Bar Mitzvah Presents & Gifts

Buying bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah presents and gifts can sometimes seem daunting. This holds true whether you know the child directly, or whether you're a long distant relative that's coming into the picture for the first time in years. It's a huge milestone in the life of the child, and therefore there can be a lot of pressure to come up with really great and memorable gifts. Luckily, there is a ton of options available to you, no matter who you are and what your relationship is to the child.

First, for parents, it can be difficult to figure out what to get your son or daughter for the bar mitzvah ceremony. It can't just be treated like another birthday, of course, but at the same time, you are investing a lot of money and effort into the entire celebration and event already. Buying a separate gift may seem redundant, or it may simply be out of your budget because of the party.

That's why many parents end up incorporating a special idea or surprise element into the event itself. It can be some kind of gift or present that works with the theme of the party, a special guest at the party, or any kind of other idea that works with what has already been created. It will stand out but it won't be superfluous, and it will be a great compliment to the entire celebration.

The fall back for everyone else is usually to write a check or put a few 20 dollar bills into an envelope and use that for the bar mitzvah gift. This is certainly acceptable, and many families may say they actually prefer this, because it will help to offset the cost of the very pricey event and celebration. However, you shouldn't shy away from getting an actual, physical gift, just because many people fall back on money.

Because a bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah marks the passage from childhood into adulthood for Jewish families, there is ample opportunity for all kinds of gifts. The event is rife with symbolism and meaning, and there are all kinds of gifts that can be appropriate for a maturing child that's ready to be viewed as an adult. Don't be afraid to use your imagination and get creative, and don't just settle for cash because it's the easy solution. A real present will always be appreciated more, regardless of what people say.

Hopefully by now you have a better idea about what to do the next time you have to buy a bar mitzvah present. For parents, try to work something into the event itself. For everyone else, try to get more unique and creative than the usual money stuffed in an envelope routine. Think of something about the move into adulthood, having to do with the child's interest or the party's theme or anything else, and you're sure to find a winner.