What is a good bar or bat mitzvah gift?
A piece of Judaica they will use in their own home one day: a kiddush cup for Shabbat, a tzedakah box for giving, a mezuzah for a bedroom or future dorm-room door, Shabbat candleholders or a menorah. Matching pieces from one collection can be added every birthday.
- Choose a kiddush cup if you want one of the most traditional gifts for the day.
- Choose a tzedakah box if they took on a mitzvah project and you want to keep the habit of giving going.
- Choose the Michael Aram White Orchid Kiddush Cup if it is for a bat mitzvah.
- Choose the Michael Aram Palm Small Menorah if it is for a first apartment or a dorm-room shelf.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Shop the Collections
Save your favorites: open any piece and tap the ♡ to add it to your Wishlist, then share the list with family and friends who are invited.
See all of our Judaica.
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