His bar mitzvah day represents the culmination of years of hard work — countless hours spent studying Hebrew and Torah instead of playing outside (or getting deep into video games). Show him just how proud you are of this major accomplishment — and his symbolic transition from a boy into a man in Jewish tradition — with a bar mitzvah gift he will cherish.
In our roundup of the best bar mitzvah gifts, you’ll find something that sends just the right message, no matter his tastes — and your budget. Our picks include traditional, religious gifts (such as a mezuzah, kiddush cup, and tzedakah box), as well as plenty of nonreligious gifts (like a bank, Bluetooth speaker, and even a light-up basketball). For more non-religious gift ideas, check out our roundup of gifts for teens that they’ll actually think are cool, too.
Our picks for unique bar mitzvah gifts include many fully customizable options (from jewelry to bookmarks and other personalized keepsakes), but even these items bound for heirloom status won’t break the bank: No gift on our list is over $100, and many are under $25. While giving a check in a multiple of $18 is a traditional and totally appropriate gift for a bar mitzvah, if you want to get a little more creative, here are 10 gift ideas for 2023 he will love.
Mazel tov to the bar mitzvah boy and the whole family!
1. Star of David Keepsake Box
They emblazoned this versatile wooden keepsake box with an inlaid star of David.
Buy: Star of David Keepsake Box
2. Born to Kvetch: Yiddish Language and Culture in All of Its Mood
This New York Times-bestselling Yiddish language and culture book with a cheeky title is a perfectly humorous — and culturally resonant — bar mitzvah gift.
Buy: Born to Kvetch: Yiddish Language and Culture in All of Its Mood
3. Nickel Kiddush Cup
This hammered nickel kiddush cup has eye-catching blue detailing and comes with a matching saucer.
Buy: Nickel Kiddush Cup
4. Mezuzah
This art glass mezuzah has a design evocative of the Mediterranean sea, with rich green and blue hues and encapsulated bubbles. It comes gift boxed and includes a scroll.
Buy: Mezuzah
5. Personalized Star of David Necklace
This sterling silver hang tag necklace on a ball and chain has a star of David charm and can be personalized with the bar mitzvah boy’s name and the date of his ceremony.
Buy: Personalized Star of David Necklace
6. Stainless Steel Savings Bank
Those bar mitzvah checks might go right into a first bank account. But this ATM-like bank is a sleek solution for any cash stored at home.
Buy: Stainless Steel Savings Bank
7. Leveled Up to Man Gamer T-shirt
This T-shirt is perfect for the avid gamer becoming a bar mitzvah.
Buy: Leveled Up to Man Gamer T-shirt
8. Slim Wallet
A wallet makes a classic gift, and this slim, minimalist version has RFID-blocking capability. Choose from 15 color and texture options.
Buy: Slim Wallet
9. Bluetooth Speaker Alarm Clock
This eye-catching gadget does it all: It’s a night light, dimmable lamp, alarm clock, and Bluetooth speaker all in one.
Buy: Bluetooth Speaker Alarm Clock
10. Sterling Silver Hebrew Blessing Ring for Men
This bold, sterling silver ring features the Hebrew blessing Birkat Kohanim engraved on the outside, with the English translation inside. ( “May the Lord bless you and protect you and keep you safe.”)
Buy: Sterling Silver Hebrew Blessing Ring for Men
