Best gifts for Hanukkah and New Year’s
The Times of Israel lists eight of the best-loved, most coveted gifts this holiday season. And for one lucky reader, the ultimate gift for you!
The eight crazy nights of Hanukkah are upon us, and The Times of Israel is here to help with a “Things We Love” holiday gift-giving guide.
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And now for that list of top eight Hanukkah gifts:
The iPad mini is the most sought-after gift this Hanukkah season. Whether you’re a gadget geek, or new to the whole table scene, the iPad mini is a great way to keep up with the ever-changing news via Times of Israel, or read a book, or listen to music, or play a freaking awesome round of “Angry Birds.” (Hey, we don’t judge.)
Let’s be real: Hanukkah is a joyous time and a celebration and blah blah blah, but “gather round the table” with family long enough and it sometimes helps to have a little glass of vino to enhance the festivities. So, why not treat your loved ones (and yourself!) to a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc from Bat Shlomo Vineyards. A lovely addition to any Hanukkah party, say your l’haims over wine made in Israel and grown in the Zionist spirit of the agricultural pioneers. The wine is made in the historic Bat Shlomo Moshav where Baron Rothschild first established a winery in 1889.
We know that the usual go-to Jewish jewelry gift involves the classic Magen David, hamsa, or chai. And that’s cool, but why not rep the tribe with some really unique Jewish bling from Wearmyprayer.com? Not only are the pieces unique — imagine wearing a Magen David with a real re-blooming flower in the middle — but you can also kick the personalization thing up a notch by adding a special message or prayer inside the piece.
Long before the Times of Israel (can you imagine such a time?) there was another “Times” covering the events in the Middle East. An essential book for any history buff, news junkie, or Israel lover, “The History of Israel from the NY Times” is a collection of historic coverage from the New York Times starting in 1897 and through the present — what Michael Oren, Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, called “a phenomenal approach to preserving Israel’s history.” Plus, in an exclusive offer for Times of Israel readers, get 10% off when you use this promo code: TOI10. Now that’s a deal of historic importance!
Check it. Victoria’s Secret is awesome, but come on: Why go that route, when you can buy Bar Rafaeli approved under garments from under.me? Whether it’s boy shorts or bikinis for women, or long sleeve Ts or boxers for men, they’re soft, they’re simple, they’re sensual. Need more reason than that? Bar Rafaeli breaks it down for us: her collection includes “beautifully made basics that look good and feel amazing.” Word.
Founded by two former New Yorkers, Hebrew T-Shirts’ Hebrew Baby Collection features adorable holiday duds for the youngest of your tribe. The collection ranges from the spiritual to the silly. While we especially love the ever-popular Matok K’mo Dvash (Sweet Like Honey) onesie, it’s the Nes Gadol Haya Po (A Great Miracle Happened Here) design that is the must-have item for Hanukkah.
Treat yourself or a loved one to a luxurious moisturizer from Sabon NYC. No ordinary bars of soap, Sabon’s products are inspired by the natural healing powers of the Dead Sea. Sabon NYC began in Tel Aviv and has since become an international brand with its products in stores all over the world.
It isn’t all about the latkes and sufganiyot this season. Celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah with the modern miracle of a box of (kosher!) Max Brenner chocolates. Born in Israel, the Max Brenner chocolate chain has since become an international sweet sensation, providing a “holistic” and “cultural” chocolate experience to a loyal chocoholic following. Our favorite: Max Brenner’s own chocolate cookbook! No chocoholic’s kitchen should be without it.
And finally, speaking of sweet, there’s a lovely story about a young man who sees an old man planting a young sapling. “Why go to the trouble of planting a tree when you will never live to enjoy the fruits of your labor?” the young man asks.
The old man smiles and replies, “While that is true, my grandchildren, and their grandchildren and their grandchildren will.”
Planting a tree in Israel through the Jewish National Fund in the name of someone special makes a poignant gift for the future.