Holiday Guide: All the Hanukkah Essentials You Need

Hanukkah 2025 will begin at sundown on Sunday, December 14, as Jews around the world will light the first candle on their menorahs to begin the holiday. In addition to lighting a menorah, there are several other items that make Hanukkah celebrations even more festive.

If you want those eight nights to be extra special, purchasing your Hanukkah essentials from the Land of Israel is the way to go!

To make your shopping easier, we've rounded up the essentials and top gifts you need to celebrate Hanukkah 2025:

Hanukkah Menorahs

Hanukkah menorahs, sometimes also called hanukkiahs or hanukkiot, are special Jewish candelabras with nine candleholders - eight that are of equal height and usually in a single row, and a ninth candleholder for the shamash (helper candle) that is set slightly apart from the others. We start off by lighting one candle in addition to the shamash at the start of Hanukkah, and on each night of the holiday we add another candle until all nine are lit on the last night.

✡ You'll have a festive Hanukkah with this Modern Nickel Hanukkah Menorah with curved branches in a number of color options, this Red Jerusalem Stone Hanukkah Menorah, or this colorful Tree of Life Hanukkah Menorah by Yair Emanuel.

✡ Menorahs for Hanukkah come in many materials, styles, and sizes; if you have trouble choosing the right one for you and your family, check out our Choosing Your Perfect Hanukkah Menorah gift guide!

Hanukkah Candles or Oil

Hanukah menorahs were originally lit with oil, and while some people still prefer this traditional option, most menorahs today are lit with candles. It's entirely a matter of personal preference, and whether your menorah uses oil, candles, or can be lit with either, we carry multiple options of both Hanukkah candles and olive oil cups.

✡ Check out these convenient pre-filled gelled olive oil menorah cups and these blue-and-white Hanukkah candles handcrafted in Land of Israel.

Dreidels

The dreidel is a classic Hanukkah toy and part of a fun game that Jewish children have played for generations, and can also make for a festive centerpiece for your holiday table! The spinning top is often adorned with Hebrew letters to represent the phrase, Nes Gadol Haya Sham, “a great miracle happened there” – referring to the miracle of Hanukkah that took place in the Holy Land. In Israel, many dreidels have a letter Pey instead of a Shin, so that the acronym will more accurately stand for Nes Gadol Haya Po – “a great miracle happened here.”

✡ Israeli artists get creative with their own unique takes on the classic dreidel, and everyone at your Hanukkah table will be impressed by this Filigree Carousel Sterling Silver Dreidel by Shoham Simchi or this Rainbow Star of David and Dove Metal Dreidel by Dorit Judaica.

✡ For something more budget-friendly that also works great as Hanukkah party favors, we recommend this DIY 3D Israeli Flag Dreidel or this set of 10 classic wooden dreidels.

Hanukkah Gifts

Another fun and special Hanukkah tradition is the giving of gifts! While it wasn’t always a custom, gift giving became an increasingly popular practice in the 20th century as a substitute for the older tradition of giving money on the holiday. Today it's a key part of Hanukkah celebrations for many Jewish families!

✡ If you're looking for a holiday-themed gift, we've got stunning Hanukkah jewelry such as this silver and Eilat Stone menorah ring from Haifa-based Marina Jewelry, as well as fun holiday shirts like this adorable latke t-shirt from Israeli designer studio Modern Shtetl.

✡ Other must-see gift categories include toys, like this cuddly Israeli flag teddy bear, or home décor such as this "Remember Jerusalem" wall hanging from Dorit Judaica or this illustrated Western Wall wooden clock from Ofek Wertman Design Studio.

Hanukkah Gifts for Kids

Of course, the most common recipients of Hanukkah gifts are children! We have lots of Israeli-made Hanukkah gifts especially for kids, and have also put together this handy guide of our top favorites.

✡ Give the little ones in your family their very own Hanukkah Judaica to help them connect with the holiday, like this stunning Am Yisrael Chai and Star of David Hanukkah Menorah or some colorful wooden dreidels!

✡ Surprise your child or grandchild with a beautiful, kid-friendly piece of Jewish jewelry such as this 14K Gold Interlocking Star of David Necklace, or give a cozy gift like an adorable Hanukkah-themed blanket.