DIY: Purim Gift Basket
Sending Mishloach manot at Purim - a basket of treats for friends and family
Did you know that sending friends baskets of sweets and treats is a special tradition for the Jewish holiday Purim? The gift basket has a special name and meaning too. In Hebrew, it is called Mishloach manot, which translates to sending portions. Since there’s a wonderful old custom of having a feast on Purim, baskets are sent to make sure that each and every family has enough food (enough portions!) for this special meal!
Photo Credit: Kate Hliznitsova
Another wonderful reason to send Purim baskets is to make friends, family and neighbors feel extra happy and special. Purim is the most joyful holiday of the Jewish year, so it’s an extra-special time to share some love!
Today it’s traditional to fill Mishloach manot with fruit and sweet treats - like Hamantaschen - the sweet triangular cookie that we eat on Purim!
This yummy recipe comes from a favorite Purim storybook, The Better-Than-Best Purim, by Naomi Howland.
If you’re sending a basket to friends with littles, you can also include DIY Purim-themed surprises that you can make with your kiddos (if you’re feeling creative and have the time) like mini royal crowns, groggers (noise makers), “No Bake” Hamantaschen, gluten-free double orange Hamantaschen, a puffy felt Hamantaschen necklace with pony beads and Purim dress-up clothespin dolls!
Here’s a closer look at these sweet projects. You can click the titles below to learn more too!
Are you planning on sending Mishloach manot this year? If you do, please share with us what you are planning to include in your gift basket, and if you try any of these projects, let us know too! We hope you have a special holiday filled with treats, friendship and love.
Chag sameach! Happy Purim!
~Jennifer
For families raising Jewish children, This cute board book - One, Two Three Purim! and other Jewish children’s books - can be mailed to your children each month for free by PJ Library! Click the link to learn more!
