Compiled by Alanna Berman
There’s nothing like waiting until the last minute to finish your holiday shopping. Luckily for you, we at the San Diego Jewish Journal have spent all our time picking out the perfect gifts for everyone on your list.
For the fashionista, the jokester, or the quirky friend who’s always being asked, ‘Where’d you FIND that?’ (Yes, this covers all three)
Know a few Jews who’d love to upstage their non-Jewish friends at this year’s company holiday party, or perhaps a few who’d like to throw a Heebster version of a tacky Christmas sweater party? Carin Agiman spent years as an accountant at a fashion company before branching out to create her own line of holiday sweaters. She launched Gelt Feind this year with five Chanukah sweaters — Crown Heights, Bourough Park, Gelt Digger, Spinster and Spin Master, and each one is cuter than the next! (So much for that “tacky” sweater!)
With styles for men and women available, you might have to buy all five. $60-65. www.geltfiend.com
For those you don’t know but care about
“Kids play with a good toy for a few months or a year, but this gift ends poverty here at home and abroad,” Actor Ed Asner says of the work done by Heifer International.
Providing livestock and agricultural training in impoverished areas all over the world since 1944, Asner joins fellow actor Mark Feuerstein in creating “Heifer at Hanukah.” Gift-givers can donate to provide livestock to families in impoverished countries, which can provide valuable food and income.
“When you receive a goat, a cow or a water buffalo that goes to a family in Africa or East Asia, there’s something so beautiful about that,” Feuerstein says. “Because you’re not just giving them a gift of $50, which can buy them food and water for many months, you’re giving them something that will provide their family and community with food and nourishment for generations to come.”
What is it they say about teaching a man to fish?
$20-120. For gift options, visit www.heifer.org/heifer-at-hanukkah/
For your game night buddies
The popular game of comparisons gets a Jewish twist with Apples to Apples: The Jewish Edition. Fun and educational, for your non-Jewish friends too! Available in standard and junior edition; for four to 10 players. $24-25. www.moderntribe.com
For the manly man in your life
The MANorah, custom-made by Etsy seller Frick and Frack Scraps from trimmed pear tree limbs and branches, makes the perfect gift for the outdoorsman on your list. We love the rustic, wintery charm it would bring to many a fireplace MANtel! The standard size measures roughly 16 inches by 4.5 inches, but can be custom-built to fit all decorating styles. $27. Search by name under sellers at www.etsy.com.
For budding bookworms
“One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish,” the popular children’s book by La Jolla native Theodor Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss, gets a Yiddish twist with the same words, rhyme scheme, and spirit of the original classic. Kids of all ages will love “Eyn Fish Tsvey Fish Royter Fish Bloyer Fish”! Transliteration and an alphabet chart are included. $16.95. www.moderntribe.com
For your favorite proud Jewish woman
“Hot Mamalah: The Ultimate Guide for Every Woman of the Tribe” is a start-to-finish celebration of the strengths, challenges and triumphs of Jewish women. Since our office is comprised mostly of women, we love this book’s essays, illustrations and how-to’s that all celebrate the chutzpah of Jewish women. The fun recipes for cocktails and holiday fare, Purim costume ideas and organizing tips are just icing on the honey cake. Bonus: all orders are shipped with a surprise gift! $18.99. www.moderntribe.com
For the good friend you’ve made in your havurah
Want the words of the Shema close to you always? They’re printed on a sterling silver disc that forms the centerpiece of this bracelet by Aleph Bet, available with a black or red silk tie. “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our G-d, the Lord is one.” It’s perfect for the stylish shul-going woman in your life. $47. www.moderntribe.com
For the Hebrew school tween studying for her bat mitzvah
Midrash Manicures Hanukkah Nail Decals
And you thought stick-on nail gems were a trend relegated to your childhood. Not anymore! Celebrate the festival of lights with a theme manicure, thanks to Midrash Manicures Hanukkah Nail Decals. Creator Yael Buechler makes celebrating the festival of lights even more fun with these nail stickers, especially for tween girls planning their bat mitzvah or, okay, for any woman of the tribe, any age. Easy to apply decals stick on to clean or polished nails. $12. www.moderntribe.com
Get list of gifts! I love the ugly sweaters!! Thank you for including alefbet.com bracelets sold through moderntribe.com as well!