Originally published December 7, 2012 and updated November 13, 2020.
Hanukkah gift envelopes are the perfect gift for celebrating the holiday. They are a charming handmade gift and can be created with beginning level hand sewing skills.

My friend K. celebrates Hanukkah. She was telling me last week that she has established a family tradition of giving her children gifts in envelopes for each day of Hanukkah.
My family celebrates Christmas. I thought I’d whip up an early Christmas gift for K. that she can use in her family’s celebration of Hanukkah. I just had to make sure to get it done in time for Hanukkah, which started before Christmas that year.
One of the many things that are important to me about my friendship with K., is that we share our traditions with each other. It’s a wonderful way to strengthen our friendship and our families enjoy sharing holidays together, too.
Hanukkah Gift Envelopes
Supplies
- Felt – You can purchase felt from the bolt, which makes it easier to to make a larger envelope than purchasing pre-cut squares of felt.
- White embroidery thread
- Embroidery needle
- Paper and pencil
- Paper Scissors
- Fabric Scissors
I drew my own envelope template on a piece of paper, but you could unfold an envelope and use it as a template. Just realize you won’t need the side pieces that fold out. You’ll be sewing the side of the envelope together, so cut your template to resemble mine.
I simply placed the template on the felt and cut around it. You don’t have to worry about being extremely precise.
Sew the sides of the envelope together. I did this on the sewing machine, but you could sew it by hand.
I used a blanket stitch to edge the flap of the envelope. It’s an easy beginner’s stitch for embroidery. You can learn how to sew a blanket stitch here.
I then embroidered the children’s names on 3 of the envelopes. My original intention was to make 8 envelopes for each child. But… time got away from me. I guess I have a gift idea for K. for next year.
To embroider the names, I simply wrote them on lightweight paper, tracing paper is perfect, and then used an outline stitch to sew the names through the paper onto the fabric. Once I was done, I gently tore the paper away, leaving just the embroidered names.
My friend, K., puts different monetary amounts in the envelope each night for the children. Knowing me, I’d add a handwritten note from mom, too.
She collects bills with meaningful dates for printing locations for the children to make the gift even more special.
I’ve shared other Hanukkah DIY gifts I’ve made for K. and her family over the years and added some ideas from other bloggers.
I’ve also shared other thoughtful gift ideas for many occasions:
- Birthday Care Package
- Best Subscription Boxes for Older Women
- Best Subscription Boxes for Men
- Unique Gifts for Mom
- 25 DIY Gifts for Men
- Practical Housewarming Gifts
- The Perfect Gift for Everyone on Your List
Happy Hanukkah! Who do you know that would love a thoughtful gift of these DIY Hanukkah gift envelopes?
The Busy Bee's says
What darling envelopes! Thank you for linking up the Adorned From Above Blog Hop! We appreciate you sharing with us!
Debi @ Adornedfromabove.com
Joye & Myrna @ thebusybhive.blogspot.com
Debi @ Adorned From Above says
These are so cute. I love them. Thanks so much for sharing at Wednesday’s Adorned From Above Blog Hop.
Have a great weekend.
Debi @ Adorned From Above
Joye and Myrna @ The Busy Bee’s
Yael from Home Garden Diggers.com says
These envelopes are so cute. Perfect for that Hanukkah Gelt. Love them.
Yael from Home Garden Diggers
Mariel says
So cute! I would love for you to share this or any of your great ideas at the link party going on now (and every Saturday – Tuesday) at ‘Or so she says …’ Hope to see you there! http://www.oneshetwoshe.com
Doreen says
Hi Susan,
I clicked over from One Project at a Time’s linky party. Love your Hanukkah envelopes They are so pretty, personal and functional. I’m sure your friend must love them. It’s so nice to see bloggers sharing Hanukkah ideas along with the Christmas projects. I also share both! Would love for you to stop by!
Doreen
http://altered-artworks.blogspot.com
Rory Fugerson says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Susan@Organized31 says
Rory, do give making the envelopes a try. They are very simple to make. If you don’t do sewing, you could always use fabric glue and add trim with fabric glue. Have fun with them.