Some kids who celebrate Hanukkah feel like they are missing out on a mountain of gifts, but it's really their parents who have it hard — they have to come up with exciting surprises for not one day but eight [1]. Every family has their own traditions [2], but some balance out the presents by saving a "big" gift for a particular night while distributing smaller and more economical treats throughout the remaining days. In order to make the anticipation last, parents have to get creative, which can be draining — especially when kiddos aren't appreciative of sock night or other low-key days. One way to make the excitement last throughout the extended week is by coming up with a theme for the celebration and choosing eight gifts around that activity or fandom. Some parents might plan to spend less or more over the course of the week, so we've provided a variety of prices that can get you started and will surely please every little one on your list.
- For the Barbie Lover [3]
- For the Mini Master Chef [4]
- For the World Traveler [5]
- For the Musically Inclined [6]
- For the Shopkins Obsessed [7]
- For the Star Wars Fanatic [8]
- For the Animal Enthusiast [9]
- For the Minecraft Addicted [10]
- For the American Girl Doll Fan [11]
For the Barbie Lover
If this is the year that you are surprising your little one with a Barbie Dream House [15] ($270) or Sparkle Modern Mansion [15] ($137), build up anticipation with these fantastic finds to keep the smiles coming every night.
Barbie Collector 2016 Holiday Doll [16] ($32, originally $40)
Barbie Backpack With Bonus Barbie Doll and Detachable Carrying Case [17] ($20)
Barbie Hug N' Heal Pet Doctor [18] ($22, originally $30)
Barbie President and Vice President Dolls [19] ($20, originally $25 for set of two)
Barbie Star Light Adventure Flying RC Hoverboard Doll [20] ($40, originally $49)
Barbie Pajama Set [21] ($15)
Barbie STEM Kit [22] ($31, originally $37)
For the Mini Master Chef
Encourage your little foodie in the making with an array of treats from a Kid Kraft Uptown Espresso Kitchen [23] ($226, originally $238) to smaller surprises that will get him or her excited for time in the kitchen.
Kid Chef Cookbook [23] ($11, originally $16)
Hasbro Easy Bake Ultimate Oven Baking Star Edition [24] ($70)
Yummy Nummies Terrific Tacos Maker [25] ($10)
Anthropologie Gold Polka Dotted Kid's Apron [26] ($18) or this gender-neutral Denim and Stars Apron Set [27] ($45)
Endless Games Cupcake Race Board Game [28] ($14)
Asstd National Brand 12-pc. Play Kitchen [29] ($32, originally $36)
Melissa & Doug Children's Shopping Cart [30] ($70)
For the World Traveler
Whether you have a big trip planned or happen to hit the road pretty frequently, use this holiday season not only to get your little one excited for their upcoming adventures but also as a time to get them things that could come in handy, like their own personalized spinner luggage [31] ($79-$103, originally $100-$130).
Snuggie Critter Travel Owl Pillow [32] ($15)
MasterPieces Paint Your Own Airplane [33] ($16)
Personalized Duffle Bag [34] ($31, originally $40)
Alex Artist Studio Desk To Go [35] ($13)
Disney Frozen Dome Tent and Sleeping Bag Set [36] ($32, originally $40)
Alex Travel Art 80-Piece Set [37] ($9, originally $12)
Away in My Airplane by Margaret Wise Brown [38] ($10)
For the Musically Inclined
Foster their budding talent by encouraging their love of music this holiday season with ideas like a drum set for kids [39] ($185).
Hal Leonard Frozen Recorder Fun Pack with Instrument [40] ($10)
Lucky Voice Gold Karaoke Party Box [41] ($96)
Kid Made Modern Ukulele Stencil Kit [42] ($30)
Wild & Wolf Sing It Back Game [43] ($14, originally $20)
Playmobil City Life PopStars Band Carry Case Set [44] ($12, originally $14)
Beginner Electronic Keyboard With Microphone [45] ($35)
Double Drum [46] ($34)
For the Shopkins Obsessed
Nothing will make your Shopkins fan more excited than eight nights of gear — and even a bicycle [47] ($80) — revolving around this fun little world.
Shopkins Donut Decorative Pillow [48]($17)
Shopkins Love Sherpa Bed Blanket [49]($30)
Shopkins Kinstructions Food Fair Truck [50] ($15)
Shopkins Casual Socks [51] ($9)
Shopkins Girls' Beanies [52] ($10)
Shopkins Shopping Cart Sprint Board Game [53] ($20)
Shopkins Raglan Pajama Set [54] ($22, originally $38)
For the Star Wars Fanatic
Just imagine your little one exploring the dark side in a Darth Vader tepee tent [55] ($89, originally $129) after eight nights of Star Wars surprises.
Star Wars Girls T-Shirt [56] ($14, originally $20)
Star Wars R2-D2 Backpack [57] ($35)
Star Wars Boys' Beanie Hat and Glove Set [58] ($13)
Star Wars 4-Piece Pajama Set [59] ($32, originally $46)
Star Wars Monopoly Board Game [60] ($32)
Star Wars Sith Lord Lightsaber [61] ($22, originally $28)
Star Wars Darth Vader Cuddle Pillow [62] ($24, originally $40)
For the Animal Enthusiast
If your child is desperate for a pet but isn't going to be getting a living fury friend this year, consider surprising them with other gifts that honor their love of animals, like the Lego Creator Expert Pet Shop [63] ($146).
Baby Aspen Let the Fin Begin Shark Bath Robe [64] ($44)
Teacher's Pet Backpack (Dog) [65] ($20, originally $29)
Late For the Sky Pet-opoly Game [66] ($18, originally $21)
Melissa & Doug Peg Puzzle Bundle — Farm Animals, Pets and Sea Creatures [67] ($24)
Little Live Pets Snuggles My Dream Puppy [68] ($50, originally $55)
Little Live Pets Lil' Turtle [69] ($14)
Playmobil City Life Petting Zoo [70] ($29)
For the Minecraft Addicted
It doesn't matter if you totally don't get their obsession with Minecraft, you can still get in on the excitement by picking out a range of special items like this Minecraft playset [71] ($100, originally $130).
Large Minecraft Ghast Plush [72] ($28)
Minecraft Stop-Motion Movie Creator Kit [73] ($51, originally $60)
Minecraft Mooshroom Hoody [74] ($19)
Minecraft Creeper Face Beanie [75] ($12, originally $18)
Girls 4-6x Minecraft Character Graphic Tee [76] ($10, originally $18)
Minecraft Remote Control Ghast [77] ($110, originally $130)
Minecraft Transforming Gold Sword & Pickaxe [78] ($25, originally $30)
For the American Girl Doll Fan
Even if it feels like your American Girl doll lover has it all, you know she would be thrilled for more! And with new options, like Melody's recording studio [79] ($250), you won't run out of fresh options.
American Girl Infinity Scarf Knitting Kit [80] ($11)
Soccer Star Doll Outfit [81] ($13)
Gourmet Kitchen Set [81] ($65)
20" Horse and Accessories [82] ($28, originally $35)
Audrey Hepburn-Inspired Outfit [83] ($17)
American Girl Baking Essentials Set and Cookbook Gift Set [84] ($71, originally $80)
Sweet Canopy Bed [85] ($44)