Ideas for Bat Mitzvah Gifts (ideally not cash or gift cards)

[Anonymous]

Our daughter became a Bat Mitzvah a month ago. She mostly got cash and checks, but some people did give gifts, and she loved what she got. The "in" jewelry in our wealthy town on the outskirts of a big city is the single pearl on the black thin rope. You will see this everywhere. She also got a couple of Alex and Ani charms bracelets, a few pieces of other jewelry,, and a few gift cards. But mostly it was cash and checks. For the PP who asked, the kids gave anywhere from 36 (kids in her class who are friends but not close) to 72 (close friends who came alone), and families/couples gave anywhere from 72 and up. Give only as much as you feel comfortable and able to give - do not think it has to be any certain amount and certainly, it has nothing to do with how much the family spends on the party (as people sometimes suggest here).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don't give actual physical gifts. Don't even bother with gift cards. Give cash or check. Speaking from experience, these kids are putting the money in the bank to save for something big or for college. I remember at my bat mitzvah the only gift I got was a special ring from an aunt and uncle. Absolutely everybody else gave cash or check, even friends.

How much do people give? If the whole family attends, 180? But 54 if only your child?

Give multiples of $18. Whole family maybe $144 (maybe more depending on how close you are with the child). For just your kid, it depends on how close they are--best friends probably $54. Just a kid from the class then $36.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't give actual physical gifts. Don't even bother with gift cards. Give cash or check. Speaking from experience, these kids are putting the money in the bank to save for something big or for college. I remember at my bat mitzvah the only gift I got was a special ring from an aunt and uncle. Absolutely everybody else gave cash or check, even friends.

I know everyone has there own thoughts..but this is terrible to me. Give the gift you want to give. S/he is not having a Bat Mitzvah to pay for college. If you want to give money fine. If you want to give something else that they can enjoy now at this special time that is fine too. I got many different kinds of gifts and all were lovely. Whether you give a $100 check or not will not affect the child's college fund.

[Anonymous]

For the person who mentioned that her daughter got a single pearl on a black rope chain, could you possibly tell me the brand? Sounds very pretty.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For a child attending, a gift is fine, but if the whole family is invited, you really should give a check. multiples of $18 please. It's like a wedding.

This

[Anonymous]

A menorah or a Seder plate. Etsy has great options.

[Anonymous]

Cash is traditional

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A menorah or a Seder plate. Etsy has great options.

No! Cash.