Eight Days of Gifting

It’s almost Chanukah and we all want to give gifts that will be enjoyed and appreciated over time. From your children to grandchildren, grandparents and parents, to sisters, brothers, cousins, friends, family and beyond, gift from your heart and enjoy the thank yous that are bound to come your way. We hope this gift list saves you time and energy, which certainly are at a premium these days. To be a gifted giver, be sure to take time and focus on your gift recipient’s likes and interests and put a little piece of yourself in each gift. From the gift selection to the manner in which it’s presented, here’s wishing you miracles, magic and meaning this Chanukah holiday season.

Ready, Set, Go Shopping! Start at your synagogue gift shop and discover endless choices from A to Z. (Auntie to Zayde). When it comes to gift-giving, support your local synagogue and show the love for their amazing selection of gifts for everyone on your list and beyond. You will love the amazing array of items that you’ll find, from Judaica to beautiful home décor to usher in the Sabbath, as well as chanukiyot of every shape, style and size. Everyone will love the outstanding selection and gifts with purpose. Check your gift shop today as the best Judaica is right at your fingertips.

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Picture Perfect Gifts at Powers Ferry Square: Power shoppers take your mark! This easy-to-navigate shopping center on Roswell Road (corner of Powers Ferry and Roswell roads) is filled with some of my absolutely favorite Atlanta-owned boutiques for on-the-go gifting. Start at Tassels jewelry store and you’ll marvel at the gorgeous gems and exquisite jewels only found at Tassels, which is dedicated to all things truly beautiful. Tassels sells the latest treasures that are timeless trends in jewelry and literally the most jaw-dropping jewels you could even dream about, at www.tasselsjewelry.com. Next, check out the eclectic B.D. Jeffries and enjoy the distinctive antiques, beautiful coffee table books and unique one-of-a-kind pieces, including the stunning turned wood bowls that are priceless works of art created by artist Bill Benzur. You’ll be mesmerized by the endless home décor accessories creatively curated by the talented Atlanta owners. www.bdjeffries.com

Shabbat Shalom at Home: This hot-off-the-press, step-by-step book is ideal for saving time and making family cooking easy and delicious. Chicago food writer and blogger of www.koshereveryday.com, author Sharon Matten says the answer is an electric pressure cooker. Her newest book, “Shabbos under Pressure,” is a testament to why you should update the relic of your grandparent’s kitchen, sharing how today’s pressure cooker is more improved and safer than ever. In her colorfully illustrated book, she presents traditional to newly updated recipes, and every one has a gluten-free adaptation. Sprinkled throughout, you’ll find welcome time-saving ideas, personal stories and delightful anecdotes. Check out www.amazon.com and www.sharonmatten.com.

The Toy Store Galore! Gift giving is always easy at Learning Express, the popular customer service-focused toy store located in Buckhead. Kids will love their Chanukah gift and toy selection, which has something for every kid on your list. Check out hot toys like Auto Moto, the transforming robot car, an array of crafts including charm, sequin and yarn crafting kits. Gifts for babies and toddlers include stackable toys, the programmable message pretend phone and the NogginStik rattle that lights up and entertains baby. Three-year-olds and up who love to connect and take things apart will flip over the mix-and-match building toys including Build-A-Plane from Popular Playthings. And don’t miss the Design & Drill toys, the LOL surprises and the endless toys that inspire creativity and imaginative play. Enjoy this one stop shop with a complimentary Chanukah gift wrap. www.learningexpress.com/stores/atlanta-buckhead

Love Your Melon: Top off your gift list with this purposeful and stylish apparel brand that gives 50 percent of all net profits to nonprofit organizations that fight pediatric cancer. You’ll discover the cutest hats and accessories at Love Your Melon, an online store that features beanies, home goods, sweatshirts and sweaters. This site embodies the feeling of coziness and the interchangeable (absolutely irresistible) pom-pom hats in a variety of colors. Delivery is a quick ship and this site is certain to send your favorite friends and family your warmest Chanukah wishes with lots of TLC included for a good cause. That tops off any gift in style! To date, over 160,524 beanies have been given to children battling cancer and more than $6.2 million has been donated to fund cancer research initiatives. www.loveyourmelon.com

Sensational Chanukah Baskets: For the past 31 years, Sensational Baskets has created over 10,000 amazing gifts for individuals and businesses, both nationally and internationally. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the Festival of Lights with fabulous goodies and treats. Beautifully packaged in a blue metal container, the Sensational Hanukkah Lights is brimming with buttery maple cookies, all-natural fruit and nut mix, chocolate covered espresso beans, Nam’s Bits chocolate chip cookies with a blue ribbon and Happy Hanukkah label, chocolate lined wafers, gourmet white chocolate pretzels, chocolate caramels, tiramisu truffles and more. You may also request an all-kosher gift. Sensational Baskets is standing by ready to help you look like a seasoned gift giver. sensationalbaskets.com

Fragile And Fabulous: Fragile is hands down Atlanta’s favorite gift registry for new brides and a myriad of special occasions. From home accessories, entertaining gifts and even presents for little ones, Fragile makes gift giving a cinch. Located in the heart of Sandy Springs, check out their Baccarat butterflies, stunning serving pieces, stylish home décor gifts and all things gorgeous. Fragile’s complimentary gift wrap and seasoned and knowledgeable owners and staff make it a pure pleasure to go shopping there, as they’ll help you select the ideal gift every time. www.fragilegifts.com

I Love You A Lox! This Chanukah tell your loved ones, “I love you a lox!” and give a gift card from Goldbergs delicatessen. Their gift cards are a delicacy and certain to be the perfect resource for their catering, in-dining eatery, famous matzah ball soup and bagels, delicious spreads, breads and extensive menu. Family and friends who lunch or brunch together create memories that are lasting. Leave it to Goldbergs to make it deli-delicious and fun. www.goldbergbagel.com

Home “Sweet” Depot: Tried and true for the handy gift recipient are gift cards to The Home Depot. I simply don’t know a Home Depot shopper who does not appreciate their do-it-yourself dollars. Featured by me on the Today show years ago when they first arrived in the gift-giving world, this distinctive orange gift card continues to be a forerunner and a guaranteed hit. Tie it to a hammer and add a bow for a knockout gift. Your fix-it friend or family member will definitely thank you and might even fix something on your to-do list. www.homedepot.com

Mitylene Makes Gift-Giving Magic: You’ll love this upscale specialty boutique with exclusive lines for children and moms alike, filled with gifts that you won’t be able to resist. Anyone who loves stylish clothes, unique gifts and memorable items will love this store nestled in the heart of Buckhead at 4209 Roswell Road. Make gift-giving magic appear right in front of your eyes at Mitylene. Check it out! www.shopmitylene.com

Hello Beautiful! Give the gift of flawless, effortless beauty this holiday season with the blendSMART Holiday Glow four-piece set, selected as one of Oprah’s Favorite Things 2019 holiday gift list featured in the December issue of O, The Oprah Magazine. Created by former Atlanta model and consultant Carol Martin, (Mrs. Art Harris) the blendSMART electric brush is engineered to replicate the circular motion of makeup pros, spinning at 190 rpm, giving you flawless results every time. Amazon.com and www.blendsmart.com

A Novel Idea: Any of the extensive list of absolutely amazing books and unforgettable authors that were featured at the 2019 Book Festival of the MJCCA will be super suggestions for gifting this Chanukah season. Check out Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver’s “Superstar Alien,” which young readers and tweens will love. For the historical true-story reader, books by Heather Morris are the ideal gift. Morris is the author of two remarkable novels about strength and courage, “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” and “Cilka’s Journey” are meaningful books for a powerful and inspiring story. www.amazon.com

Oh Baby: Moms love to dress their baby in style and personalized baby gifts are always a hit. A Great Baby is dedicated to dressing baby in luxurious cuteness, from personalized blankets and bedding to clothing and accessories. Use the online preview tool to choose the font you like best, then add the name selection to the blanket print you prefer. Give A Great Baby 10 days to make the custom order for you, then expect a fabulously packaged gift to arrive in the mail. Handwritten notes can also be included. www.agreatbaby.com.

WubbaNub: Here’s an adorable invention created by a desperate mom, who just wanted a few hours of sleep, but her baby’s pacifier kept popping out of his mouth and onto the floor. She sewed a plush toy to the pacifier and the WubbaNub was born — 20 years ago! Now available in a variety of styles, including the licensed Major League Baseball team WubbaNubs ($14.99), these one-piece solutions are beloved members of families around the world. For children aging out of using a pacifier, WubbaNub now includes age-appropriate items called WubbaNub Loveys. www.WubbaNub.com

A Fruitful Gift: Wondering what to gift your health-conscious foodie or at-home chef? Send them a box from Farmbox Direct. This affordable monthly food box subscription is bridging the gap of food deserts nationwide. Choose from small to large organic or natural boxes with either all fruits, veggies or an assortment. Not only are you giving them the gift of eating right, you’re also doing your part to support local and sustainable agricultural businesses. www.farmboxdirect.com

Help for The Host: UncommonGoods is one of the most clever “uncommon” online resources for entertaining and gifting, and never disappoints. I loved featuring them for years on national television and they are still going strong. This web-based company is dedicated to seeking out the most unique items and curates imaginative and one-of-a-kind gifts you rarely find anywhere else. From wow serving pieces to cool household accessories, bar items and sure-fire hits, you’ll discover a wide assortment of gifts for absolutely everyone on your gift list! www.uncommongoods.com.

A Garage Lovers Gift: For the person who has everything, including a car they adore, here’s an over-the-top gift certificate that will floor your recipient. Since car geeks adore anything car-focused, a gift certificate from Granite Garage Floors will be a guaranteed winner. Atlanta founder and owner Alan Mishkoff’s designer floors are a home lover’s dream. GGF professionally installs industrial grade, totally durable and aesthetically beautiful floors that look like granite. Gift your significant other this state-of-the-art floor and include a gift certificate to have his or her car detailed. Fuel the holiday full speed ahead! www.granitegaragefloors.com

Blanketed with Love: These personalized hats, blankets and gorgeous knitted creations are an outstanding gift. Seen on national talk shows and beloved by a huge following, Butterscotch Blankees are adorable and a wonderful keepsake. This amazing company believes that every gift should be as unique and vibrant as your loved one. That’s why their personalized blankets come in a rainbow of colors and custom designs. From personalized baby blankets to knit hats with a child’s name, all of their luxury gifts are made to endure a lifetime of love and snuggles. These fabulous gifts are warm, cozy and timeless. www.butterscotchblankees.com

Just Name It: Get personal with a monogrammed gift from this beloved resource in Buckhead. John’s Alterations features a beautiful assortment of monogram services and personalized items, including customized travel accessories, spa robes, make-up bags and more. Located on Roswell Road, this popular monogramming institution adds names and initials to your gifts, allowing you to make a strong first impression.

Gotta Get A Gund: Gotta Getta Gund! That’s the motto of one of the leading beloved stuffed animal companies. From teddy bears to puppy dogs, Gund excels in this gift category. Check out “Flora The Bunny,” which is one of Gund’s favorite stuffed friends and is an adorable singing animated plush with two different play modes. Press the left foot to play an interactive game of peek-a-boo, and the right to hear the song “Do Your Ears Hang Low” in a child’s adorable voice. Made from high-quality, huggable plush material that is surface-washable, Gund stuffed animals are a treasured friend for little ones and you’ll enjoy the interactive playtime even more. $40. It’s a can’t-miss gift and forgive the pun, but every-bunny will absolutely love it! www.gund.com

A Love of Reading: If a personalized book is on your list, check out my favorite personalized gift resource for kids called frecklebox. (www.frecklebox.com). You’ll find an assortment of fun and creative books, including the personalized Hug book (I enjoyed writing) with quick ship options that you can personalize with your child’s name. You can even include Mommy, Daddy and Grandma and Grandpa in the acknowledgements or storyline. You’ll also love gifting the personalized wipeable name placemats, stickers, journals and coloring books featuring your child throughout the book. Another suggestion for personalized books is “The Whisper in the Dark” Personalized Storybook from BubblesU. Your child is the star of their very own magical night-time adventure with colorful characters like Bubbles the Elephant and Professor Lionstein. The hardcover book features your child’s name and photo or illustration throughout the pages, and guides their imagination to sleep bravely through the night. www.bubbles.u.com

Boxwoods On Board: Shop until you drop at Boxwoods Gardens & Gifts, a universe of gift- giving located in the heart of Buckhead on East Andrews Drive. Atlanta’s well-known gift, plant and home accessory boutique has successfully served shoppers for many decades. Boxwoods presents stunning rooms throughout the store to browse that are filled with fabulous gifts for everyone on your list. Check out the exquisite orchids (both real and faux) from Boxwoods, which specializes in beautiful floral arrangements, gorgeous books, gifts and is devoted to beautiful living and gifting with a flair. www.boxwoodsonline.com

Examine & Treat Pet Vet Playset from Melissa & Doug: Melissa and Doug have an assortment of trusted, kid-friendly gifts. Give your little animal-lover everything they need to examine and treat pretend pets. This is a great gift for sparking your child’s imagination, engaging in educational pretend play, and helping them develop empathy. It comes with an adorable plush dog and cat and plenty of veterinarian role-playing accessories, like a stethoscope, neck cone, bandages and more. www.melissaanddoug.com

A Gift with Good Taste: Award-winning Atlanta Chef Pano Karatassos launches an exclusive line of signature curated cooking and food products imported from Greece titled “Chef Pano.” The line includes extra virgin olive oil, Koroneiki and Kalamata olives and Greek Organic Forest Honey. Another fan favorite is Chef Pano’s cookbook, “Modern Greek Cooking.” Written with his cousin, Sophia Perpera, one of the world’s leading authorities on Greek wines, the cookbook includes photography by acclaimed food photographer Francesco Tonelli and a forward by longtime friend and mentor, Thomas Keller. In addition to Amazon, Chef Pano’s signature product line is available for purchase at Kyma and other Buckhead Life restaurants in Atlanta and online, www.chefpano.com

Copy to Read: And last but not least, if you want to spread a little love around your circle of friends and family, be sure to get a copy of my newest book “Loving Out Loud: The Power of A Kind Word.” It’s bound to help you spread a little kindness in your corner of the world.

 

Robyn Spizman Gerson is a New York Times best-selling author, media personality and communications expert appearing often on television, www.robynspizman.com.