The most common game children play to celebrate Hanukkah will be the dreidel game. They’ll be singing, spinning, wining coins or chocolate, several times throughout the eight night festival. Of course you can easily find dreidels made from clay, plastic, stone and wood at most gift and holiday shops. This year however, I thought it would be fun to find some unique dreidels that kids can make themselves. Not all are for playing, but they sure are tasty!

Paper Spinning Dreidel

You can make this dreidel in just a couple of minutes and it really works.

You just need:

• card-stock paper
• a sharp pointed toothpick
• a pen

1. Cut a a square of paper approximately 1 ½  inch(if it’s too big it won’t spin)
2. Make an X on the back to mark the exact center of the square.
3. Write the Hebrew Letters or words on the other side of the paper. One in the center of each side.
   • Nun means “nisht” or “nothing”
   • Gimmel means “gantz” or “everything”
   • Hey means “halb” or “half”
   • Shin (outside of Israel) means “shtel” or “put in”.
   • Peh (in Israel) means “pay.”
4. Poke the toothpick in the center of the square (careful it hurts when it pokes your finger)
5. Your dreidel is now ready to spin. After spinning read the letter on the top when it lands.

Marshmallow Dreidels

These are toooo adorable and kind of whimsical I think. Joanna over at Bible Belt  Balabusta has instructions for making these edible dreidels with marshmallow, frosting, Chocolate kisses, pretzels and you can even add the symbols with a food color marker. Image how wonderful an entire platter will look for your celebration!

While you’e there, check out her Gelt version of a Connnect Four game!

Lego Dreidels

I know, I’m going on and on about Joanna, but she is a rockstar creative Jewish mom in my book…look at these Lego dreidels!  Most of the actual lego building will vary with each child, but she has some fabulous ideas and tips for adding the letters.

Origami Dreidel

Make several to form a Hanukkah garland.

Last but not least is a dreidel with a creative blending of of cultures. This origami dreidel from Canadian living is an easier to fold origami project for kids. After a little research I found they thee are several books of Jewish origami, so if your children decide they love folding this dreidel, hop on over to the book store for more!

Happy Spinning!

Need more Hanukkah Fun Suggestions:

Felt Gelt Bag Craft

Celebrating Hanukkah with Young Kids

Star of David Craft