Bar and Bat Mitzvah Gift Ideas: Kiddush Cups & Judaica

A bar mitzvah at thirteen, or a bat mitzvah at twelve or thirteen, marks the moment a young person takes on the responsibilities of Jewish adult life. Many families mark it with a piece of Judaica that the bar or bat mitzvah will use in their own home one day – a kiddush cup for Shabbat, a mezuzah for the doorpost, a tzedakah box for giving. Here are our favorite bar mitzvah gifts and bat mitzvah gifts, all handcrafted to last a lifetime.

A Kiddush Cup of Their Own

The kiddush cup holds the wine for the blessing on Shabbat and holidays, and a personal cup is one of the most traditional gifts for the day. Each of these Michael Aram cups is handcrafted in the Michael Aram workshops, where every design begins as a hand-forged original, so no two are exactly alike. See all of our Judaica.

Michael Aram Twist Kiddush Cup

A handcrafted kiddush cup available in a gold or silver finish.

Michael Aram Palm Kiddush Cup

From Michael Aram's Palm collection, handcrafted and beautifully boxed.

Michael Aram Olive Branch Kiddush Cup

Named for the olive branch, an ancient symbol of peace – handcrafted and beautifully boxed.

Michael Aram White Orchid Kiddush Cup

A handcrafted kiddush cup with Michael Aram's White Orchid motif – a lovely choice for a bat mitzvah.

Michael Aram Butterfly Ginkgo Luxe Kiddush Cup

From the Butterfly Ginkgo Luxe collection, handcrafted and beautifully boxed.

A Tzedakah Box for Giving

Many young people take on a mitzvah project for their bar or bat mitzvah, and tzedakah – giving to those in need – is at the heart of it. A beautiful tzedakah box keeps the habit going long after the celebration.

Michael Aram Tree of Life Tzedakah Box

A handcrafted tzedakah box in Michael Aram's Tree of Life design, beautifully boxed. See the whole Tree of Life collection.

Michael Aram Pomegranate Silver & Gold Tzedakah Box

Silver and gold tones with Michael Aram's pomegranate motif – a handcrafted piece for the family's shelf.

A Mezuzah for Their Door

A mezuzah is fixed to the doorpost of a Jewish home – and a first mezuzah for a bedroom door or a future dorm room is a meaningful gift for a new bar or bat mitzvah. The case holds a small parchment scroll, which is usually purchased from a scribe or Judaica shop. See all of our Michael Aram mezuzahs.

Michael Aram Hammertone Mezuzah

A handcrafted hammered-finish mezuzah in a small or large size.

Michael Aram Hammertone Mezuzah, Gold

The same hammertone design in gold, also in a small or large size.

Michael Aram Twist Mezuzah

A handcrafted mezuzah that matches the Twist kiddush cup above – a coordinated gift from the whole family.

Michael Aram Molten Mezuzah

A handcrafted wall piece from Michael Aram's Molten collection, beautifully boxed.

Michael Aram Butterfly Ginkgo Luxe Mezuzah

Pairs with the Butterfly Ginkgo Luxe kiddush cup above.

For Shabbat and the Holidays

Candlesticks for Shabbat and a menorah for Hanukkah round out a first set of Judaica for the home. For many more menorahs, see our Hanukkah gift guide, or browse all of our Michael Aram menorahs.

Bar and Bat Mitzvah Gift Tips

Think long term. A kiddush cup, mezuzah or candlesticks will move with them to college and their first home.
Choose a theme. Matching pieces from one Michael Aram collection – Twist, Tree of Life, Pomegranate or Butterfly Ginkgo – can be added to every birthday and holiday.
Multiples of 18. When a gift is given in money, many families give amounts in multiples of 18, the number for chai, "life."
Include a card. Write the date, the Torah portion and a personal wish – it becomes part of the keepsake.