Everyone wants to express their feelings to a loved one and what better to do that than with a thoughtful present. Whether it is to show your appreciation, care, and affection, to surprise someone and make them smile, or to celebrate someone’s special day, presents can almost always showcase your feelings and emotions.
However, while many enjoy planning what to give and love to go shopping for it, many others find the task quite daunting and stressful, mostly due to the fear of getting the wrong thing. But the art of gift-giving is much less complicated than what people make it out to be.
Simply keep in mind that you are buying a present to make someone feel loved and happy and not because you are obligated to. Now, if you are dating someone of Jewish descent, you might wonder what the best gift to give might be.
While you can opt for some of your partner’s favorites such as makeup, cosmetics, clothing items, perfume, and more, why not make it a bit more special and get her something connected to her religion or culture?
Showing your thoughtfulness, attentiveness, and love in this way will not only make her happy but also very respected and appreciated. And if you are unsure what kind of items would be appropriate, here are some ideas to at least help you get started.
1. Jewelry
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Although this sounds like a typical, common idea, you can take it a step further and make it a bit more special by choosing pieces with Jewish symbolisms or buying a piece that contains her name written in Hebrew.
The Star of David, also known as the Jewish star is a classic choice for pendants or earrings and they are made from an array of metals like silver or gold and several other materials. You can also get a piece of jewelry with the word chai, meaning life in Hebrew, on it.
The Hamsa is considered a good luck charm, so you can get a necklace, earrings, a bracelet, even a keychain with the symbol on it. The hamsa shows an open hand with an open eye embedded in its palm and it is a symbol connected with Kabbalah.
2. A Havdalah Set
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Havdalah which means separation in Hebrew is a ceremony that marks the end of Shabbat and welcomes in the new week. The ceremony involves saying a prayer over wine, lighting a Havdalah candle, and spices known as besamin.
The items symbolize different things, for example, while everyone brings their candle to the Havdalah one, they are meant to look at their nails which symbolize that people should continue to grow in their ways. Breathing in the besamin which is usually clove or cinnamon is used for soothing the soul.
Since Shabbat is a huge part of Jewish religion, gifting a Havdalah set that consists of a candlestick, a besamin holder, and a cup can be a very thoughtful gift. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, so you have a lot of options. Ultimately, you can also choose to buy a single Havdalah candle as a present as well. If you are interested in the set or candle, you can check it here.
3. A Hannukah Menorah
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This candelabra includes room for nine candles, eight for every night of the holiday and a helper candle. Hannukah lamps are an important part of Judaica and lighting the candles is the central and most significant ritual during the celebration.
Menorahs can come in a variety of colors, sizes, and materials and today, electric menorahs are also available. Think carefully and choose a beautiful piece your girlfriend will surely love.
4. A Mezuzah
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These small boxes or cases are placed on the right doorpost of Jewish homes and often on the entryway of each room. The case contains a parchment scroll with the Shema prayer and other verses from the Torah written on it.
There is a vast variety of available options both online and in Judaica stores from handmade jeweled mezuzah boxes, stainless steel ones to the more traditional mezuzah cases.
5. Books
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If your partner is a bookworm or simply loves reading, gifting a book or book set might be the perfect gift. There are many publications to choose from such as Jewish fiction with classics like Jewish American Literature: A Norton Anthology, humor books such as Big Book of Jewish Humor, history and culture publications, for example, Great Jewish Women, or interesting cookbooks.
6. A Tzedakah Box
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Tzedakah meaning charity in Hebrew is one of the core principles of Judaism. Per tradition, people put money in these boxes just before the Shabbat candle is lit. Some people enjoy collecting them as a hobby too. There are a lot of different design types from handmade tzedakah boxes, engraved wooden ones to brightly painted, colorful boxes, and ones in the shape of the Jewish star.
7. Cosmetics Gift-Basket
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Treat your girlfriend to a wonderful and relaxing at-home spa experience by giving her a basket filled salt scrubs, face masks, bath salts, lotions, and much more. Let her pamper herself and make sure to include everything she might need to feel rejuvenated and refreshed, especially if she is an extremely hard worker. You can head over to Paris Lash Academy and check the offer.
8. Food and Wine
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For women who enjoy wine and dining, preparing dinner and including an Israeli wine to complement your meal might be a great idea. Prepare some of her favorite dishes and enjoy a romantic evening together. Ultimately, you can make a basket filled not only with wine but delectable snacks as well.
Conclusion
As wonderful as gifts are, keep in mind that it is the thought that counts the most. No matter what you go for, your girlfriend will surely see your effort and appreciate your gesture. The most important thing is to make her smile and feel happy, so do not forget to express your love with words and enjoy spending the day together. After all, beauty can often be found even in the smallest of things.
