Purim Crafts

Traditionally, Mishloachai Manot (the sending of food) are two food items (from different food groups) sent to at least two friends. Over the years, Mishochai Manot have developed into sometimes elaborate food packages to many friends and family in your community.

Always on the hunt for new creative ideas for Mishoach Manot, this is what got us smiling this year:

Breakfast themed Mishloch Manot!

Some people like to give out their Mishlochai Manot first thing in the morning so that their package is waiting at the front door. Here are some morning ideas:

• Freshly squeezed orange juice and a homemade muffin.
• Muesli with yogurt and freshly squeezed orange juice. (Check out our homemade granola recipe!)

Simple and adorable!

Mishloach Manot do not need to be elaborate and expensive. These ideas are easy and fun!

• Homemade cookies and a small carton of milk.
• Tea and scones.
• Beer and nuts. (for an older crowd!)
• Mini cupcakes and a small carton of milk or chocolate milk.
• Wine and cheese.

 Family Involvement Required! 

A quick shout out to my good friend, Yael, who came up with most of the ideas here and remains committed to having her young children be involved in preparing and delivering her family’s Mishloach Manot.

• Mini cookies bouquets! Get free plastic flowerpots at your local greenhouse. Have your kids decorate the outside of the flowerpots with stickers. Older children will help make flower-shaped cookies on sticks. Place the sticks in Styrofoam at the base of the flowerpot. Fill the pot with Mike and Ikes!
• Have younger kids pick two or three friends to send Mishloach Manot to. Let them pick a candy or fruit and a cookie or muffin. They can decorate the basket or write a card to their friend.

Themed Mishloach Manot 

Picking a theme for your Mishloach Manot is an easy way to stand out. Here are some great ideas!

• Israeli: falafel balls, chummus and a pita.
• Greek - olives, tzatziki and salad.
• Mexican - chips, salsa and a small bottle of tequila.
• Italian - small homemade pizza with small bottle of red wine.
• American - hotdog in a bun, a packet of ketchup, a packet of mustard and a can of coke.
• One-color Mishloach Manot – red: red hots, strawberries, licorice, apples etc. yellow: lemonheads, lemonade, pineapple, yellow cake.

Things that can be frozen

Chances are lots of food is exchanging hands on Purim. People always appreciate something delicious they can eat later.

• A container of homemade soup and a loaf of bread.
• A small cake and fresh juice.
• A Kugel and a bottle of wine.

Two more things…

1. Homemade labels are an easy and sweet way to add a little flourish to your Mishloach Manot!

2. There is always TOO MUCH food floating around on Purim. Many families choose to donate to a charity instead of giving out dozens of Mishlochai Manot.