Welcoming a new member into your family is a joyous occasion, and it’s made even more special when the holidays roll around. As you embark on this incredible journey of parenthood, one of the first milestones to mark is a Jewish child’s favorite holiday – Hanukkah. Baby’s First Hanukkah is the perfect opportunity to begin building cherished family traditions that will last a lifetime and create unforgettable memories with your little one.
In this guide, we’ll explore the enchanting world of celebrating Hanukkah with your baby, from baby’s first menorah to thoughtful gift ideas that are tailored to your little bundle of joy. Join us as we unwrap our favorite gifts for Baby’s First Hanukkah.
Kish Mir in Tuchas
Bubuleh
This Bubbe loves her little bubuleh (and so does Zayde) and now that I’m a grandmother, I get to spoil him with the cutest outfits like this adorable Mini Wonder Thread Tee and Mini Organic Cotton Kiss My Tuchus Sweatpants from Bubuleh.
There are several remarkable aspects to these products that go beyond their adorable appearance. They feature distinctive embroidery, thoughtfully backed with fabric to ensure they won’t irritate a baby’s sensitive skin. What’s more, every piece is crafted in Portugal using organic cotton, and they proudly bear Fair-Trade certification and PETA’s seal of approval for being vegan-friendly. If you’re interested, they even offer a range of adult clothing options, allowing you to coordinate stylish outfits for both yourself and your little one!
Baby sizes range from 0-6 months up to 24-36 months, in colors like apricot, butter (shown), navy, and oat, with matching grown-up outfits (in a variety of colors) for Mom, Dad, etc., as well as an incredible line of LGBTQIA apparel that I’ve been eyeing for my brother and brother-in-law for their anniversary next year.
- These and more are available at Bubuleh.com
For Your Little Mensch
Challah at Your Boy Bodysuit from Spunky Stork
Introducing the “Challah at Your Boy” baby’s onesie bodysuit, featuring a side-splitting bread pun with a twist – Challah braids! Crafted from 100% organic cotton, each one is hand-printed to order in Orlando, Florida. Enjoy the added bonus of free shipping within the USA and speedy delivery within 1-2 business days. This company stands by its quality with a glee guarantee! Make sure it fits perfectly with their true-to-size, size charts. Ideal not just for Hanukkah but for year-round fun.
- Available online at Spunky Stork
The Story of Hanukkah
Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights
- by Bonnie Bader; illustrated by Joanie Stone
A Little Golden Book edition of the story of Hanukkah–a great holiday read-aloud for the whole family! Start learning the story of the Maccabees early and learn all about how people celebrate Hanukkah–from eating latkes, spinning dreidels, and lighting the menorah. And they’ll also learn why they celebrate–from the destruction of the Temple, the bravery of the Maccabees, and the miracle of that little bit of oil that lasted for eight nights. Filled with colorful illustrations and simple, yet informative text, this Little Golden Book is perfect for reading again and again. Share it with your family this Hanukkah!
- Available at your favorite bookstore and Amazon.com
Baby’s First Menorah
Happy Hanukkah Menorah Wall Hanging
Enhance your Festival of Lights celebration with the Happy Hanukkah Menorah Wall Hanging, a delightful addition that allows you to “light” the colorful Hanukkah candles by affixing one “flame” each day, designed with little fingers in mind. Crafted to be a cherished keepsake for years to come, this item also serves as an excellent family tradition and educational tool.
It comes complete with two storage pouches for your convenience and hangs securely using a sturdy wooden dowel in a rod pocket and a small fabric hook, all made easily attachable thanks to velcro. Replacement pieces are readily available, and the product is safety-tested for use from birth and up, constructed from poly-cotton materials, and is available in three colors.
- Available online at the Peace Love Light Shop
Snuggle Up with the Perfect Hanukkah Companion
Dreidel Dog from Mensch on a Bench
We love our Mensch on a Bench, and this year we discovered this adorable Cuddle Dalmatian with dreidel-shaped spots and a hidden pocket to hold your own dreidel from our favorite Mensch brand. We’ve named ours Gimmel because cuddling with this adorable stuffed dog is like WINNING all of the gelt when you play Dreidel. This pup is soft and huggable for baby and will become a treasured part of your Hanukkah celebrations long after leaving the nursery.
The Mensch on a Bench line continues to grow with new additions each year and we couldn’t be more excited.
- Available at Target and Amazon.com
Board Books for Little Ones
Where Do Diggers Celebrate Hanukkah?
- by Brianna Caplan Sayres; illustrated by Christian Slade
Celebrate Hanukkah with your favorite Diggers! For fans of the bestselling Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night? and its companion holiday vehicle books.
It’s Hanukkah! How do you celebrate? Do you light the menorah? Play dreidel with your friends? How about eating latkes and sufganiyot? Read all about diggers, cranes, cement mixers—and more—enjoying fun and festive Hanukkah nights after the sun sets!
- Available at bookstores as well as Amazon.com
Celebrate all things Hanukkah in this A to Z primer . . .
Introduce your little one to the Festival of Lights in this fun collection of twenty-six illustrations featuring Hanukkah-themed concepts, such as latkes, gelt, the menorah, and of course dreidels.
Greg Paprocki works full-time as an illustrator and book designer. In addition to illustrating several Curious George books, he’s provided illustrations for A Is for Atom, S Is for Santa, B Is for Boo, and The Big Book of Superheroes. He began his career as an advertising art director after studying fine art and graphic design at the University of Nebraska.
- Available at your favorite bookstore and Amazon.com
It’s Hanukkah! (Sesame Street)
- by Andrea Posner-Sanchez; illustrated by Barry Goldberg (on sale: 9/26/23):
It’s Hanukkah! Baby Bear is excited that Elmo has come to celebrate the holiday with him. Elmo learns all about the festival of lights as the Bear family lights the menorah, eats latkes and jelly doughnuts, and plays a game of dreidel.
- Available at your favorite bookstore and Amazon.com
After All of the Mishegoss
Happy Hanukkah Assorted Tea Set
When it’s time for Mom, Dad, Bubbe, and Zayde to relax after all of each day’s festivities, there’s nothing better than a cup of great tea from VAHDAM India. The VAHDAM® India Happy Hanukkah Collection comprises luscious tea blends universally loved by all!
Packed in attractive tin caddies, these exquisite gift packs are apt for every celebration. This Hanukkah special assortment contains 4 luscious Herbal, Chai, and black teas.
- Available at Vahdam.com
As you embark on this heartwarming journey of Baby’s First Hanukkah, may the joy and traditions shared during this special season fill your hearts with love and create lasting memories for your little one. From thoughtful gifts to timeless rituals, may this holiday season be a cherished chapter in your family’s story, one that your baby will come to treasure for a lifetime.
Happy Hanukkah!
