Once again, it’s time for my true talent as a shopper to shine as we turn to this year’s installment of Ellen’s Annual Hanukkah Gift Guide. As has been the case in years past, I’ve spent months poring over catalogues and websites, visiting stores big and small and attending art fairs and gallery openings galore. 

The result is a gift list with ideas for each night of Hanukkah that tries to take into consideration affordability, uniqueness and St. Louis/Jewish connectedness, though not necessarily all at once. Also, I urge you to think out of the box (pun intended) for Hanukkah gift ideas and to consult — and support — local synagogue gift shops. So let’s get started and here’s wishing you a wonderful holiday season.

1. Child-safe menorah

It’s hard to celebrate Hanukkah without a menorah. In shopping for one for my 21-month-old granddaughter, I found two menorahs I really like; both need no matches or lighters. 

The first is available through the arts and crafts website Etsy.com, and features individual peg dolls attached to the base by a magnet. On one side is a number to correspond to each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, and on the other is a flame — just turn around the correct peg and voilà, the menorah is lit. Each peg doll is coated in a sealant to ensure that it is safe in little hands. Choose from a rainbow of colors and several finishes; the menorah is priced at $21.25 (online at http://bit.ly/safe-menorah-etsy).

Another child-friendly option is the Menojo LED Menorah, available for $14.99 at Bed, Bath & Beyond. This plastic blue menorah features a smiley-face emoji built into its base and push-button sequential lighting, with chasing and blinking, energy-saving, low-voltage, LED lights for each night of Hanukkah (http://bit.ly/Menojo-LED).

2. The Shpielmans

Let’s see, there’s Duvid and Moishy and Ruchel and Shmulik and Rivky, not to mention their parents, grandparents and baby siblings in this Orthodox Jewish family of toy figures. Made by GlattPlay, a New Jersey-based start-up, the figures were designed to “promote Jewish values” and come with Jewish-themed accessories such as wine, challah, candles, washing cups, and more. According to GlattPlay, the Shpielmans are the first of several families that will show many aspects of Jewish holidays and typical family life. Available at theshpielmans.com/shop.html, the whole mishpacha of nine, with interactive activities, costs $39.99 while individual figures run $4.99 (visit theshpielmans.com/shop.html).

3. Muny magic

When the renowned outdoor theater celebrates its 100th anniversary this summer, why not be part of its storied history? Earlier this month, the Muny announced its centennial season, with seven musicals including “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Jersey Boys,” “Gypsy,” and the perennial favorite, “Meet Me in St. Louis,” among others. Gift cards for the entire Muny 100th anniversary season, from $77 to $616, depending on your seats, are available at muny.org. You can also purchase gift cards for varying amounts, from $25 to $500, at the same website.

4. Crafty Jewish GIRL

Michelle Rosenberg of Chesterfield is now selling her beautifully handcrafted paper art work, which feature all things Judaic including colorful hamsas, Stars of David, mezuzahs and Hebrew lettering, right in time for Hanukkah.

“I’m basically a paper artist who puts her work on canvas and then seals it with an acrylic seal,” explained Rosenberg, who belongs to Congregation Shaare Emeth. “I don’t put it behind glass because that would be ridiculously expensive but you can easily frame what I do.”

Cost depends on the size and intricacy of each project, but generally Rosenberg’s pieces run from $30 to $80. She says she can do “pretty much what anyone wants” and it usually doesn’t take her more than a few days to complete.

So if you’re looking to give a unique gift with Jewish flair, check out Crafty Jewish GIRL on Facebook (visit http://bit.ly/CJ-GIRL), or contact Rosenberg at [email protected].

5. Tooling around

If you’d prefer giving the gift of a hands-on art experience, consider a class by St. Louis artist and instructor Deborah Katon. In her workshops and private lessons, she teaches the fun, rewarding technique of metal tooling. “Metal tooling is a quick process that mimics sterling silver Judaica,” said Katon, who belongs to Central Reform Congregation. 

Katon provides class participants with a choice of images for constructing a design such as Stars of David, hamsas, chais, and more. Participants leave with a finished piece of art they’ve created.

Private lessons for two people, including all materials, run $72. A Judaica tooling party for six people, including all materials, goes for $200; additional persons, up to a maximum of 10, are $30 each.

To see more of Katon’s work, go to katonstudios.com.

6. Shine on

If like me, you’re still mourning the loss of Melanie’s, the eclectic boutique in Ladue that closed in 2014, check out Shine, located less than a half-mile away (9811 Clayton Road). Like Melanie’s, Shine Boutique has something for every female in your life, at prices that range from $4 to $400. Owner Tamara Netsch has stocked the store with all kinds of gifts for the holidays, in every price point, including a variety of $12 scarves that can be monogrammed along with locally made candles and soaps, all kinds of bracelets, earrings and necklaces, colorful socks, and luxurious velvet kimonos.

7. Book this

Independent bookstores seem to be a thing of the past, which as far as I’m concerned is a crying shame. Luckily, St. Louis still has Left Bank Books (399 N. Euclid Ave.), whose staff goes the extra distance in creating a very specific holiday list for every book lover in your life — from toddlers to teachers, to those with interests in art, photography, nature, cooking, science fiction, poetry and so much more. Take a look at left-bank.com/giftguide2017, then order online or even better, stop by the store and shop in person.

8. Gift of the shameless plug

Speaking of reading, nothing quite says Happy Hanukkah like a subscription to the St. Louis Jewish Light. Just think of the look of delight on friends’ and relatives’ faces when they find out you spent $36 a year (before prices jump to $40 in 2018) to keep them apprised of all the Jewish news in their community. 

In addition, why not consider a donation to the Light, a 501c3 nonprofit? Not only is it tax deductible, but it also goes to keep Jewish journalism alive and well in St. Louis. To find out more, go to stljewishlight.com/subscribe.