Hanukkah Gifts for Kids That Aren't Another Toy
Eight nights is a lot of gifts. By the fifth or sixth, most families have run through the obvious ideas, and the toys from the first night are already under the couch.
That is why so many families make one of the eight nights about something different: a gift meant to be kept rather than played with. A sweater or hat with the child's name knitted into it is one of the simplest ways to do that.
Hanukkah 2026
Hanukkah begins at sundown on Friday, December 4. Every piece is hand-knitted to order and takes about three weeks, plus shipping — so aim to order by early November.
Why a knitted keepsake works as a Hanukkah gift
- It lasts past the holiday. A good sweater gets worn all winter, not packed away on the ninth morning.
- It becomes part of the tradition. Families often order the same design again a size up a few years later, and the two end up side by side in photos.
- It is made for one child. The name is knitted in stitch by stitch, so it can't crack, peel or fade — and it can be handed down to a younger sibling.
- It balances the other nights. One lasting gift sits well alongside books, games and chocolate gelt.
By the ninth morning, most of the presents have been played with. The sweater is the one still in the drawer next December.
Gifts to consider
- The Hanukkah sweater — a Star of David knitted on the front with the child's name beneath. White with blue is traditional; navy with silver or white is just as lovely.
- A name sweater in blue and white — the name alone, in holiday colors, for a sweater that works just as well in February.
- A stars name hat — stars around the crown and the name in the band. At $39.95 it makes a lovely gift for one of the eight nights.
- A hat and mitten set — a monogrammed hat with matching mittens for the youngest, in whatever colors you choose.
Choosing colors
Every piece comes in 24 colors, and you choose the color of the garment and the name or motif separately. For Hanukkah, a few combinations families return to:
| Garment | Name and motif | The look |
|---|---|---|
| White | Royal blue or denim blue | The traditional Hanukkah look |
| Navy | White or silver-gray | Understated, and wearable all winter |
| Baby blue | Navy | Soft, and lovely on a baby |
| Natural | Denim blue | Warm and classic |
Sizing and timing
Sweaters come in sizes Preemie through 12, knitted with room to grow — if you're between sizes, go up. For a baby, remember they'll be older by December than they are today. Our size guide has the full measurements.
Before you order
Because each piece is knitted for one specific name, a wrong size can't be exchanged. If you're unsure, send us the child's age and we'll size it for you.
With Hanukkah beginning on December 4, ordering by early November leaves time for knitting and shipping. If you've left it later than that, ask us before ordering — and remember that a name hat knits up faster than a sweater. More on timing in our guide to when to order.
Make one of the eight nights a keepsake
Order by early November for delivery before Hanukkah begins.
- Hanukkah Sweater — Star of David and their name
- Personalized Hats — from $39.95, and faster to make
- Name Sweaters — in any of 24 colors
Not sure on size? Send us the child's age and we'll tell you exactly what to order.