Essentials

When is Hanukkah 2021? Plus 8 great Hanukkah gift ideas

By Carolin Lehmann

October 29, 2021 / 1:44 PM EDT / Essentials

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family celebrating Hanukkah — Hanukkah 2021 falls on Nov. 28 through Dec. 6. Getty Images/iStockphoto

The dates of Hanukkah change every year, so you may be wondering when the Jewish holiday falls in 2021. In general terms, Hanukkah starts on the 25th day of the Hebrew month Kislev, which may fall any time from late November to December on the Gregorian calendar. Hanukkah 2021 begins on the evening of Nov. 28 and ends on the evening of Dec. 6.

While it's popular to give Hanukkah gifts to children during the holiday -- often, a gift for each night -- a Hanukkah gift is also thoughtful to bring while visiting friends and family, or if you just want to show someone your appreciation during a giving time of year.

Hanukkah-themed items, games, and money are common Hanukkah presents. If you're looking for some more Hanukkah gift ideas, consider the following picks for adults and children.

Olive and June Hanukkah calendar

Find eight mini manicure essentials in this Hanukkah calendar, which comes with six polishes, a top coat, a cuticle serum, stickers and more.

Olive and June Hanukkah calendar, $48

$48 at Olive and June

"Jew-ish: A Cookbook" by Jake Cohen

This New York Times bestselling cookbook helps you cook "Jew-ish" recipes. Author Jake Cohen walks you through cacio e pepe rugelach, matzo tiramisu and more.

"Jew-ish: A Cookbook" by Jake Cohen, $16

$16 at Amazon

Squishmallows Aqua the Sloth

Add to their Squishmallow collection with Aqua the Sloth. This cuddly stuffed animal is therapeutic for adults and children alike.

Squishmallows Aqua the Sloth, $14

$14 at Walmart

Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza

This card game for all ages will keep the kiddos busy. The game revolves around the five words taco, cat, goat, cheese and pizza. Once there is a match between a card and a spoken word, slap your hand on the central pile of cards. The last person to do so must take them all.

Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, $8.76 (reduced from $10)

$8.76 at Amazon

DIY Hanukkah cookie shot decorating kit

This half-dozen set of pre-baked cookie shot glasses comes in the flavors chocolate chip, double chocolate, churro and red velvet. They come with edible decorations, sprinkles, chocolate wafers and Hanukkah candles. They can be filled with milk for the kids, or alcohol for the adults.

DIY Hanukkah cookie shot decorating kit, $40

$40 at Uncommon Goods

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Bae-sics set

Give the gift of amazing brows. This Anastasia Beverly Hills set includes the Brow Wiz mechanical brow pencil (choose from five colors) and a mini clear brow gel.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Bae-sics set, $33

$33 at Nordstrom

Star Wars Galactic Snackin' Grogu

Give the gift of Baby Yoda. This animatronic toy has more than 70 sounds and motions and comes with four accessories you can place in its wee green hands.

Star Wars Galactic Snackin' Grogu, $79

$79 at Walmart

Hanukkah story reversible gift wrap

Wrap all of the above up in this illustrated, double-sided Hanukkah wrapping paper. One side features a modern take on the Star of David and the other showcases a scene out of the Maccabee saga.

Hanukkah story reversible gift wrap, $20

$20 at Uncommon Goods