6 Food Gifts to Celebrate Purim
One of the many tradition when celebrating Purim is the giving of food gifts, known as mishloach manot. Mishloach manot is typically given before the Purim feast is held later in the day. Traditionally, it’s a packaged gift bag or basket filled with cookies, candies, snacks, wine, and fruits. It’s given to strengthen the love and friendship among everyone and to ensure that everyone has enough food for the Purim feast.
Purim commemorates when Esther, Queen of Persia, saved the Jewish people from execution. Haman, the Persian king’s advisor wanted to destroy the Jews. The gesture of sending food gifts to others signals a message that the Jewish are not divided, but united.
If you’re looking for Purim party ideas or Purim party entertainment for kids, here are some fun ways to incorporate mishloach manot to it:
- Butterfly Bags – At least two ready-to-eat food items are included in the mishloach manot when giving to friends. Have children take part in the party planning by filling up small snack bags with goldfish crackers for one side of the butterfly wing and grapes for the other wing. Divide the two foods with a clothes pin decked with googly eyes and pipe cleaner antennas. See the finished look at Menu Musings of a Modern American Mom.
- S’mores Kit – Take graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows to make a perfect combination that can be nicely and neatly packaged as a mishloach manot. See the finished look at Twig & Thistle.
- Happy Trails Mug – Fill mugs up with trail mix. It’s an easy and creative mishloach manot idea for anyone looking to make an easy food gift for Purim.
- Hot Chocolate in a Jar – Fill up the mug with a single-serve pack of hot chocolate and throw in some marshmallows for a nice, easy, and warm treat your guests can enjoy at home after all the Purim festivities.
- Popcorn Box – Popcorn isn’t just for the movie theaters. With single-serve pop-up popcorn boxes, fill them up with fresh popcorn and candy as your food gift to friends. It can also be enjoyed during any skits played at your Purim party.
- Salted Caramel Sauce and Apple – Make your own salted caramel sauce and fill them up in a small jar to give along with an apple to your friends. See how it’s done and the finished look at Recipe Girl. There are also free labels to print out for the jar caps.
These food gift ideas are enjoyable for all, but especially for kids. Show your friends you value their friendship this Purim with these unique food gift ideas.