Yay, the 2020 Hanukkah gift guides have arrived! Well, “are arriving” is more accurate; they’ll be rolling out here over the next few weeks, one by one. But today, I’m kicking things off with 25 beautiful, special Hanukkah gifts for her.
I realize that it’s a liiittle early to be posting about Hanukkah gifts for her, for him, or for anyone. I mean, it’s…September. 😬 But in 2020, I just feel like it’s wise—or necessary, rather—to get shopping out of the way early. After all, if shipping delays are bad now, just think how awful they’ll be come December. And who knows what the in-store shopping situation will be?
Anyway, my hope is that this rather comprehensive guide will help you out with that. These fun finds are for your mom, sister, best friend, daughter, or granddaughter—anyone and everyone who could use a little pick-me-up come December. And each and every item on this list is something that I personally would be thrilled to receive and genuinely excited to use, play, read, wear, or cook with. In other words, you won’t find a single filler item here. Promise.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means that, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you decide to click those links and make a purchase. You can read my full disclosure here.
John Derian “The Scent” Candle
The packaging here is just so darn pretty—from the glass vessel all the way to the round floral box. But I also just fell in love with the fact that it’s called “The Scent.” That’s like…real-life clickbait. I must know what it smells like. 🕵🏻♀️ | $65, onekingslane.com
Vrai Pavé Line Bracelet
Gah. MY EYES. This stunning, sparkly-but-subtle bracelet is on my personal wishlist for 2020. It’s incredibly lovely—and I’m such a sucker for teeny-tiny, minimalist jewelry. Be sure to click through on this one: Vrai has a bunch of other photos (and videos!) of the bracelet in action, so you can see for yourself just how delicate and simple those pavé diamonds are.| $390, vrai.com
Modern Jewish Baker
If you follow @jewishfood on Instagram…then you’re already familiar with Shannon Sarna’s work! This is her fabulously inventive, old-meets-new cookbook that “pays homage to those traditions while reinvigorating them with modern flavors and new ideas.” Challah, babka, bagels, hamantaschen, rugelach, pita, and matzah are all within reach. | $21, amazon.com
Fujifilm Mini 90 Instant Film Camera
I looove this camera because it’s a perfect compromise between a true, old-school Polaroid and one of those new, plastic Instax models we’ve been seeing everywhere these days. The design here is way more stylish and interesting, and several new shooting modes are offered—plus double exposure and macro modes. Of course, it’s also just fun (and easy to use) for amateur photographers who crave instant gratification. Comes in black, too! | $110, amazon.com
Instax Mini Neo
Side note: I used to have a tree house and it was the greatest thing in the world. Couldn’t help but include this Byredo candle here for that reason—I’ve actually never noticed this scent before! And don’t you love that black and white packaging? It’s one of those gifts that you can be certain will fit in with her décor, no matter what her personal style is. | $109.00, nordstrom.com
Acrylic Jenga
There’s a part of me that’s a little concerned about how the players of this game fare when everything (inevitably) comes crashing down. But the other parts of me just can’t stop staring. These clear, frosted, light and dark grey pieces are beyond stunning and create a cool ombre effect when stacked.| $70, CB2.com
Cuyana Leather Backpack
Another beauty that’s been on my personal wishlist for a while now. Love the croc effect, the size, the shape…all of it. I have several other pieces from Cuyana (a wallet, a mini saddle bag, and an older camera bag) and they’ve all stood the test of time. Big, big fan of this brand. | $450, cuyana.com
1,000-Piece Panoramic Cityscape Puzzle
It’s the year of the puzzle. (Among…other things.) This one feels like an ode to a brighter, happier, less distanced New York.| $20, amazon.com
Kindle Paperwhite
Hold up—were Kindles always available in such cute colors? Apparently, you can now find the Paperwhite (the device’s newest iteration) in black, “twilight blue,” the dusty plum color you see here, and a minty sage green. Love! I’m a hardcover kind of woman myself, but I come from a family of Kindle lovers who would love an upgrade like this.| $160, amazon.com
Celebrate Everything:
Fun Ideas to Bring Your Parties to Life
Fun fact: Celebrate Everything is one of the things that prompted me to launch this blog in the first place. It’s whimsical, joyful, bursting with color, and loaded with legitimately original ideas for parties and celebrations. One of my favorite coffee table finds ever…though I should add that it’s really much more than a coffee table book, since the tips within are brilliant and worth reading in full. I preordered it back in 2016 because Darcy Miller—the author—is a total legend. And I’m so glad I did. Anyway, I’ll stop there before things get romantic, but just trust me: You’ll want to order this title for the hostess in your life. | $28, amazon.com
Le Creuset 4.5-Quart Marble Appliqué Dutch Oven
Come on. Is that the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen, or is that the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen? Apparently, this stunner is also a practical buy, since it’s shock-resistant, stain-resistant, heat-retaining, and ergonomic. ERGONOMIC. | $350, bloomingdales.com
DIY Sushi Kit
Everything you’ll need to make your own sushi is included in this kit, minus the fish. There’s a rolling mat, easy-to-follow instructions, drink pairings, sushi rice, rice vinegar powder, nori, sesame seeds, and spicy wasabi powder. Phew.| $28, uncommongoods.com
Jo Malone Sweet Almond & Macaroon Candle
It smells like sweet almond, creamy coconut, cherries, and vanilla. I own it. It’s fantastic and subtle and perfect. Trust me. | $69.00, JoMalone.com
gHD Platinum Professional Performance Styler
Yes, it’s a little pricey. Yes, it’s also very, very worth the splurge. This is the hair straightener I use at home, and it’s the best thing that ever happened to my hair since…this other magical thing. Few other styling tools come close. | $249.00, amazon.com
Crosley Nomad Portable USB Turntable
There’s something so vintage-y chic about a cloth-covered turntable. Over 100 5-star reviews don’t hurt, either.| $200+, amazon.com
Modern Love, Revised and Updated:
True Stories of Love, Loss, and Redemption
For those who count the minutes (seconds?) until the latest New York Times Modern Love column drops (🙋🏻🙋🏻🙋🏻), this is such a thoughtful gift. It’s an anthology of the most popular essays from the past fifteen years.| $13, amazon.com
Arizona Birkenstocks
A cushy footbed and cool white hue make these Birkenstocks wholly different from the original—but they remain just as classic.| $100, nordstrom.com
Fresh-Cut Blue Bouquet
When all else fails, send flowers. It’s the never-fail rule of thumb that applies to just about every occasion under the sun, including, yes, Hanukkah! I love the somewhat unruly, organic look of this blue and white bunch from Terrain. | $98, shop-terrain.com
Slip Silk Eye Mask
This sophisticated-looking eye mask gift works just as well for over-tired moms as it does for bright-eyed…not-moms. It’s just an objectively luxurious find, and they’ll love keeping it on their bedside table.| $50, net-a-porter.com
Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug
One of the best Hanukkah gifts for her, or him, or anyone, really. Not only will this mug keep her drink hot, but it’s also operated via smartphone—and it “knows” when it’s empty and will shut off automatically. Sci-fi-loving foodies, rejoice.| $100, amazon.com
Instant Pot Duo
Confession: I’ve never used an Instant Pot. But I need to, because apparently it’s the greatest invention since sliced bread (and guess what? You can even make bread in it!). It’s a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, saute pan, yogurt maker, and warmer all in one. | $99.00, amazon.com
Custom Pet Portrait Cookie Cutter
Send in a photo of her pet, and these guys will turn its face into a cookie cutter! So these make for lovely Hanukkah gifts for her and her dog. And they do cats, too! | $27, etsy.com
Jerusalem: A Cookbook
If the cover of Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi’s now-legendary book isn’t enough to draw you in, the 120 cross-cultural recipes within will. No cookbook collection is complete without it. | $25, amazon.com
Vintage Etched Coupe Glasses
I own four of these intricate coupe glasses and keep them out on my bar cart year-round. All the better to stare at! They’re high-end enough to feel special, but the polka-dot rim keeps things young and playful. | $17 – $68, williamssonoma.com
Apple AirPods Pro
I’m most intrigued by the noise cancellation element on these AirPods. And that soft silicone is a nice new touch as well.| $220, amazon.com