Some families create gift themes on the individual nights of Hanukkah, such as pajama or movie night.
Kids get excited about the themes, anticipating what any given night will bring, and parents say it helps them appreciate their gifts more.
“The theme ends up being almost as important as the gift because we build the excitement up,” said Andrew Borislow, of Lower Gwynedd, Pa., who’s done nights related to cooking, Harry Potter and Pokemon with his sons.
Some topical themes include:
Plastic presents: Michelle Levine of Houston has given her sons, ages 13 and 9, five or six gifts cards because the shrinking economy has forced her to turn down their requests to eat out and see movies. Giving them $5 or $10 gift cards “[allows] me to say ‘yes’ — on their dime — the next time they ask to go out for dinner or to see the new feature hitting theaters,” she said.
Green gifts: Jodi R.R. Smith, of Marblehead, Mass., celebrates with her extended family with gifts that include a hemp bicycle shirt, a botanical facial and biodegradable waste bags and all-natural dog treats. The children receive nature-themed books and toys, bug catchers and star charts.
Giving back: Following the Jewish tradition of giving to the needy, families set aside a night to make a charitable donation. A nice way to do it is to have the children donate the same gift they are getting. Cindy Edelstein, 45, of Pelham, N.Y., gave her 12-year-old daughter pajamas, and they also donated a matching pair.
“This way she’ll be reminded of her donation and that she shared some holiday spirit every time she puts on her pink penguin pajamas,” Edelstein said.