The eight days of Hanukkah begin this year on Dec. 18. If you celebrate the holiday or plan to buy gifts for someone who does, my advice to you is to think outside the box. Make this year’s Festival of Light extra-special by gifting something unique. Here are a few tangible suggestions.
Gelt for Grown-Ups. One of the more delightful customs associated with the holiday is the giving of Hanukkah gelt (that’s money) to young children, often in the form of gold foil-wrapped chocolate coins. But why should the kids have all the fun? The solution to this age-old problem has been solved this year by Veruca Chocolates’s Gelt for Grown-Ups. The maker of artisan chocolates is offering up coins in premium dark or milk chocolate molded to replicate an actual Judean coin dating back to the 4th decade BCE. A box of the coins, which are certified kosher, will set you back $18.
Gourmet Latkes. Latkes aren’t difficult to make from scratch, but they can be time-consuming if you’re frying for a crowd. This year, be a participant rather than a fry cook at your latke party by ordering a batch of Linda’s Gourmet Latkes. The tasty cakes come 48 to an order and arrive frozen. Just reheat for 8 to 10 minutes, and you’ve got hot crispy latkes ready to nosh. A gluten-free variant is available. The cost? $132.
Reuben Sandwich Kit. Eating deli food is not standard operating procedure during Hanukkah, but there’s no rule that says you can’t. This year give the gift of corned beef by sending someone special a Corned Beef Reuben Sandwich Kit from Zingerman’s. The package, which feeds 3 to 4, includes Jewish rye, sliced corned beef, sliced Emmentaler cheese, coleslaw, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing. Sides of potato chips, garlicky pickles, and Zingerman’s Magic Brownie Bites are also included. The price is $150.
“Latkes and Lights” Candle. Not every holiday gift needs to add girth to your waistline. For something guaranteed to be non-caloric, choose the Latkes and Lights Candle from Homesick. The scented candle, which features a 60- to 80-minute burn time, emits a sweet and salty aroma reminiscent of potato latkes and applesauce. The candle is crafted from a natural soy wax blend and uses a premium cotton wick and custom fragrance oil. The cost is $38.
