B’nai Mitzvah Gifts—How Much to Give?

We are often asked the question, “how much should I/we spend on a Bar or Bat Mitzvah gift?” Well, like most things, “it depends.” It depends on several issues including:

1) How close you are with the child?

2) Who is invited—your entire family or just your child?

3) Where do you live—major metro area or outside of one?

4) What is your specific financial situation?

The following table should provide some assistance, but here are some overriding recommendations:

#1 Only spend what you can afford. Whatever you give is much appreciated.

#2 While cash is always appreciated, it is a lovely gesture to give Judaica or Judaic jewelry. Why not reinforce the milestone that has been reached with a gift that will be remembered? Remember, that when you send a gift rather than cash, you can spend less since the recipient doesn’t actually know how much your gift cost, but rather appreciates it for it’s meaning.

Bar & Bat Mitzvah: Recommmended Gift Amounts

Notes:
-A word about cash amounts: we typically gift cash gifts in denominations of $18; $18, $36, $54, $72, $90, $108, $126, etc. In Hebrew, the letters that spell “Chai” or “Life” total 18.
-What value to send if you are invited but can’t attend? The same as above.

2009 Challah Connection, Kosher Gift Box