[JewishHolidaysInABox.com update: we are going out of business at the end of 2018. The business and URL are for sale. Passover Seder Steps Follow-Along games are available in bulk at a significant discount. Email [email protected] for details.] There was an audible gasp when I mentioned to friends that Hanukkah starts on Sunday, December 2nd. That’s the Sunday immediately following Thanksgiving weekend. And even though I have long known the date, I haven’t quite wrapped my head around just how quickly Hanukkah is coming. So with just over a month to go, what do you need … [Read more...]
Two Memorable DIY Hanukkah Gifts
At his 5-year-old birthday, Jake shared with us that he did not love getting clothes as presents. Duly noted. So when we bought him and his brother back-to-school clothes, I promised that their Hanukkah gifts would not be mostly clothes! Make a personalized calendar Of course, toys are high on their wish lists, especially as they get older and know what Sam and Ben and their other buddies have at home. But our boys also love the photographic calendars I make for them. They make the perfect Hanukkah presents – because they last all year, they’re unique, and they help with reading, … [Read more...]
Hanukkah DIY Gift - Family Recipe Keepsake
When our 10-year-old nephew stayed with us, we got to see so many new sides of him, including his love of cooking. He was happy as a clam making and decorating Hanukkah cookies with me. Level 1 – the minimal approach So after his visit, I made up a quickie cookbook for him of easy recipes that he could make for himself at home with little or no adult help. For this, I took the most basic approach: I typed up 10 recipes, put one on each page, added some borders, printed on pale blue paper, stapled, and sent it to him. If this is all you have time for, don’t dismiss it as too rudimentary. … [Read more...]
What Do You Look for in Children’s Books?
With Hanukkah around the corner, I start thinking about little gifts for our grands – which always include some books. I picked up two at our town’s charming independent bookstore, where the covers seemed to shout “pick me, pick me!” For our little guy, I got Ball by Mary Sullivan, a Theodore Geisel Honor Book. It’s got one word. Yes, you guessed it! The illustrations carry the story of the dog who yearns for someone to toss the ball for him – and gets creative when he can’t find a buddy to help him out. For our older toddler, I got Who’s Next Door? by Mayuko Kishira, illustrated by … [Read more...]
Final Pre-Hanukkah Sales on Hanukkah Gifts - Special Weekend Edition
Are you all set for Hanukkah? I am so *not* set. Why do I wait so long? I’m privileged to order gifts for my mother’s great grandkids. And she’s blessed with many of them. I’ve gotta finish this weekend! Final pre-Hanukkah markdowns on games and kits In case you’re in the same boat, I wanted to share our final pre-Hanukkah markdowns. Some quantities are limited – so check ‘em out right away on amazon.com. (Prime members get fast, free shipping!) New markdown! Hanukkah in a Box Family Fun Kit – 35% off through 11/28. Regular price: $35.15 Sale price: $22.85 New markdown! Hanukkah … [Read more...]