Bat Mitzvah Gifts: Thoughtful Options for This Special Occasion

A bat mitzvah is a special time for Jewish girls turning 13 years old. More than a birthday, it’s a religious rite of passage in the Jewish faith that deserves celebration. It’s a time for reflection, taking ownership of one’s actions, and joining the obligations of being an adult. 

If you have the fortune of being invited to a bat mitzvah, you’ll want to spend some time selecting the perfect gift to mark the occasion. Here, we’ll share a variety of ideas for traditional bat mitzvah gifts, plus some modern options to help you say “Mazel tov!â€� 

10 Bat Mitzvah Gifts to Celebrate Her Journey

Whether you’re a close friend, family member, or acquaintance, it can sometimes be a challenge to choose the right gift. To help you out, here are some bat mitzvah gift ideas that the birthday girl is sure to love. And, as it turns out, many of these ideas can also work as bar mitzvah gifts for a young man.

1. Cash

Cash is always a winning idea, especially if you don’t really know what to give as a gift. In Hebrew, each letter has a number. The Hebrew word for “life” — chai — has the number 18, which is considered to be good luck. Instead of giving even denominations of cash, give multiples of 18 to reflect the religious importance of the occasion and the connection to Hebrew letters.

If you’re not sure how much money to give, talk to the child’s parents. Oftentimes, a bat mitzvah will mark the start of a savings account or educational fund that you may be able to contribute to. As an alternative option, you can give Israeli currency to inspire a trip to Israel.

2. Judaica

Judaica is a term for objects that are used for Jewish ritual purposes. Some Judaica items include Shabbat candles and candlesticks as well as Hanukkah menorahs in various colors. You can also select a mezuzah — a piece of parchment inscribed with religious verses — or a tallit prayer shawl. 

Gold-painted Kiddush cups, sterling silver Torah pointers, and engraved tzedakah boxes also make great bat mitzvah presents. A challah board, which is used at festive meals, is another excellent Jewish gift if the teen enjoys cooking.

3. Jewelry

For a bat mitzvah gift, it’s hard to go wrong with a beautiful Star of David necklace or bracelet in rose gold or the recipient’s favorite precious metal. You can also look for jewelry that features religious motifs like the chai symbol, the tree of life, or a mezuzah pendant. Personalized jewelry featuring the young Jewish woman‘s name or initials is also suitable for this special occasion. 

You can also find Jewish jewelry with Hebrew phrases and readings from the Torah. The iconic hamsa, featuring a hand with an evil eye in the center, is a popular choice that will symbolize good luck and protection for the birthday girl. When in doubt, a piece of fine jewelry like a pendant necklace featuring gemstones (perhaps her birthstone) is a good choice. 

4. Books

A bat mitzvah celebrates a young woman’s coming of age, which makes it the perfect time to give the gift of knowledge. Select a prayer book or an age-appropriate educational book on ethics, morals, and life lessons. If you’re not sure about what to choose, you can always reach out to her parents ahead of time to find out what types of books or interests she has. 

For an altogether different kind of book, you could give her a lovely leather journal engraved with her initials or embossed with a meaningful symbol, such as the Star of David, pomegranates, hamsa, or tree of life.

5. Personalized Gifts

A personalized gift is well-suited for just about any occasion, including bat mitzvahs. A monogrammed silk scarf would be appropriate for a young lady, or you could choose to personalize any item of Judaica. A rose gold name necklace, a sterling silver bracelet with a Hebrew verse, or a beautiful wooden box engraved with her initials are all thoughtful, personal bat mitzvah gifts. 

6. Gift Cards

Like cash, gift cards are a good idea if you don’t know what to get for the bat mitzvah girl. Plus, the recipient can pick out something she really wants. If you opt for a physical gift card, wrap it in a pretty box and bow. 

If you can’t attend the celebration in-person or prefer to send a gift beforehand, send a digital gift card along with your greeting card. There’s no paper waste and the recipient won’t have to worry about losing an actual card.

7. Donations to Charities

Some families may choose to not accept gifts. Instead, they may ask for charitable donations to a local nonprofit or Jewish charity. This information will usually be included in the bat mitzvah invitations, but if you’re not sure you can always ask the birthday girl’s parents or event hosts ahead of time.

8. Jewish Cookbooks

Cooking is an important part of Jewish culture. If the bat mitzvah honoree enjoys cooking or spending time getting creative with recipes, a cookbook is a fun way to support her interests. 

Pass down recipes from generation to generation with a personalized cookbook. You can include recipes from your Jewish grandmother or put together a book of your most beloved Jewish recipes. You could also simply choose a few best-selling Jewish cookbooks if you don’t feel equipped to go the DIY route. Look for standard cookbooks or opt for a holiday-oriented cookbook to help the young woman prepare her first religious holiday meal.

9. Technology

While most of the items on our list of bat mitzvah gifts are traditional, the modern trend is to give the gift of technology. For example, you can choose a digital photo frame where the teen can store and view some of her favorite photos. Or you can splurge on giving her a new set of headphones or a computer. 

To offer a more meaningful layer, you can mention specific podcasts or relevant shows you think might help her grow in her Jewish faith. Age-appropriate video games may also work well, just be sure to consult the teen’s parents before making a purchase. 

10. Photo Frames

While digital frames are nice, you also can’t go wrong with an old-school photo frame. Choose a beautiful frame featuring hand-engraved Hebrew verses or opt for a simple gold or silver design. Whatever you choose, the lucky girl can put a photo from her bat mitzvah in the frame to remember this special day for years to come. 

Mazel Tov! It’s Her Time to Shine

With this bat mitzvah gift guide, you’re sure to pick out a gift that the birthday girl will truly appreciate. Whether you choose religious objects she can use to practice Judaism or a piece of jewelry that expresses her Jewish faith, the main goal is to let her know you care and are happy to celebrate this wonderful moment in her life.

If you’re helping a friend or family member plan a bat mitzvah, look no further than Greenvelope’s collection of bar and bat mitzvah invitations. Our designs span every style and elevate any occasion. Best of all, each invite is customizable so you can change the color scheme, typography, and upload photos to make the designs truly unique to suit your celebration.