25 Bar Mitzvah Gifts That Teens Will Actually Like

Hanukkah menorahs are treasures. This one is modern and lovely. Made of blown-steel tubing with a powder-coat finish, it is neither too adorned nor too plain. At just under 11 by 11 inches, it has enough size to be noticed from afar without taking over a table. And yes, it does hold standard menorah candles.

More: The Best Electric Menorahs

Many girls and women I know have a whole collection of Magen David and chai necklaces, and most of us started that collection with our Bat Mitzvahs. This necklace from BaubleBar is graphic and cute, with a stylish edge that I wouldn’t mind having in my own collection.

$36, $54, or $72 are traditional amounts to give, and with this gift, you don’t even need to attend the Bar Mitzvah to send it. It’s easy, kids adore it because they pick what they want, and it never goes out of style.

Tzedek, tzedek, tirdof. Justice, justice, you shall pursue. Many new Bar Mitzvah kids choose a theme of social justice to go along with their Torah portion, making comparisons to the injustices against Jews in the Torah to current injustices. This artwork with the Hebrew words for justice is a great way to incorporate that into their gift.

Like I said, this isn’t going to win you friends with the parents. But it’s great if this is for a niece or nephew and you’re itching to get back at your sibling for buying your kid a piano that plays everything in cat meows.

A necklace with a bit more of a rugged feeling, this black steel chai is bold and endearing at the same time. Chai means “life,” and that feels more important than ever in the current epoch.

Tikkun olam translates roughly to “heal the world.” Etched into a silver pendant around a branch, this phrase reminds the person carrying it to be a good steward of the earth and of the people in it.

My kids have this shirt, I have a version of this shirt, and all Jews carry this thought in our hearts. “Mir veln zey iberlebn” is Yiddish for “We will outlive them.” A chant sung in the ghettos by Jews who refused to just sing about getting along.

As an AudHD person, I love this ring so much. It’s a prayer ring and a fidget ring. Jewish people pray with our bodies, so the idea of spinning the first words of the Shema prayer to calm oneself feels ritualistic and beautiful.

A trend I’ve been noticing is kids asking for Ticketmaster gift cards. Maybe it’s the Eras tour debacle. Maybe kids just want to choose a show and get there. Either way, this is bound to be a hit.

Funny earrings are huge among the teen set. Though, I would totally wear the heck out of these, too. They’re great for Shabbat, the High Holidays, or any time you want to add a little extra whimsy to your wardrobe.

My kids ask for Robux around every 15 minutes, give or take. And while $50 in a game might feel like a lot to you, I can assure you that it is not. However, it will be very welcomed, and that thank you card will get multiple smiley faces.

If you’ve never seen an exploding box before, they’re cool. You lift the lid off to reveal a box that flops open with cards in every pocket. It’s a great place to put pictures, gift cards, or even just notes of congratulations.

Stamped with the day of their Bat Mitzvah, their name, and a Magen David, this is a gift to cherish. It tells the recipient that you really put thought into their present. It’s made of pewter, gold plate, and bronze coins on a long chain, though the length is customizable.

Potentially the most traditional gift other than cold, hard cash, the memory box is a go-to for many a Zayde and Bubby. So why not keep up the tradition?

Oh, this is a picture that they will keep forever, and also cringe while looking at it for the rest of their lives. Thirteen is an awkward age, so you may as well memorialize it and personalize the frame.

This is my favorite Jewish cookbook, and Jewish cookbooks are a traditional Bar Mitzvah gift. All the recipes are delicious, easy-to-follow, and, honestly, gorgeous. Cooking is a life skill, and this makes it rewarding.

I asked my daughter if she would like this for her Bat Mitzvah from someone who couldn’t attend. She asked me if I could forego attendance and give her this box of colorful black and whites. I am a bit offended but get her gist.

Not everyone has a sweet tooth. My son, for example, would much rather have this enormous bucket of kosher pickles than the black and whites. It’s a unique gift that’ll show you’re not just defaulting to sweets.

Book subscription boxes are wildly popular. This is one of my faves for teens. It’s geared toward kids who like a little romance in their books, and the accessories reflect that. It’s extremely well-curated, and each box fits in a theme that surprises every time.