We used to give 2 presents to a bar or bat mitzvah.
Appropriate bar mitzvah gift.
This can be an item but it s often difficult to know what to buy.
However money is always encouraged.
Although no guidelines exist on the set amount you should give for a bar mitzvah being familiar with jewish customs can help you determine an appropriate gift.
Much like a wedding a bar or bat mitzvah is a large celebration planned well in advance and the host will need to know the number of guests to expect in order to provide adequate food drink and seating.
Money is a perfectly acceptable gift for someone celebrating their bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah however it can be far more rewarding and memorable to hand select a gift for him or her instead.
Anything you think a 13 year old would like as a gift would be appropriate.
The numeric representation of this symbol is the numeral 18 so it is a tradition to give cash gifts in 18 increments at bar mitzvahs.
If you want to make your gift even more meaningful write a special note in his card.
In hebrew the symbol chai represents life and the living.
Multiples of 18 cash gifts for bar mitzvahs are typically given in multiples of 18 such as 18 36 or 54.
His favorite gifts were the books and the itunes gift cards but those would be his favorite gifts at any birthday.
A general rule for bar or bat mitzvah gift giving is to take the amount you would normally spend on a birthday present and give 1 5 times that amount in a multiple of 18.
Though gift cards are acceptable often the intent behind gifting money is so the kid can put this money into his savings account for later.
This is also why it s good etiquette to rsvp as soon as possible.
William novak and moshe waldoks classic big book of jewish humor 17 has long been a popular bar bat mitzvah gift.
One that the child would like now and one that would be something great for the future a book shofar.
This beautiful and timeless tzedakah box would make a unique bar mitzvah gift and is one that can be enjoyed for years to come.
It s made of earthenware clay and can have the child s name printed on the front of it with a star of david.
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.
When my son had his bar mitzvah he got everything.
For example gifts of 18 36 and 180 should all be considered and would be in accordance with this tradition.
What you may include with a bar mitzvah card.