fantasymind231 asked: Hi so the holidays are here and I've been having trouble thinking of a present to get my Jewish friend any advice from you or fiance?
Hey! this is a great question and you’re a good person for asking, so here are some guidelines, Straight from Fiance:
- Hanukkah gifts are generally something Smallish and Practical- we joke about getting four pairs of socks over the course of eight days but honestly? A usable gift in the Less Than $20 Tops would be your range- something like Fun Socks, a Kitchen tool, a fancy bookmark if they’re a big reader, something like that.
- If you’re going for the Practical gift, MAKE SURE TO PERSONALIZE IT TO THIER NEEDS, this is very much a case where “it’s the thought that counts”
- Like literally I’m getting a Wrist brace and Special Coffee this year. Which I need and am thrilled about.
- Another option is Hanukkah Gelt or “Hanukkah Gold”, which is effectively “Treat Yo Self” money. You’re not supposed to use it to pay bills or boring stuff- it’s Strictly Fun Money. Again, it’s a small amount, like the $20-or-less above. You can give cash, or an amazon gift card- you can also get them a card to a nice restaurant they’ve always wanted to try but never have, that’s what I usually do for my mother-in-law/
- TIPS FROM THE AGNOSTIC (me)
- I’ve yet to meet a Jewish person who doesn’t love getting Hanukkah Swag like thematic cards or bags or the like. if you’re giving cash or a gift card, give them SOME HANUKKAH CHOCOLATE COINS WITH IT THEY’LL LOVE IT.
- (if they can’t have chocolate, getting them a Hanukkah-specific card/bag is good too- I’ve had my best luck looking for those in local stores.)
- If they have a pet, get a small (SAFE) thing for the pet, like a toy or treats- if you’re not sure it’s safe for the animal, I recommend the card-and-chocolate route.
- DO NOT (based on some previous past issues Fiance has had)
- get Judaic-specific items like a menorah or yarmulke unless you are like REALLY good friends and they’ve mentioned wanting that specific object before.
- Spend a shitwhack of money, it’s gonna be awkward.
- No “Ironic” gifts like gift-wrapped bacon or stuff with “Jew Jokes” on/in it EVEN IF you’re really really good friends and you’ve shared that kind of humor before- opening that gift in public or in front of family could be horribly embarrassing.
If anybody else has any suggestions/advice please feel free to jump in!
