Bar Mitzvah Favors Or Bat Mitzvah Favors - What to Give and How Much to Spend!

Before the recent financial crisis there seemed to be no limit on what parents were spending on their sons or daughter's Bar or Bat Mitzvah. It seemed to be a "can you top this" situation where one party was more extravagant then the next. The decorations were over the top, bigger and more elaborate venues were being used, bands with 10, 11, 12 members, food from the top chefs, and party favors that were unforgettable all without a budget in mind.

We went to a Bat Mitzvah held in an airplane hanger. This venue obviously started out as an empty space, they had to lay flooring throughout the hanger, bring in tables and chairs, ovens for the chefs, lighting for the whole area, build walls around the area being used, a sound system, set up parking areas and god knows what else to make this a usable place to hold a party. They had an elaborate video made, that included a trip on a private plane and numerous other settings. They had a huge band and then to close the night they actually had the original or what is left of the original "Village People" perform. They had all kinds of things for the kids to win, electronic items, clothing, etc., etc. They gave out several party favors when the whole affair was over. Was the party unbelievable, absolutely! Was it over the top, absolutely! Did everyone have a great time, absolutely!

Was it necessary to do all this, how can anyone count anyone else's money or tell them how to spend it, but I can guarantee since the latest financial hit there are a lot less of these kinds of parties going on across the country then there used to be.

With parents cutting back on how big and how elaborate of a party to give, they are also cutting back on what they spend on their party favors. Even though supplying party favors is our business and of course we make more when people are able to spend more, we understand and appreciate what is going on in the country. We also understand it is not how much you spend on your party favor but what you give and how you imprint it (to be covered in another article).

Your budget is your budget, spend what you are comfortable spending. Take beach towels as an example, this is a great gift, but depending on how you decorate the towel it can get a little pricy. In this case think about imprinting with a one color imprint versus embroidering them. Another example is a drawstring bag, you can get one for $7.00 or $8.00 or one for less then half that cost. Does the more expensive one maybe have an extra pocket or sharper looking design to it, probably, but in these financial times you have to think is it worth the extra money? In some cases it will be, in most the less expensive item will work just fine. Your child has their heart set on a sweatshirt, think a crew neck one versus a hoodie with pockets, less expensive but very desirable as a party favor.

But don't make the mistake of choosing your end of the night giveaway solely on cost. We have so many parents contact us and the first thing they say is "this is my third bar mitzvah, I just want something cheap, so I can be done with this". You can get something less expensive but still have some usefulness to your child's friends. Why even buy something cheap just for the sake of giving something out at the end of the night that will be thrown out the next morning. A good online party favor company should have a large selection of bags and other items that are less expensive, but with the proper decoration would still be appreciated by your child's friends. Of course if you really are on a tight budget, think about doing a white t-shirt with a one color imprint, inexpensive and who can't use another t-shirt, whether it is to sleep in or play sports in.

Just remember these are 13 year old kids, do they want to receive a party favor at the end of the night, most definitely. Do they really care how much it costs, absolutely not. They just want something they can use.

The Dress

I'm just back from a beach vacation which I throughly enjoyed. Whenever I take a beach vacation I like to take a book to read on the beach. Usually something light and easy to get through quickly. Anyway it turns out that in the book I chose there is an upcoming Bat Mitzvah. The mom and daughter have very different ideas about what they want from this special occasion. The mom wants a low key meaningful experience and the daughter wants all the bells and whistles. The mom is conservative and still thinks of her daughter as her baby and the daughter feels that becoming a Bat Mitzvah means she is becoming a young adult. Which is hard to argue with since that is what becoming a Bat Mitzvah is about.
So where do you draw the line? I personally feel that you need to let your daughter have some input regarding the party. Of course this does not mean that she should be wearing a dress that is inappropriate or that you have to blow your budget not only for the Bat Mitzvah but for the whole year. As much as it is difficult to see our children growing up it is part of the process so you need to find a happy medium. Your daughter does not need to look like a sex goddess she should feel like a teen princess. This is after all her special day and you want her to shine not only through the service but at her celebration. So just think back to when you were her age and whether or not you were being Bat Mitzvahed remember the aches and pains of growing up. It wasn't easy then but it truly wasn't as hard as now.

It's Summer !!!

I love this time of year school is out, the clocks don't need to be set, and we don't need to be on such a structured schedule. Everything slows down a little the snowbirds go home, we can get into restaurants and you don't need to hound the kids about homework and studying. I could live without the humidity but other than that what could be better.
I also find that summer is a great time to try some new recipes.

So I'll share one I just found I haven't tried it yet but is sounds so refreshing.

Cucumber-Avocado Yogurt Soup
This recipe will serve 4-6 people, but can easily be doubled for a crowd.

2 medium or 4 small cucumbers (best to use organic or English cucumbers)

1/2 avocado, ripe (it would also be fine to use a whole avocado, if you really love avocados)

1 8-oz container plain low-fat or non-fat yogurt

1 tablespoon lime juice

Soy or skim milk, or water, to thin soup if necessary

Salt and pepper to taste

1) Peel cucumber and scoop out seeds with a spoon. Chop coarsely and add to blender.

2) Remove pit and scoop out avocado flesh and add to blender with cucumber. Add yogurt, lime juice, salt, and pepper and blend until smooth, about 1 minute. If soup is too thick, add milk or water in small increments to thin soup to desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings.

3) Refrigerate until ready to serve. Garnish with salsa.

Salsa Garnish for soup
This is a great garnish for soups, or even to eat with chips alone.

1/4 cup chopped bell peppers (various colors)

1/4 cup diced tomatoes, seeds removed

1 tablespoon diced red or sweet onion or sliced scallions (green and white parts)

1/4 cup diced unpeeled cucumbers, seeds removed

1 tablespoon chopped jalapeno peppers, seeds removed (keep some seeds if you want it spicy)

Splash lime or lemon juice

Splash olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients in a bowl, taste, and adjust seasonings. Refrigerate until ready to serve, and garnish soup with salsa. Serve any extra salsa with chips or bread.

If you try it let me know what you think.

What makes BarMitzvahFavors.com Special?

A child's Bar/Bat Mitzvah is truly a coming of age experience in the Jewish religion and within your family. When a child turns 13 they are entering young adulthood. This means they usually if they haven't already are voicing their opinions and think they know everything. It isn't until they are truly adults with full responsiblitiies that they realize that you never stop learning and having to make decisions.
With this all said we know how difficult it can be to put all the pieces together for the perfect celebration for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah child. From picking the event venue, photography, music, games,favors etc.
At BatMitzvahFavors.com we take the headaches away. We will help you find the perfect item and create just the right imprint that fits your individual families needs. We aren't about telling you what you must do; we want to make sure you have what you want and what fits your special day.
Each Bar/Bat Mitzvah favor that we do is special because it is for your child. Nothing means more to us than making sure that your child is pleased with the final product. With that in mind you will see a large selection of favor options on the website but if you don't see what you want or you need assistance in figuring out what you should give just contact us.
You can either call 561-750-8683 or e-mail us at info@barmitzvahfavors.com for "Favors that will be remembered long after your party is only a treasured memory".

The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Weekend

Bar/Bat Mitzvah's have become more than just a ceremony with a party to celebrate after the service. They have become an all encompassing weekend event. Starting with making arrangements for the out of town guests including space reserved in a hotel so family members can all be together, a welcome bag so they have goodies to snack on after their trip, a shabbat dinner so their stomaches aren't growling at the Friday night Shabbat service. Saturday is the actual service with a kiddush lunch to follow if the party isn't until the evening. Then the party celebration including cocktail hour for the adults and children, entertainment for the children, dancing, dinner and a favor to remember the event. Sunday brings the closing of the weekend with a brunch to recap the weekend and say goodbye to your out of town guests.

The one thing that should without a doubt be sent home with your out of towners is a guide to dieting after the celebration. Mazel Tov!

Why do we give out favors?

I have loved favors since I was a little kid. I remember I couldn't wait for a party to be over so I could get that special something. Then I became a Mom and again I was obsessed with favors. I couldn't wait to hunt out that special favor to make my child's birhtday celebration just a little bit more special. So it wasn't that unusual that when my oldest was getting ready to have her Bat Mitzvah that I again would be in search of that Special favor. This favor had to have a logo so that it would commemorate the occasion. I had a hard time finding someone who could show me something and create it for me. I finally did find it but I also decided to follow my favor passion and help other people come up with that Special favor. So 6 1/2 years later I not only have a showroom for my local clientele to visit I have an e-commerce site to assist people all over the country. So call me or e-mail me and let me help you find that Special favor that will be remembered long after your party is only a treasured memory.
info@barmitzvahfavors.com or 561-750-8683

How time flies by

Wow I can't believe it's the end of April! I especially can't believe that so much time has gone by since I last wrote a blog; so sorry about that.
Speaking of time the school year is almost over we are already working on June Bar/Bat Mitzvah's; I'm not sure where this year has gone. Between day to day life, work and family,a child in their first year of college, a new President and the economic turn down life has been busy.
Well if you are anything like me and just saw the year fly by then it would be wise to start preparing during the summer months for your up coming Bar/Bat Mitzvah. So whether that involves getting the clothing, thinking about your theme or finding the perfect favor for your event the summer is the best to do your research. For those of you who have children who are fortunate enough to go to summer camp but need to practice for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah that is coming up in September or October check with your camp. Many times they have tutors available to assist your children. Summer without the worries and pressure of school work on top of everything else is a good time to clear the cob webs and prepare for your most memorable of occasions.
So feel free to contact us if we can be of assistance at info@barmitzvahfavors.com or 561-750-8683 for "Favors that will be remembered long after your party is only a treasured memory"

Another Passover Recipe

I definitely realize that tomorrow is the first seder and I do have a menu prepared and most of the shopping done but I just found another recipe that I think I might swap out with my mash potatoes. I always make those for my daughter who is a little fussy. I found this great Baked Potato Latkes recipe that can be made ahead of time and it's even low fat.

Baked Potato Latkes

Ingredients

3 spray(s) cooking spray
2 pound(s) potato(es), yellow, peeled
3 medium shallot(s)
1/2 cup(s) fat-free egg substitute
3 tbsp matzo meal
1 1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp table salt
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Spray a standard 12-indentation muffin tin with nonstick spray.


Use the large holes of a box grater to shred the potatoes. Working by small handfuls, squeeze the shredded potatoes over the sink to get rid of any excess moisture. Place in a large bowl.


Stir in the shallots, egg substitute, matzo meal, thyme, salt, nutmeg, and pepper. Divide the mixture into the 12 muffin indentations.


Bake 30 minutes. Spray the tops again with nonstick spray. Continue baking until browned and set, about 30 more minutes. Cool at least 10 minutes on a wire rack before serving. Makes two latkes per serving.

Notes:
Store latkes in the tin, covered, in the refrigerator and reheat in a preheated 375ºF oven for about 15 minutes.

So if it isn't written in stone change it up and try this recipe.

Let me know what you think!

Getting ready for Passover?

Passover is just a couple of days away and if you are anything like me you tend to have your specific recipes for each holiday but you like to try a new one each year. I like the tried and true but I also like to spice things up. I love when people send me new recipes so here is one I found.


Chakchouka (Moroccan Salad)

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

8 to 10 ripe tomatoes, halved, seeded and chopped

3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

2 green bell peppers, cored, seeded and chopped

1 jalapeno or serrano chili pepper, seeded and minced

1 tablespoon sweet paprika

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

1 tablespoon lemon zest

salt to taste

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Add tomatoes and cook, stirring 4 to 6 minutes until they breakup and begin to exude juices and melt apart. Add garlic, peppers, chili peppers and spices and lemon zest. Continue to saute 3 minutes until well cooked and mixture forms a chunky sauce. Season with salt. Sprinkle with parsley. Makes 10-12 servings

Only 43 calories per serving

Enjoy! Send me recipes too! ami@barmitzvahfavors.com

Green Products for your Bar/BatMitzvah Favor

The most common question we get asked from our clients is what is new and different for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah Favor give-a-way. This year I would have to say it would be a green product. There are bags and water bottles that are perfect give-a-aways for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah favors. These are items that always get used and are most definitely affordable.
In a time when we are trying to be more aware of our surroundings and we need to make sure that our children and our children's children have a safe environment to live in this is a great statement to make. It is truly a Mitzvah to enlighten our children about saving our earth.
So e-mail us info@barmitzvahfavors.com or give us a call 561-750-8683 and will be more than happy to assist you with the newest green products available for "Favors that will be remembered long after your party is only a treasured memory"

What makes a favor unique?

We are constantly being asked what is the hottest new product for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah Favor? There are always new bags and new apparel styles and even some new tech items. But to be honest what makes the item truly unique is the artwork that is created. Many parents say to me every weekend their child is going to a Bar/Bat Mitzvah and they all say"all my child comes home with are sweatshirts and t-shirts". The truth is though that the kid's love these because they can have a graphic designed that commemorates their special day. They know everyone wears it after the weekend so the memory of their special day lives on. Of course the same holds true for other products as well; bags for instance. What these products have in common is that they all have large imprint areas.

Other popular items are blankets which can be used at home or at a sporting event, towels or beach mats for the beach (these are especially popular in warmer climates), water bottles(tons of options) which can be used when you are out and about or playing sports.

Please contact us and we will assist you in finding the perfect Bar/Bat Mitzvah favor that will be remembered long after your party is only a treasured memory. Please feel free to call 561-750-8683 or e-mail us info@barmitzvahfavors.com we look forward to hearing from you.

Help with Bar/Bat Mitzvah Favors in a downturned economy

At BarMitzvahFavors .com we have always tried to be sensitive to each families budget for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah childs favors. As you can see when you peruse our website there is something that fits everyone's budget. We are here to make sure we can assist you in adding that special touch to your event. We don't want to loose sight of what is truly important about this most memorable of occasions.

With all this said we like everyone in the US and around the world are aware of the economic crisis that has engulfed all of our lives. With this in mind we are trying to assist our clients in whatever way we can to help them save money while still providing a Bar/Bat Mitzvah favor for their event. So check out our Specials section where you will see a variety of items that are on sale.

Please feel free to contact us for assistance either by e-mail: info@barmitzvahfavors.com or give us a call 561-750-8683 -For "Favors that will be remembered long after your party is only a treasured memory".
draft