Have you ever packed for a trip and forgotten something really important? In PJ Library book Nonna’s Hanukkah Surprise, Rachel accidentally forgets her menorah during a visit with her cousins and grandmother. Luckily, handy Nonna, Rachel’s grandmother, whips up a special menorah that helps the whole family learn about Chanukah together. If you’d like to make your own menorah too, here are some ideas.
Fear not time-strapped parents, if you love the idea of a unique and fun menorah for your kids, but don't have the time to DIY, we've got you covered. Head over to ModernTribe to enter their giveaway for a free emoji menorah and to shop their awesome selection.
image via BibleBeltBalabusta
This is just too cool--it’s a Menorah-saurus! Upcycle an old dinosaur toy or grab a figurine from the dollar store to make this unique gift for the aspiring palaeontologist in your house. With a little paint, some time with a power drill, and a few birthday candle holders, you’re good to go. We know a LOT of grownups who would like this for their home too.
image via Bible Belt Balabusta
If you’re travelling for the holidays you may not have room to pack a traditional menorah. This activity, also from Bible Belt Balabusta, features a fun how-to for building a mini-menorah that fits right into a coat pocket. This kind of craft is very appealing to older kids and provides a travel-sized conversation piece for kids to chat about Chanukah and introduce the holiday to friends from other backgrounds.
image via Parents.com
If your kids like to paint, this is an activity for you. You can grab spools from your local craft store, or, if you sew at home, you can reuse and recycle what you’ve got on hand.
Since fire and small children can be a nerve wracking combination, here are some suggestions that will let small children “light” the menorah too:
image via Instructables
This tutorial from Instructables makes use of battery operated tea lights so that little hands can help. Toddlers can drop a tealight into one of the jars to “light” their own candles during Chanukah.
BUILDING BLOCK MENORAH
image via ModernTribe
Let little ones build and "light" their menorah by using building blocks or a wooden play set. These types of toys are also fantastic for problem solving and fine motor skills and are a big hit with any little puzzle lovers. The cute version shown above is available from ModernTribe.
image via Momfluential
Glowsticks are plentiful at most dollar stores. This activity requires basically no crafting skills and will be a hit with older kids as well. We still don't know why they love glowsticks so much.
image via Scrumdilly-do
If you’re handy with a sewing machine, consider this fun clothespin menorah with felt flames from Scrumdilly-do. Each night children can top one of the clothespins with a felt flame. If you’re short on time and can’t sew the felt flame covers, stickers or construction paper flames with tape will work just as well.
And finally, for those without the time to do heavy duty crafting, you can also light the virtual menorah with ReformJudaism.org. Just click here.
For more fun ideas, see Kveller’s Three DIY Menorahs You Can Make for Under $15.
Looking for more great story ideas to pair with these activities? We suggest Sadie’s Almost Marvelous Menorah, Melly’s Menorah and The Eight Menorah.
November 14, 2016