The Festival of Lights is quickly approaching! As a parent, I know shopping for Hanukkah can be difficult. Having to come up with eight different days of presents isn't the easiest task in the world. That's why I've decided to put together this list of easy gift ideas — whether your family frequents the theme parks ... or you're looking to embark on a brand-new adventure with the tadpoles in the new year!
Our Illuminating Guide to Hanukkah Gifts
For the theatre geek
There are few things better than the magic of Disney coming to a town near you! Take a trip to the enchanting kingdom of Agrabah, the frozen fjords of Arendelle or the vast Pride Lands with a ticket to a Disney on Broadway touring production. Your little ones will love seeing Aladdin and Jasmine, Anna and Elsa and Simba and Nala in person. Prepare to hear beloved songs from the animated films, as well as brand-new numbers specially composed for the theatrical adaptations! During Hanukkah, Frozen the Musical will be in Detroit, Aladdin the Musical will be in Minneapolis and St. Louis and The Lion King will be in San Francisco. Ticket prices start at $41.24.
For the football fanatic
The first day of Hanukkah is the beginning of the last month of the 2023 NFL season. Gift a ticket to one of the frogciting final games on your tadpole's favorite team's schedule. Plus, score epic deals and savings when you purchase through Undercover Tourist. Whether they root for the Rams, cheer for the Chiefs, are a loyal Lions fan or a diehard Dolphins fan, this is a present that's sure to be an absolute touchdown! NFL tickets start at $17.78.
For the animal lover
If you're looking for a fun family experience that won't break the bank, zoos, safaris and aquariums are frogtastic ways to spend a day while getting in touch with nature's beautiful fauna. Lucky for you, Undercover Tourist offers some amazing discount tickets for attractions where your tadpole can fulfill their dreams of coming face-to-fangs/fur/flippers with creatures big and small.
General admission tickets for Davey's Locker Whale Watching in Newport Beach start at $21.25. 1-Day tickets for Gatorland in Orlando start at $17.34 for tadpoles and $25.56 for adults. General admission tickets for Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee start at $29.86 for tadpoles and $40.81 for adults. General admission tickets for Adventure Aquarium in Camden start at $23.16 for tadpoles and $33.02 for adults. Aquarium admission for Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach starts at $25.27 for tadpoles and $41.75 for adults. General admission tickets for Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco start at $16.18 for tadpoles and $22.66 for adults.
For the one awaiting their Hogwarts letter
Whether a trip to the Wizarding World is in your future or your tadpole just loves strutting their Hogwarts house pride, any Harry Potter accessory can be a magical gift for the aspiring wizard or witch in your family! If you're heading to a Universal park before the holiday, check out our guide to Harry Potter merchandise at Universal Studios Hollywood or our guide to shopping in the Wizarding World at Universal Orlando Resort for a taste of the must-have magical items. Of course, you can always have your purchases shipped to the muggle world. Backpacks start at $28 and travel bottles and tumblers start at $19. You can even get them a toy wand for $30 or a toy broom for $34.95. The best part? Universal Orlando is currently offering free domestic shipping on orders over $100 with the code SHIP100!
For the Jedi in training
You don't have to visit a galaxy far, far away to get the perfect gift for your young Padawan. Whether you're planning the ultimate family getaway to Batuu or your tadpole is discovering their connection to The Force at home, a gift from Black Spire Outpost is sure to "ignite the spark" in any "Star Wars" fan! If you're heading to a Disney park before the holiday, check out our guides to Galaxy's Edge at Disney World or Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland for all the best places to do some on-planet shopping. If you can't make it to Batuu quite yet, Ohnaka Transport Solutions will be hoppy to deliver anything from shopDisney, such as toy lightsabers that start at $34.99, iPhone cases that start at $29.99 and pajamas that start $24.99. Hondo won't even charge you for shipping if you spend $75 or more with the code SHIPMAGIC!
For the aspiring Avenger
Has your little tadpole always wanted to swing on webs or summon lightning? Assemble the perfect Hanukkah gift with some toadally epic superhero swag! If you're heading to Disney California Adventure prior to the holiday, check out our guide to Avengers Campus for a rundown of all the places to grab your galactic gear. You can also find tons of Marvel merchandise all around Walt Disney World Resort in shops such as Keystone Clothiers in Disney's Hollywood Studios, Treasures of Xandar in EPCOT and World of Disney in Disney Springs and at Universal Islands of Adventure in Marvel Super Hero Island! Want to get your tadpole everything they need to suit up for their multiversal trip to Earth-616? Head to shopDisney for hoodies starting at $34.95, costume accessories starting at $24.99 and T-shirts starting at $16.95.
For the Minion maniac
Can your tadpole not get enough of Gru's mischievous yellow henchmen? Then check out all the delectably despicable merch you can purchase online through Universal Orlando Resort! Backpacks start at $25, T-shirts start at $20 and plushes start at $14.95. If a trip to Universal Studios Florida is in your future, check out our guide to the brand-new Minion Land for a sneak peek at all the sinister souvenirs worthy of a super-villain!
For the festive froggy
We're truly jumping with joy! This year, Disney unveiled its largest Hanukkah collection EVER! In addition to a Mickey Mouse and Friends Hanukkah T-shirt for $19.99, Mickey Mouse and Friends Hanukkah matching sleep set for $24.99 and a Mickey Mouse Hanukkah plush for $29.99, you can get your tadpole (and yourself, of course!) a Hanukkah light-up ear headband for $34.99 and a Mickey and Minnie Mouse Hanukkah light-up Loungefly mini backpack for $78! You can find this magical merchandise at Walt Disney World both in Island Mercantile at Disney's Animal Kingdom and at World of Disney in Disney Springs or on shopDisney.
Are you and your froggy fam doing anything special for Hanukkah this year? What gifts are you getting your tadpoles? Share with us in the comments below! Chag Sameach!
Related: 'We're Going to Disney!' How to Surprise Your Kids with a Disney Trip
Hoppy planning!
