4 Tips When Shopping for Hanukkah

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is a time to gather, reflect and celebrate miracles—both ancient and everyday. But with eight nights of festivities, it can also be a budgetary minefield if you're not careful. The good news? You don't need to spend a fortune to make the holiday meaningful, memorable and full of light. With a little creativity and some thoughtful planning, your family can enjoy a joyful Hanukkah without setting your budget aflame.

Here are a few budget-friendly ideas to help your holiday shine bright—all while keeping your finances in check.

1. Plan Ahead To Save (and Stress Less)

Hanukkah has a way of sneaking up—especially since the date shifts every year. That's why planning is your best ally. Stock up on essentials like candles, gelt and wrapping paper early, when big-box stores still have them in stock. Once they're gone, you'll be left with high-priced specialty shop options—or worse, none at all.

Tip: Buy an extra box of candles and store them with your menorah so you're one step ahead next year.

2. Get Hands-On in the Kitchen

Some of the warmest Hanukkah memories are made over a stovetop—grating potatoes, flipping latkes and sneaking spoonfuls of cookie dough. Homemade treats like sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), sugar cookies or even DIY gelt made from melted chocolate and silicone candy molds are budget-friendly and fun to make. Turn it into a family event—let the kids go wild with blue and white sprinkles, dreidel-shaped cookie cutters or icing pens.

Tip: Most Hanukkah treats can be prepared ahead and frozen. Let them cool, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen, transfer treats to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature; warm latkes or sufganiyot in a toaster oven or air fryer.

3. Host a Latke & Lights Party—No Formal Dinner Required

Hanukkah gatherings don't have to be full-scale dinners with brisket and kugel. In fact, a casual gathering with light bites can be just as festive (and much friendlier to your wallet). Set out a spread of finger foods—think latkes, party sandwiches, veggie platters, dips, cheese and crackers—and invite loved ones to join you in candle lighting, dreidel games and Hanukkah tunes.

Tip: If you're craving something heartier, consider a potluck. You'll save money, cut down on prep and share the work.

4. Rethink Gift-Giving

Let go of the pressure to deliver eight blockbuster gifts. Instead, make each night special to help keep gift-giving intentional and prevent the holiday from becoming a present-palooza. Here's a popular structure some families use:

• Night 1. Something you want: A small toy, craft kit or gadget your child has been eyeing. Tip: Use reward points/cash back credits to keep costs down.
• Night 2. Something you need: A new lunch box, water bottle, winter gloves or cozy blanket for bedtime. In other words, essentials they'll get anyway (but in festive wrapping!) to make them feel special.
• Night 3. Something to wear: Pj's, fuzzy socks, a new T-shirt featuring a favorite movie or book character or a holiday-themed accessory like a light-up dreidel necklace.
• Night 4. Something to read: A literary night during Hanukkah is the perfect excuse to cozy up and read together. Tip: Sign up for PJ Library to receive free Jewish-themed children's books by mail—one per month, delivered right to your door.
• Night 5. Shared family gift: A new board game for all ages, a puzzle or a popcorn maker for family movie nights.
• Night 6. Shared family experience: Not everything needs to fit in a gift box. Family experiences like a walk to admire neighborhood lights with hot cocoa in hand, an indoor “campout" by the menorah, or a DIY sundae bar don't cost much, but the memories they spark can outshine any present.
• Night 7. Volunteer activity: Try volunteering at a local shelter, making holiday cards for nursing home residents or putting together care packages for community members in need. Volunteering not only teaches kids empathy and gratitude, but also transforms Hanukkah from a season of “getting" into a season of meaningful giving.
• Night 8. Final splurge or surprise: A larger toy, an experience gift (like museum tickets or a zoo pass), or a coveted item your child has been saving up for. Tip: Go in on a group gift from relatives to make it more affordable.

READ MORE: 8 Tips to Spend Less Money on Family Activities

Plan Now for a Bright 2026

Once the candles have burned low and the last cookie is eaten, take a moment to reflect on what brought you joy this Hanukkah—and how you can carry that forward. If holiday spending was a little tighter than you'd like, now's the perfect time to set yourself up for next year.

Start a holiday savings habit by setting up an automatic transfer into a high yield savings or money market account each month. Even a modest contribution can build over time, giving you breathing room (and spending power) for next Hanukkah's festivities.

READ MORE: 5 Affordable Holiday Party Ideas You Can Host Effortlessly