15 Bar Mitzvah Gifts That Any Young Man Would Love

By Laura Fiebert | Updated: April 26, 2024

    The big day is here. He’s practiced reading his Torah and is all ready for his bar mitzvah ceremony. Now it’s time to find him a great gift for his 13th birthday.

    Although money is a perfectly appropriate gift for this Jewish tradition, there is nothing better than something for them to open and enjoy. Our gift guide has great bat mitzvah gift ideas for thirteen-year-old boys to commemorate the big day. Mazel Tov!

  1. Prayer Bracelet
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    This cord bracelet with a silver plaque has the Hebrew sentence “Shema Israel” which means “Hear Israel” and is a statement of faith. The bracelet can be customized for cord color and size.

  3. Personalized Bank
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    This beautiful and timeless tzedakah box would make a unique Bar Mitzvah gift and is one that can be enjoyed for years to come. It’s made of earthenware clay and can have the child’s name printed on the front with a Star of David.

  5. Swiss Army Knife
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    Swiss stainless steel and encased in polished ABS scales that provide ultimate durability in a cobalt blue finish with an engraved Star of David. Fits comfortably in your pocket or an easy-access addition to keys. There’s no need to leave this knife behind due to lack of space – it’s the sidekick you can take anywhere.

  7. Tallit Prayer Shawl from Israel
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    This shawl is highly decorated with prayer and traditional and ancient symbols such as the pomegranate, the Ten Commandments, and hands held high in prayer. On each of the four corners of the tallit are the traditional fringes and one letter that spells out the name of God. Plus, you receive a beautiful prayer booklet of Shema Yisrael in English.

  9. A Fun Game
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    It’s the classic game of stealth, speed, and strategy that people have enjoyed for over 90 years – now adapted for today’s generation using glow-in-the-dark lights! It includes battery-powered game pieces for jail markers, territory lights, light-up wristbands, and glowing crystals that serve as each team’s flag. With a fresh look and the added dynamic of low-light gameplay, this activity inspires people of all ages to put down their phones and do something active together.

  11. Lacoste Kids Watch
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    Once upon a time, a famous polo shirt became available to kids. Now, the Lacoste 12.12 watch has inspired kids’ ranges that live and breathe the joy of life, authenticity, and sportiness. Small is beautiful – it’s colorful and practical, too. It’s a great gift for a young man.

  13. Bananagrams
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    The popular award-winning game is now available in Hebrew! Hebrew Bananagrams is the perfect Bat Mitzvah present and is excellent for learning Hebrew. It is an amazing word game that can be played anywhere. It is fast-moving, addictive, fun, and educational. No waiting turns and no paper or pencils are needed. It is great fun for the whole family. It makes a great Bat Mitzvah gift, too!

  15. The Newish Jewish Encyclopedia
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    Deeply knowing, highly entertaining, and just a little bit irreverent, this unputdownable encyclopedia of all things Jewish and Jew-ish covers culture, religion, history, habits, language, and more. Includes hundreds of photos, charts, infographics, and illustrations.

  17. Gaming Headphones
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    The EKSA professional gaming headset, with a highly sensitive microphone and noise reduction tech, reduces distracting background noise to collect your voice clearly. Easy-to-use volume adjustment and one key Mic mute switch, easy for your game operation.

  19. Gift Card
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    Feeling completely stuck & clueless on what to get him? Couldn’t find any good Bar Mitzvah gift ideas that fit your budget? Get him a gift card to his favorite store and leave the decision up to him.

  21. Funny T-Shirt
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    Dabbing Hanukah blessing outfit gift for a Bar Mitzvah Boy. Great Chanukah clothing to celebrate the festival of lights. Funny Hanukah Pijama with the dabbing Jewish boys with their Kippas on their heads.

  23. Drone
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    Safe, easy, and fun to fly, this remote-controlled drone makes it possible for every teenage boy to reach for the sky. The drone has a built-in HD camera. Firstly, download the app to connect to the drone’s camera, enter your smartphone’s settings, ensure Wi-Fi is turned on and connect to the Wi-Fi signal. Once connected, you can see exactly what your drone’s camera sees via a live video feed to your device through the app.

  25. Chai Necklace
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    This gorgeous and uniquely designed 14K yellow gold Chai pendant is both meaningful and stylish. The chai is a Hebrew word and symbol that means life, living, or alive. The gematria or numerological value of the letters adds up to 18. The chai is often worn on a necklace as a medallion or amulet as a reminder of the preciousness and value of life. The Chai is decorated to look like the walls of Jerusalem or the Western Wall, Kotel.

  27. Kiddush Cup
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    Start and end the Shabbat with this stunning Ner Mitzvah Kiddush Cup, Stainless Steel Non Tarnish with that shining glow finish and Hebrew letters. At the start and end of Shabbat and holidays, Jewish families all over the world gather and sanctify the day with a blessing over a cup of wine or grape juice. This beautiful, decorative sterling silver cup is perfect for this tradition.

  29. Hasma Hat
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    The Hamsa Hand is an ancient Middle Eastern amulet symbolizing the Hand of God. In all Judaism as well as other faiths, it is a protective sign. It brings its owner happiness, good luck, health, and good fortune. Great for beach trips, days at the lake, or lounging by the pool, the cotton dries quickly when it gets wet and still maintains the comfort and fit you’ll love.

    What is an appropriate gift for a bar mitzvah?

    An appropriate gift for a Bar Mitzvah should be thoughtful, age-appropriate, and respectful of Jewish traditions. Traditional gifts include religious items such as prayer shawls, Tefillin, or a Kiddush cup, while non-traditional gifts may include technology, books, or experiences that align with the young man’s interests. Ultimately, the gift should celebrate the milestone event and honor the Bar Mitzvah’s achievement.

    What amount of money do you give for a bar mitzvah?

    No set amount of money should be given for a Bat Mitzvah. The appropriate amount can depend on various factors, including your relationship with the Bat Mitzvah and her family, your financial situation, and the customs of your community. 

    In Jewish tradition, 18 is associated with the Hebrew word “chai, ” meaning “life“. Giving gifts or donations in increments of $18 during a Bar Mitzvah celebration is a way to symbolize good luck, good health, and long life for the Bar Mitzvah. It is also a way to show respect for Jewish traditions and customs. Therefore, giving $18 or any multiple of $18 is considered a meaningful and traditional gift for a Bar Mitzvah.