Bar/Bat Mitzvah Chachkies

For many families, ordering prizes (give-aways or chachkies) can be a daunting task and comes with many questions. What should I get? How many should I get? Do I have enough? Am I wasting my money? Do these kids really need another top hat?

With over 25 years of DJing Mitzvahs, of various themes and sizes, I would like to share some of Press Play’s tips for ordering these chachkies.

• First and foremost, YES, you should purchase give-aways for your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah. We find that they help keep the kids interested and engaged. Even those who do not want to participate in the games and dancing get excited when we are handing out free stuff. With all of our Mitzvah packages, you will receive CDs and Mardi Gras beads.

• It is recommended that you purchase 2-3 other chachkies for the event. There are great places, both online and in-store, where you can find hundreds of choices. Our favorite shops include Oriental Trading Co. (online), Rhode Island Novelty (online), and Dart Sales (in Norwood). You can also go to Party City, but I find the selection to be limited and they are a little more expensive.

• We also suggest that you purchase one of each give away for each kid. It can be very difficult for DJs to remember who got what and how many. Sometimes we encounter the “puppy dog eye” from guests who never got one, or anything for that matter, because we did not have enough to go around. Any extras will be handed out to adults and sometimes even the wait staff (who are always extremely appreciative).

• What to buy is ultimately and entirely up to you and your Mitzvah girl or boy. However, here is a list of both good and bad options, based on our experience.

The Good – Kids and adults love them, there are tons of styles, and most of them last
1. Beads
2. Glow sticks or necklaces (keep in the freezer after the party and they may last longer)
3. Hats
4. Sunglasses
5. Anything LED that lights up or blinks (rings, earrings, balls, key rings, etc.)

The Bad – They break easily, can be destructive, and usually get left on the floor
1. Blow-up guitars, microphones, etc
2. Maracas
3. Hawaiian leis

We hope some of these tips will help as you begin planning your Bar/Bat Mitzvah! As always, if you have any questions, we are here to help. Our goal is to make your Mitzvah a fun, exciting, and memorable event for your family and all of your guests.