Suggestions for a Bat Mitzvah Gift

We used to give 2 presents to a bar or bat mitzvah: one that the child would like now, and one that would be something great for the future (a book, shofar,...). However, having our 2 children become bar and bat mitzvahs in the last 4 years, we discovered that the gift that they like the BEST, BY FAR, is cash (checks). Then they have a little money to spend, but most of it went into their savings. My son is still saving for a car, but spent some of it on a projector. My daughter spent some for a laptop, but is saving for a horse! But then they feel like it's going to something they really want, and not another star of David necklace, wallet,.... So, if you asked my children, they would definitely tell you - money! And, BTW, that allows them, more easily, to give tzedakah (charity). AND, after 4 years, my son still has gift certificates that he's never used. So, that is NOT recommended.

Money! Both of my kids prefered checks more than anything else because they were able to use some for donations and use the rest to either buy a big ticket item (such as, in my son's case, a video camera and laptop) or save for the future (in the case of my more patient daughter!).

OK, and now the answer with my rebbetzin hat in place: Bat Mitzvah is a time of attaining spiritual (not physical) adulthood. It's not about the party and the gifts, fancy dresses, high heeled shoes and a trip to the hair dresser and spa. It's about accepting responsibility for one's religious observance and participation in the kahal (community -- both locally and as part of am yisrael hakol). A gift that serves as a reminder of this and an encouragement to continue to participate is nice. We gave both of our kids yads (torah pointers) as a reminder that they should continue reading torah, either personally or publically. You can get a nice yad from about $30 on up. The best variety can be found on line -- just do a search for "yad" or "torah pointer." If you get an inexpensive one, you can still give a nice cash gift too!

Mazel tov and yasher koach to the Bat Mitzvah!

Wooden jerusalem jewelry box, lucky charms, pendants are some of the suggestions for you.

There is a place in Beverly Hills that I have gone to for several bat mitzvah gifts with a wide variety of prices it is called twenty four carats on beverly dr. also anything personalized, like stationary is always a big hit. Check out 24 carats it is a jewelry store and they gift wrap.

Good Luck

Personalized stationary to write thank you notes, a keepsake photo album to place the pictures from the event, or Tiffany's has a pretty bracelet that runs around $150.

Since this is the venture into womanhood, you might think about getting her a grown up gift of a spa day?

I'm definitely agreeing with the spa thing!! :D I know lots of folks who have taken the occasion at the age of Bat Mitzvah to introduce the young lady to the rigors of eyebrow waxing, massaging, and spa treatments. It really makes you feel grown up... OR, another thing that would be really great would be to find a make up artist who could give her a class or two on how to put your make up on without looking like a clown, the difference between night and day makeup and how to apply both looks!! It would be a fun thing and a lesson that would help her feel beautiful for years to come!! :D

Huggles!!
~S.~

My daughter just had her Bat Mitzvah and received some amazing gifts - she has quite a few beautiful pieces of jewelery (always welcome - as long as they can exchange them) Gift certificates to Abercrombie, Hollister, Macy's, there is a store in Tarzana that does personalized Bat Mitzvah gifts (can't remember the name but you can also find these type of stores online) where she got a personalized kalidoscope that used her invitation as the center and was made of lucite along with a lucite framed invitation from her party with hand painting on it as a keepsake - lot's of checks and american express gift cards

that is a very generous gift. I usually give this and the kids go crazy over it. I purchase a shofar and shofar bag for them. I order it from Israel so it is kosher. it is the most unique gift and really appreciated. They will keep it forever. You can find the whole gift for well under 75.00 that is less than you want to spend. you could also give the child a check for the difference or plant a tree in Israel in honor of them. you can find the shofars on line by typing in shofars from israel or judaica.