Virgil Winston:Marketing Guru
Hanukkah (Chanukah), also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday which is traditionally observed by the kindling of the lights of a special candelabrum, the Menorah, one light on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night. The lighting of the candles traditionally happens thirty minutes after sundown and is the most significant of the holiday traditions which also includes eating foods fried in oil like latkes and sufganiot (doughnuts) and playing with the dreidel. In today’s world, it also means that Jewish children can expect to receive gifts for each of the eight days of Hanukkah. I’m not Jewish myself, but I can’t find anything not to like about a holiday that lasts for eight days and includes eating fried foods. So, in the spirit of giving, and as a nod to Jewish tradition, I am offering eight gift ideas for your co-workers, clients, prospects, members of your networking group, neighbors, your children’s classmates, teachers and anyone else on your holiday list. I’ve included offbeat items with creative flair, traditional holiday fare and a few of my favorite things (move over Oprah). Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 21st, so there is still time to make everyone on your list happy.
1) Knit Beanie Cap This cotton/acrylic knit cap will fit just about everyone on your shopping list and keep him or her warm to boot.
2) Garrity 2D Glow Lite – F5 Keep a brand shining with this glow light which is not only practical, but also ties in nicely with the holiday’s theme.
3) Translucent Colored Rulers These brightly colored measurers are a great gift for your favorite teacher and reasonably priced enough to give to you child’s entire class.
4) Round Promo-Spring It’s not as traditional as a dreidel, but this fun item modeled in the spirit of the Slinky® will surely infuse the recipient of it with childlike joy.
5) Burgundy Gift Box with Gourmet Cookies Traditionalists and economists alike will appreciate this affordable burgundy box filled with gourmet cookies—it’s stylish and delicious.
6) Recycled Lynx Sport Bag The perfect present for the gym rat who loves the planet almost as much as he loves his biceps.
7) Glen Oaks Golf Kit Almost everyone has a golfer or ten on their list and this high quality set will ensure they swing into the new year with perfect form.
Hanging Shower Radio Give the gift of music while helping your best clients clean up.
Well, I’ve got to go—Mrs. Winston has decided to try her hand at making potato latkes and I don’t want to be late for dinner. Until we meet again, I leave you with the musical words of Adam Sandler, “Put on your yarmulke / Here comes Chanukah / So much funukah/ To celebrate Chanukah / Chanukah is the festival of lights / Instead of one day of presents, we have eight crazy nights.”