How to Find the Best Holiday Dog Outfits Special, Part I: Hanukkah
The Hanukkah Hat
The holidays are coming, complete with the sequins, glitter and glamour of holiday fashion. While we may be dressing up for celebrating, let’s not leave our pups out of the fun. There are great ways to include them in the spirit of the season. In this three part series – Hanukkah, Thanksgiving, Christmas – we will make it really easy to find the best holiday dog clothes, accessories and toys, that fit the bill for adorable and satisfies all budgets. Remember, preparation is key so let’s not delay! Hanukkah is up first, as it’s less than one month away, starting November 27.
A Little Bit of History
Hanukkah is sometimes called the Jewish Christmas, but it actually is completely different. It is an older holiday than Christmas and it is celebrating the triumph of faith over military might. Hanukkah is the Festival of Lights. It is called that because it is honoring and remembering when a band of rebel Israelites called the Maccabees, rose up and fought against their invaders who, under penalty of death, prohibited the Israelites from studying their holy texts and performing important rituals. They had defiled their temple and ordered the Jews to worship other G-ds. The Maccabees defeated the invaders and reclaimed their Temple. However, the Eternal Flame in the Temple’s menorah, snuffed out by the invaders, had to be lit once again. But it took 8 days to prepare the special oil needed and they only had enough oil for one day. Calling upon faith, they decided to light the menorah anyway and that’s when a miracle occurred. Each night, the jug of oil would refill itself with just enough oil to burn for one more day. But it did this for 7 days, the time it took for new oil to be made. That is why there are 8 days of Hanukkah, why it is called the Festival of Lights and why it teaches us that faith, above all else, can create miracles.
Hanukkah-Themed Toys
There are lots of great Hanukkah-themed toys to choose from. Here are some of my favorites, both for comfort, durability and quality. For those of you interested in this one-of-a-kind yarmulke or traditional Jewish prayer cap, it is available at PoshPuppyBoutique.com.
Dreidel Hanukkah Plush Singing Toy
The Dreidel Toy
This toy has gotten rave customer reviews for being a big hit with the dogs and owners. It sings the Hanukkah staple “Dreidel Dreidel Dreidel,” and fans of this toy say their kids or parents sing along so it becomes a toy that also brings the family together. One customer says it became her dog’s favorite toy, one he wouldn’t let out of his sight. It’s a soft and cuddly plush.
Where: Amazon.com
Dimensions: 6.5″ high x 3.5″ wide
Price: $16.97
I would recommend this toy with two potential drawbacks. The song may get on one’s nerves after a while, so you might want to put it away until next Hanukkah. And, I would not recommend this for large dogs as the size is not big enough and they could choke.
Kosher Dog Bones Plush Toy
Kosher Bones
This adorable plush bone comes in three sizes and is made of polyester plush and fill with a rubber squeaker secured inside the toy. A fun gift for your dog.
Where: BitchNewYork
Dimensions:
Small: 4″ x 2″
Medium: 5.5″ x 3″
Large: 7″ x 5″
Price: $10-11.00, depending on size
Hanukkah Gelt Plush Toy
What kid doesn’t love receiving the traditional Hanukkah gelt prize money? Your doggy will love it too with these cute toys that come in three sizes, so large and small can
Hanukkah Gelt Toys
enjoy. I love the whimsy and cleverness in these Hanukkah toys, including the dogs in family holiday play.
Where: BitchNewYork
Dimensions:
Small: 3.5″ x 3.5″
Medium: 5.5″ x 5.5″
Large: 9″ x 9″
Price: $10-12.00 depending on size
And if these don’t float your boat, there’s a menorah, a Look Who’s Talking Gefilte Fish, a Star of David toy and more.
Hanukkah-Themed Dog Clothes
Menorah T-Shirt or Tank
Menorah Rhinestone/Studs T Shirt
Love this T. It comes in a flattering black with a glittering rhinestone menorah in blue, gold and silver stones and studs. I like it comes in either a t or tank; some dogs don’t like sleeves or look better in tanks. They’re both made with high quality materials and workmanship. The t’s are made of 6 oz heavyweight cotton jersey with ribbed collar. The tanks are made of 100% cotton ribbed knit with a slightly tighter fit than the t shirts. These are custom made so Puprwear asks that you measure your dog carefully, because they’re not returnable. Takes 2-4 business days to ship.
And, if that wasn’t cool enough, you or your children can get matching t’s or tanks! Puprwear offers beautiful shirts in a variety of colors. Also custom made and not returnable. They offer a size chart on the landing page for this item here.
T’s and tanks also available with a Star of David rhinestone design.
Where: Puprwear.com
Price: $24.95-27.95 depending on size for both dogs and humans
Note: Currently, the color red 3x and 4x tanks are sold out.
Hanukkah Spinner Dog Hair Bow Barrette
Hanukkah Spinner Dreidel Barrette
This is an unusual gift. A beautiful grosgrain, polyester or woven polyester ribbon (I prefer the grosgrain) with an almost argyle blue on blue pattern over varying shades of blue stripes, I love the subtle look of the coloring of this barrette. But the subtly stops there. Attached is a spinning dreidel! It’s quite cool, though. The ribbon has been treated with a special non-toxic stiffener, especially for dog wear, that will protect the ribbon and make it last. You have a choice of two types of backs to the barrette: a french clip which seems the easiest on and off, and two latex bands, so if one breaks, you have the other. I’m not sure I like this option as what if both break? Ships in 5-7 business days.
Where: Puprwear.com
Dimensions: Approximately 1.5″ in diameter
Price:
$5.95-latex bands
$7.95-French clip
$8.95-No slip French clip
Blue Velvet Haute Collar
Blue Velvet Haute Collar
I designed this blue velvet luxury men’s shirt collar, called a Haute Collar, and it’s made by Couture by Sophie, my dog apparel and accessories brand. It was made in New York’s Garment Center and 10% of each sold is donated to the American Humane Association. The fabric was chosen in Hanukkah blue for the holidays, however, it isn’t limited to the holidays. Customers have dressed their dogs in this item all year round, but it lends itself best to fall, winter because of the cotton velvet fabric. The collar stand is made from matching silk fabric. The Haute Collar is fastened with a dazzling Swarovski crystal closure. This item is not expandable so sizing is important. Custom sizing is also available and takes 2 weeks to ship custom. The collar should be dry cleaned.
Where: CouturebySophie.com
Sizing:
P: 8-10″ neck
XS: 9-12″
S: 12-14″
M: 14-16″
L: 16-18″
Price: &68.00
Custom Pricing: $78.00
Happy Chanukah Hoodie
Hanukkah Hoodie
This is a very cute item made in the USA, and very cozy for your dog. The looped terry fabric has a bit of a heathered look and is made from stretchy ribbed cotton. Happy Chanukah lettering is silk screened on the back. The hoodie is machine washable. BitchNewYork suggests you measure your dog carefully as this item is not returnable and they do charge a 20% restocking fee for exchanges. Please order as much in advance as you can to give enough time around the holidays to deliver.
Where: Bitch New York
Sizing: XS – XL (sizing chart available via landing page for this item)
Price: $31.00
Hanukkah for the Whole Family
Hanukkah Festival Dog/Owner Gift Basket
Hanukkah Dog/Owner Gift Basket
I’ll close with this great Hanukkah gift basket for you and your dog. This is one of the better ones I’ve seen because all of the items are high quality. It comes with Hanukkah-themed plush toys for your dog, including the Gelt and Dreidel toys; a Blue Blizzard chew bone; delicious Hanukkah treats like a hand decorated Happy Hanukkah bone, a bottle of Yappy Hour Vineyards Doggy Wine (of course, non-alcoholic), and a Yappy Hour Vineyards Peanut Butter Carob Doggy Bar. For us, this basket includes Tortuga Caribbean Rum Cake, Almond Pound Cake Mix by Plentiful Pantry, Caramel Latte Mix by Pelican Bay and Winterberry Tea Mix by Too Good Gourmet, all in a Hanukkah gift box with a handwritten note. The basket is wrapped in festive cello with ribbons and bows, so it looks great. A good value!
Where: BitchNewYork
Price: $189.00
Summary
Hanukkah is the festival of lights holiday. These are just a few of the creative gifts for your dog so they can share in the spirit and joy of the season. Shine your light and celebrate safely.
We always want your feedback, questions, comments so please reach out and tell us what you think and what you’d like to see covered here. Thank you!
Stay tuned on Friday for Part II of our three part series on how to find the best holiday dog outfits-Thanksgiving.
