For many Jews in Israel Shavuot is about farming and working the land in Israel. Many Israeli citizens will be spending the day learning about farming and agriculture. Farm equipment will be on display and people will be enjoying the first fruits of spring’s harvest. You can do the same in America teaching your kids about farming and the environment. Make sure to mention the importance of communal farming in Israeli culture. There are many excellent Jewish books on the subject if you need a quick historical review.

If giving a Jewish gift for Shavuot, stay in the spring theme. The day the Ten Commandments were given to the Jewish people Mt. Sinai was blooming with flowers and the imagery is still used in celebrating the holiday today. Any Judaic item like a mezuzah or Seder plate adorned with decorations of fruits, plants and flowers is appropriate. Many girls aged 12 will be receiving pre-bat mitzvah gifts this Shavuot.

You need to make plans in accordance with how you want to celebrate the holiday. If you will be feasting around a bonfire, make sure you have plenty of wood, kosher wine and Jewish food. A traditional Jewish gift for kids on Lag BaOmer is a bow and arrow. If you are attending a more stoic, spiritual celebration a more appropriate Jewish gift would be a Seder plate or Jewish book.

Lag BaOmer is a fascinating holiday because of its evolution throughout time. During the biblical age it was used to mark a transition in the Jewish calendar. Today some people feast, others pray, and some people go into the woods to make a massive bonfire. What will future Lag BaOmer celebration hold? Certainly some new traditions.

CDs of Judaic music make wonderful Jewish gifts. Unlike a book which is a bit more of a time commitment, a CD you can just pop into your car’s stereo or burn onto your iPod. Eichlers has everything from fun party music like West Side Zemirot or A Cappela Soul Ari Goldwag, to more spiritual and ruminative CDs like  Lubavitch: Chabad Hisvadus or Im Eshkachech Yerushalayim CD Songs Of Yerushalayim.

If you want to give a combination story and CD, go for a recorded book. Shmuel Kunda CD The Royal Rescue is fun story on CD for kids. It makes for ideal listening during long car rides or before bed. Books on CD are a good way to introduce young people to reading as are picture books or young adult novels.

For something artsy and hip I would go with something from the Gray Rosenthal Fused Glass Collection. These unique Mezuzas are a collage of rich and deeply colored pieces of glass. They offer fresh takes on classic Judaic symbols like doves and Hebrew lettering. If you keep a colorful and creative home, a fused glass Mezuza is probably for you.

For a more traditional look, go with a sterling silver Mezuza. These European style Mezuzas have remained virtually unchanged in style and material for a hundreds of years. It is a great way to stylishly honor Jewish traditions in your home.

Some of the silver Mezuzas have paint lending a splash of color to the silver surface. These are less traditional but still look great. They are ideal for families because they are colorful and appeal to traditions.

For an affordable, elegant solution go with the brass or chrome candle drip. They look great, cost under $2 and will stop wax from getting onto your favorite table cloth. For something more ornate go with the Silver Plated Oil & Candle Holder. This set holds candles or oils and are made in the traditional style with glass and silver. They are very detailed and make a great Jewish gift.

If you use candles every Shabbat you may want to consider making the switch to oil. Oil burns more brightly but not as long. It also produces a pleasant aroma. You can choose and combine different oils to create different scents and even make your own oil infusions. It’s a great way to do something special for your next Shabbat. Oil and oil accessories also make a great Jewish gift because every Jew loves Shabbat!

For Bar or Bat Mitzvah I would suggest jewelry. Many people give jewelry at Bar and Bat Mitzvahs because of the symbolism. You wouldn’t trust a child with a pair of gold earrings or a silver necklace but now that the person is becoming an adult they can handle it. Keep in mind there is jewelry for both men and women but if the man in question is not one for jewelry, fancy cufflinks or a jeweled letter opener will convey the same message.

Weddings are a bit more complicated with registries and not wanting to give repeat gifts. Seder plates, Jewish books, furniture or anything else the new couple will need to start a life and family together will be appreciated. If your still stumped browse Eichlers.com, seeing gift items will usually inspire you to choose an appropriate Jewish gift.

Seder plates and other flatware is a classic, traditional gift. Of course, the person hosting the Seder has one but the larger the Seder the more plates will be needed. Since Seder plates are so beautiful the host can’t use additional ones as more general centerpieces or decorative items. If the person hosting the Seder is young or newly married they probably need things like Seder plates and other flatware. The same is true for a Haggadah.

If the family hosting you has lots of Seder plates you should go with a Jewish gift not necessarily relating to Passover. Jewish books or home décor are two good choices because they are items you can never necessarily have too much of. Another added bonus is every time your decorative item is admired or your book is taken off the shelf the recipient will think of you warmly. It’s a sure fire way to get on next year’s guest list!

For a more traditional selection I would go with the 3 Tier Sterling Silver and Wood Seder Plate. This breathtaking item makes a stunning centerpiece for your Passover spread. It has 3 levels so it can hold enough food for all your guests. This is the kind of high quality and timeless item you can pass down to your grandchildren.

For something more fun and colorful I would go with the Seder Plate and Six Small Bowls – The Seven Species. This hand painted wood plate celebrates the bountiful spring that is marked by the start of Passover. It has 6 hand painted bowls that match the larger plate

For something really new try the Embossed Copper Pyramid Seder Tray/ Matza Tray Combo. This decadent item is a creative new twist on the traditional Seder plate. I love the Egyptian theme and the beautiful fused glass.

Firstly, you want to make sure you have enough family Haggadahs for each guest. Don’t ask people to bring their own because the pages will be numbered differently and this will create confusion. Kids can share a Haggadah to read along but otherwise make sure you have enough to go around.

If you are hosting a larger get-together make sure you have a couple of Seder plates. If you have a big table and only one plate it will take a long time for that plate to make its rounds. You don’t want to have to get up and refill mid-Seder. If you only have one can you buy another or borrow one from a guest.

Make sure you have appropriate Jewish gifts on hand. Everyone loves getting gifts and it will be a perfect end to the sweet celebration. You don’t need to break the bank buying lavish gifts for every guest but a trinket or something of that nature will be greatly appreciated.

Lastly make sure to stock plenty of wine. The Seder calls for a lot of wine drinking and people will probably also want wine with their dinner. Other than that all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the holiday cheer.

First of all you should make sure you have your Purim costume. If you haven’t had time to put one together just get face paint from a toy store. You can paint you face festively in lieu of a costume. You can also paint the faces of the children as a fun game.

Last minute food may be a bit harder. Chances are all Jewish bakeries in your area are sold out of Purim treats. Keep in mind that you have tomorrow to do some last minute backing. You can also get prepackaged Purim goodies at most groceries, though they will not be as fresh.

Remember it’s always better to give someone a good Jewish gift a few days late than to give them a bad one the day of Purim. If you haven’t been able to find anything in the busy pre-Purim fray take the time this Friday to find anyone you missed a gift. Perhaps your loved one would appreciate an after-the-fact Purim basket?