Bar and Bat Mitzvahs are some of the most significant accomplishments in any Jewish person’s life, up there with weddings, baby naming ceremonies, and Brit Milot. These ceremonies symbolize the transition of boys into men and girls into women in the eyes of God.
If you’ve been invited to a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, it’s customary to bring a gift. But don’t worry about breaking your budget, there are meaningful Bar and Bat Mitzvah gift ideas at just about every price point. Read on to learn a bit more about the occasion, as well as gift ideas under $50, $100, and $250.
What is a Bar and Bat Mitzvah?
Bar and Bat Mitzvahs are Jewish coming-of-age ceremonies. They happen at age 13 for boys and either 12 or 13 for girls. In Judaism, it’s believed that a Bar or Bat Mitzvah marks the transition from a child to an adult. Once a person becomes a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, they are encouraged to complete mitzvot, or commandments, and actively participate in religious life.
What Happens at a Bar or Bat Mitzvah
While much of the focus for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is on the party, the truly significant part of the day is the ceremony. A Bar or Bat Mitzvah is responsible for leading the synagogue service on the day of the occasion. They also must read from the Torah and, in many cases, give a speech to the congregation.
In order to prepare for this day, kids study for months. They focus on learning their Torah portion, memorizing prayers, and writing their speech. Traditionally, a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is followed by a luncheon or party to celebrate the accomplishment.
Bar and Bat Mitzvah Gift Ideas Under $50
If your child has been invited to a Bar or Bat Mitzvah by a classmate, or you’re attending the celebration of a close acquaintance, there’s no need to spend an arm and a leg. A gift under $50 is a perfectly appropriate choice for these types of occasions. Read on to discover our favorites.
$18
In Judaism, 18 is considered an auspicious number. According to the ancient tradition of gematria, where each Hebrew letter has a corresponding value, the Hebrew word for life, “chai,” has a value of 18. It’s therefore a tradition to give Bar and Bat Mitzvah gifts of cash in multiples of $18 as a way to wish the Bar or Bat Mitzvah a long and happy life.
Gift Card
If cash gifts aren’t your thing, consider gifting a gift card in a multiple of $18. Gift cards make for a great Bar or Bat Mitzvah gift idea because they give your recipient the freedom to choose something they’ll love.
Pick a gift card from their favorite store like our Oneg Home gift cards, starting at $36. Choose from an e-Gift card with a personalized gift message or a handwritten gift card personalized just for them.
Donation
Tzedakah, or charity, is a core value in Judaism. That’s why many people choose to make a donation on behalf of the Bar or Bat Mitzvah as a gift idea. Consider their favorite causes, then research organizations that support them. They may also be doing a Bar or Bat Mitzvah project that you can contribute to.
Bar and Bat Mitzvah Gift Ideas Under $100
For close family friends, cousins’ children, or other kids, $100 is enough to find a meaningful gift that they’ll appreciate for years to come. These Bar and Bat Mitzvah gift ideas under $100 are a great place to start.
Kiddush Cup
Bar or Bat Mitzvah, every Jewish person needs a Kiddush cup. Like candleholders, Kiddush cups are a necessity for every Jewish holiday, from Shabbat to Passover and Rosh Hashanah. Kiddush cups come in many materials and designs, from traditional silver cups with symbolic designs, to more modern takes. For a teen, choose our modern ceramic Kiddush cup for a fresh take on a classic.
Shalom Jewelry
The Hebrew word “shalom” has many meanings. Beyond simply meaning “peace,” it’s also a wish for completeness or wholeness, deriving from the word for “whole,” “shalem.” Pass these wishes onto the Bar or Bat Mitzvah by gifting a necklace or bracelet with this simple, but powerful word. Our Shalom jewelry is handmade with a delicate, timeless design.
Conversation Set
Conversation plays an important role in shaping the atmosphere of the Shabbat and holiday table, offering a moment to pause and connect. Some choose to reflect on the weekly Torah portion, while others simply use the time to share and listen. The Conversation Set includes prompts inspired by the weekly parsha, along with a brass stand for simple display, bringing a sense of structure and intention to these moments.
Bar and Bat Mitzvah Gift Ideas Under $250
When it comes to Bar and Bat Mitzvah gift ideas for immediate family, it’s nice to find something truly special. These gifts won't just last a few years, but can be used for decades to come and even passed along to future generations.
Star of David Necklace
The Star of David is perhaps the most important symbol in Judaism. Like most things in Judaism, it doesn’t hold just a single interpretation. Some say the Star of David represents God’s rule over the universe in all directions: north, south, east, west, up, and down. Others say the Star of David’s two interlocking triangles represent the intersection of the physical world with the spiritual world. No matter what the Star of David means to you, its significance is undeniable.
At Oneg Home, you can find Star of David necklaces for Bar and Bat Mitzvah gift ideas. Shop our delicate, handwoven Star of David necklace, or a Star of David on a black spinel chain. Spinel, a gemstone, is known for its grounding energy, making this necklace both beautiful and intentional.
Shabbat Box
For everything they need to celebrate Shabbat in a single, easy package, shop the Oneg Home Signature Shabbat Box. This curated mix of ritual objects includes materials to guide their shabbat celebration. Customize the Challah cover colors and candleholder wood to create a Shabbat Box that perfectly suits their tastes.
Shop Meaningful Jewish Gift Ideas from Oneg Home
At Oneg Home, we make Jewish ritual objects with a modern twist. From Kiddush cups and candleholders to seder plates and more, our handmade, contemporary ritual objects provide a modern take on traditional items. Whether you have an upcoming Bar or Bat Mitzvah, Shabbat dinner, or other Jewish holiday, you’ll find a meaningful gift in our selection.
Ready to begin your Shabbat practice?
