festive wrappers.

Or you can use a greeting card generator online to create a Hanukkah video greeting card (that’s never been done before).

They’re the perfect last-minute Hanukkah gifts, or pair them with your other Hanukkah gifts and gift sets.

So, if you want some ideas on how to wrap up this Festival of Lights, look no further. This post will help you with everything you need and want to know…and more!

What is Hanukkah

Hanukkah is a Jewish festival, which is also known as the Festival of Lights, that celebrates the victory of the Maccabees against their Syrian-Greek captors. It memorializes the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem by lighting candles all throughout the eight-day feast.

This religious event is not only about lighting candles. Traditionally, families share a meal composed of latkes (potato pancakes), sufganiyot (donuts filled with jam), and a good-quality cocktail drink. 

Kids and oldies also get together to play and gamble dreidel, a four-sided spinning toy, where they pay with gelt or with chocolate coins.

When is Hanukkah this 2024

The annual Festival of Lights, or Hanukkah, begins on the 25th day of the Hebrew calendar's Kislev.

This Jewish tradition usually happens in November or December, and sometimes it even overlaps with Christmas day.

For instance, this year's Hanukkah celebration starts on December 18 and ends on the 26th— the day after Christmas.

Now, that’s two gift-giving occasions right there. You can combine Hanukkah and Christmas gifts or give separate gifts for each holiday.

Whatever you choose, you don’t need to worry because we’ve just listed the most ideal Hanukkah and Christmas gift ideas you should try.

10 best gift ideas for Hanukkah to add to your cart

Running late for Hanukkah gift-giving hour? No need to panic. Here’s a list of the top 10 best Festival of Lights gift ideas to shop for:

1. Golden menorah

The golden menorah is the most traditional and easily recognizable symbol of Hanukkah. It’s a nine-branched candelabrum readily available in physical or online stores, especially during the Holiday season.

If you want to get your loved ones something special this year, consider buying them a golden menorah to use at the next candlelighting festival.

And the best part about this gift idea? You can spend less on it. A good quality gold-plated menorah costs less than 50 dollars!

2. Colorful candles

Candles are an essential part of the Hanukkah celebration. But most people tend to stick with traditional blue and white candles for their holiday light displays.

You can expand beyond traditional colors. Give your loved ones some colorful, slick, and chic candles instead.

3. Star of David jewelries

The Star of David is a sign and an item that most Jewish communities know very well.

It's one of the most essential symbols in Jewish culture, but you'll also find it on many types of jewelry.

Consider getting your giftees a pendant or bracelet with this symbol to give them something they can hold close to their hearts.

4. Custom or handmade sweaters

A customized or handmade sweater is a great gift for this year’s winter Hanukkah. You can make them yourself, order them online, or have them tailored by a local designer.

It’s the perfect cozy gift during this freezing Hanukkah feast.

5. Chocolate coins

You've probably heard of the chocolate coins given to children as an alternative to Jewish gelts during Hanukkah.

Chocolate coins are fun and tasty gift ideas for Hanukkah that any age group will love. It's most people's guilty pleasure, but it's appropriate for the occasion.

Instead of rushing here and there looking for Hanukkah gelts, why not wrap a chocolate coin gift set?

It’s cheap and an exciting addition to the fun things you could do during this festival.

6. New dreidel

Dreidels are more than just a four-sided spinning top that you play during Hanukkah.

According to Jewish tradition, these simple and tiny gambling toys were one of the reasons Jews were able to maintain Judaism despite the strict Syrian-Greek rule.

Gifting a dreidel set not only adds to the fun of celebrating Hanukkah but also a simple tradition-appropriate thing to wrap up.

They can be made of wood, clay, or plastic and come in different sizes. So, there are a lot of dreidel sets to choose from.

7. Homemade latkes

Hanukkah wouldn’t be complete without the traditional latkes (and maybe with good-quality alcohol).

This pan-fried Jewish delicacy, a simple savory potato pancake, holds greater value in Hanukkah-celebrating homes than just being a tummy-filler.

Latkes are the best reminder of the “oil miracle” phenomenon that is also commemorated during Hanukkah. 

You can make these treats at home by following latke recipes online or in cookbooks, and there you have it. You now have something warm and fresh to give during the Festival of Lights celebration.

8. Family-set pajamas

Don’t you just find it adorable to receive patterned family pajamas during the holidays? Pair your Hannukah greetings with pajamas.

Pajamas are a great gift, especially if you’re looking for something that your loved ones will enjoy wearing.

They’re joyful and comfortable, making them the perfect outfit for when you’re all just lounging at home.

You can also personalize them with your giftee’s name, favorite color, or pattern.

9. Cookware sets

For that family or friend that just can’t stay away from the kitchen, a new cookware set is just the perfect to bag.

It’s the most inspiring gift idea that makes them feel supported and motivated to keep on doing the thing that they love—in this case, cooking.

And hey, this could even prompt them to prepare something delish for the holiday.

10. Customized greeting cards

There’s no better way to make your loved ones feel a little bit extra special than giving them personalized greeting cards this Hanukkah.

Normally, it would take a lot of time to craft and write messages on your greeting cards.

But with a greeting card generator, you can easily personalize your Hanukkah cards on your phone while taking a break from all the feast preparations.

You don't have to go out and shop and suffer the dreadful queue at shopping malls and department stores.

All you need is your handy smartphone and your message for your giftees. It's that hassle-free!

GiftLips video greeting card: a personal touch to your Hanukkah gift ideas

Just when you thought your 2024 Hanukkah gifts are hopeless, think again. GiftLips helps you create a video greeting card for a more thoughtful and meaningful gift for the candle-lit tradition.

They’re not your ordinary holiday cards. These are better (even best) Thanksgiving gift ideas your friends send you every year.

GiftLips greeting cards come with a scannable QR code to store or embed video greetings from you or your friends.

And yup, you can also include a text message and video greetings in a single card.

The collaborative feature enables you to add multiple video greetings from you and your friends to a single QR code. 

You can create them for FREE. Yep, no charges are needed. You also don’t need to enter your credit card details.

No tedious sign-up process. Plus, the software only requires minimal technology knowledge. Now, that's what's up!

How to create and add videos to your greeting card for Hanukkah

It’s super easy to create a custom greeting card with GiftLips. Just grab your phone, record video greetings, secure an internet connection, and you’re good to go.

Here’s what you should do to have yourself a GiftLip greeting card this Hanukkah:

1. Visit GiftLips and create or login to an account
2. Choose any card template and enter your message to your giftee
3. Click Next Step
4. Add or upload your video greeting
5. Tap Invite Friends to collaborate with other family members or friends (optional)
6. Select Done to see a preview of your video greeting
7. Click Download Card and send them as is or along with your Hanukkah gift ideas

Lighten up your Hanukkah 2024 tradition with a video greeting card

Sometimes the best Hanukkah 2024 gift idea isn't found inside a shopping mall's four (or more) corners. You’ll be surprised to know they’re at your fingertips, literally— like your phone.

Sure, a fancy candelabrum, candle set, dreidel, and geltsare classic gifts you can give. But you can spice up your gift-giving game plan through GiftLips’ video greeting card.

Create your account today and start personalizing your festive Hanukkah cards for free.