On Purim, we make Mishloach Manot baskets to send as gifts to friends, family, and acquaintances. These baskets are given as gifts within the Jewish community as a symbol of friendship and the strength of the Jewish community. To give a Mishloach Manot is considered a mitzvah – a commandment and good deed. It is also customary to give Mishloach Manot, along with other gifts of food and money, as charitable offerings to the poor. The charity is given in order to ensure that the recipient has enough food during the Purim celebration. The Mishloach Manot custom originated in the Book of Esther, as part of the story of Purim:
As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor. (Esther 9:22)
I thought it would be fun to put together a few Mishloach Manot baskets for Purim, to give you some examples of the types of items that might be included. Obviously these are just ideas; with Mishloach Manot, you can really get creative and have fun putting together all kinds of baskets, from simple to spectacular. The only “rule,” really, is to have at least two items that can be eaten in the basket. If you’re making a basket for a family who keeps kosher, you’ll want to make sure that all food items you include are kosher or kosher-certified. Most baskets will also contain some sort of hamantaschen, a traditional cookie for the holiday. Beyond that, the possibilities are endless!
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
TEA AND CHALLAH PURIM BASKET
This basket would be a great gift for a tea lover, or for somebody who loves to bake. I’ve included some delicious kosher herbal teas, a pretty mug with a tea strainer, homemade hamantaschen with nuts and dates, and a fun book called “The Great Latke Hamantash Debate.” I’ve also included one of our popular Royal Challah silicone baking pans in a small size. They will help the recipient create beautifully shaped challot without the need for braiding, and are particularly helpful for those who wish to make gluten free challah (the dough is often difficult to braid). Links to the products appear below.
Tea and Challah Basket Product Links
The Great Latke Hamantash Debate
KID FUN PURIM BASKET
This basket is perfect for that special kid in your life. It’s filled with all kinds of fun stuff… a colorful book, a traditional noisemaker called a gragger, and a cool FunBites sandwich cutter for making mini sandwich bites for school lunches. I’ve filled it out with grape juice, cookies, and candy treats from the local kosher market. You can also stick in some healthier treats like dried fruit and nuts, as long as the recipient doesn’t have a nut allergy.
To make the pretty bag you see with my home-baked hamantaschen, download my free printable “Happy Purim!” and “Chag Purim Sameach!” treat bag toppers and instructions. They can be found at the following link: Homemade Mishloach Manot Baskets for Purim
Kid Fun Purim Basket Product Links
The Queen Who Saved Her People
MINI MISHLOACH MANOT
These Mini Mishloach Manot baskets are perfect for bringing to Hebrew school, for kids to give to their friends, and for larger groups where you want to send a small token for Purim. They’ll fit a few hamantaschen and another treat, like candy or dried fruit, in a cute little “basket” package just right for gift giving. Supplies can be found below, including ribbon and tags so you can write a little message to the recipient. Free printable “Happy Purim!” and “Chag Purim Sameach!” treat bag toppers and instructions can be found at the following link: Homemade Mishloach Manot Baskets for Purim.
Mini Mishloach Manot Product Links
L’CHAIM PURIM BASKET
This Mishloach Manot is designed for giving to “grown up” friends. Drinking is a part of the Purim celebration; the requirement in the Talmud goes so far as to instruct that one should get so drunk that they can’t tell the difference between the phrases Arur Haman (“cursed is Haman”) and Baruch Mordechai (“blessed is Mordecai”). While not everybody participates in this custom, those that do will appreciate the sentiment of this basket. It includes homemade Flavor Infused Vodka and Herb Infused Simple Syrup (follow the links for instructions to make your own). Here I’ve put homemade hamantaschen in a silver Chinese takeout box (you can buy them at the link below). I’ve also added a funny book, “The Kosher Guide to Imaginary Animals” (I reviewed the book here), some cookies, a Jewish ice mold, a jigger for measuring liquor into cocktails, and a mask to celebrate the costumed festivities of Purim.
L’Chaim Purim Basket Product Links
The Kosher Guide to Imaginary Animals
FAMILY FUN PURIM BASKET
This basket is a beautiful way to show a family that you care. Included are homemade hamantaschen, dates and nuts, herbal tea and kosher coffee, grape juice and kosher treats. It also includes two lovely masks to help the recipient celebrate the costumed Purim festivities.
Family Fun Purim Basket Product Links
Click here to learn how to make your own paper Mishloach Manot baskets – a great craft for getting kids involved in the holiday fun!
janet leigh says
I love them all, but especially the kid’s basket as my husband and i are adopting an 8 yr old boy and introducing Jewish traditions to him. thanks
Melani says
My mother used to prepare Purim baskets for those in a local Jewish retirement home. She was one of the most giving persons I knew. We lost her when she was just 51 and I was just 23. She would encourage me to help make and deliver the baskets and instilled, not only my sense of giving at a young age, but a love, respect and appreciation for the elderly. After losing her to breast cancer, it’s sad to admit, I didn’t carry on the tradition. Your baskets have inspired me to continue doing so! They are wonderful!
roz gorman says
would love to win any, as i made them for my temple and would love to see others for ideas
Mary g says
The tea and challah one looks wonderful!
Deborah Schermerhorn says
My husband and I noticed that there are always homeless men standing at the exit to our new assemble location. So we are making up big baggies of essentials to give to them:
Bottled water
knit hat
soap/washcloth
toothbrush/paste
protein bars
socks
Since there seems to be a different person on this corner, we thought that it would be a good idea to always have these “blessing bags” ready to hand out thru the year.
Jackie says
The basket is so festive! Thank you for sharing these creative ideas for Purim!
Jackie says
I forgot to specify in my original comment that the Tea and Challah Basket is my favorite because I make Challah bread frequently and have a tradition of having afternoon tea with both my mom and my husband! Homemade challah bread would be a nice addition to our tea parties. 🙂 The challah mold is so cool!!!
Judy BiberJbiber says
I’d love the kids basket for my grandchildren!
Rebekah Kloeppel says
They’re all beautiful! My mother, though, would love to have the tea and challah purim basket, and I’d love to be able to give it to her!
Kelly Seltzer says
I would love the Tea and Challah Purim Basket. We just moved from NY to FL to be closer to my in-laws. Mom and Dad would get such a kick out of this. Who knew they made a silicone mold for challah?
Lorena says
Great idea…I would love to win the kid basket to share with my nePhews & niece!
G says
It’s a toss up between the Kid Fun basket and L’Chaim basket!
Anya says
The “Tea and Challah” basket, because my family loves tea with challah with jam. Thank you!
Mollie says
My favorite basket is the Kids Fun Basket. My husband is Jewish and I have had a great time celebrating Purim with our children. In the Christian culture, Purim isn’t something that is acknowledged or celebrated. Honestly, I do not understand why! Such a beautiful story of courage and choosing what is right. (and who doesn’t enjoy costumes? I mean, really)
Doris Taylor says
I love reading your post on Facebook. You have helped me get in touch with my Jewish side ( Grandmother) I did not know I Was Jewish until I was an adult, ( crazy right ) I just thought my Grandmother was different.
At my first all Jewish (Foods) Passover thought I would find all kinds of different foods, all we had were things my Grandmother had always made, so I made it my business to find out why.
lisa barnes says
These baskets are awesome!! I would love to win one. I love your posts on facebook. I am not Jewish but was raised in a predominantly Jewish area and enjoyed the holidays with my friends’ families.
Toby says
The “Kid Fun Purim Basket” would be just right for my Granddaughter. It would introduce her to Purim and be so much fun.
Jennifer says
I love the kid fun basket because it is so colorful. My cousin’s little girl would love the kid fun basket and I’d enjoy sharing it with her! 🙂
Thanks for all of the great basket ideas. I am just now learning about Jewish holidays so its great to learn about celebrating Purim. 🙂
Brenda Esselman says
What fun those baskets will give
sheryl says
the tea and Challah basket looks gorgeous. it would be the perfect thing for my son.
Jill says
They are all beautiful! I don’t think I really have a favorite- I think my family and I would enjoy any one of them! You’ve got a beautiful website and I’ve enjoyed reading your blog!