How to make a tot-friendly menorah for Chanukah

Every Friday my children light the Shabbat candles. My 10 year old handles the matches skillfully, while my 3 year old daughter gets help from my husband (much to her disliking).

And because she wants to be just like her older brother, doing everything he does without help from mommy and daddy, it's going to be a real challenge come Chanukah this year. My husband and I will wrestle to hold her hand so she doesn't burn the house down or worse, herself.

So. what is a parent to do when faced with the dilemma of keeping one's toddler safe when handling fire, while still allowing her some independence?

I've been obsessed with�making these luminaries�With a few recycled materials, some Mod Podge and LED tea lights you too can create a tot-safe menorah just in time for the Festival of Lights!�

And if you don't need a tot-safe menorah how about some cool�Star of David luminaries made the same way with a few simple variations?

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Step 1: Gather materials

To make a tot-friendly menorah you'll need:

8 recycled glass jars all the same size
1 recycled glass jar that's taller than all the rest
Mod Podge (I used a glossy finish for extra shine)
Paint brush
Tissue paper recycled from last year's Chanukah gifts (I used white, blue and yellow)
Scissors
Newspaper
Iron

Nakiah Burnes says: Oct 17, 2011. 2:18 PM

This is a great craft to do with the kids! We have used these led tea-lights in the past for our 6' outdoor menorah. I have a 10 month old and a 30 month old, this got me thinking that you could also use large baby food jars.

Nicola Tesla says: Dec 9, 2009. 1:40 PM

do you celebrate chanukah?

Mplinnc in reply to Nicola TeslaJan 16, 2010. 9:03 AM

My grandmother calibrates EVERY THING.

whenwen (author) in reply to Nicola TeslaDec 9, 2009. 2:21 PM

Yes we do.

Nicola Tesla in reply to whenwenDec 29, 2009. 6:59 AM

thats nice

Mplinnc says: Jan 4, 2010. 1:05 PM

it's safe until you burn your finger off.

otterhopdotcom in reply to MplinncJan 4, 2010. 2:20 PM

Those are LED tea lights--so no real flame = no burns = no worries! See?

Mplinnc in reply to otterhopdotcomJan 16, 2010. 9:02 AM

oh! Sorry I did not read the howl thang 2.

Ward_Nox says: Dec 9, 2009. 8:43 AM

thats a good idea could use it for and advent wreath

whenwen (author) in reply to Ward_NoxDec 9, 2009. 10:58 AM

So true! Thanks for the tip and comment!

bruno13069 says: Dec 4, 2009. 6:40 AM

Great project! Shalom and Happy Chanukah!

whenwen (author) in reply to bruno13069Dec 4, 2009. 7:26 AM

Thanks for commenting! Happy Chanukah to you as well!

bruno13069 in reply to whenwenDec 4, 2009. 4:44 PM

You are more than welcome, but I celebrate the Winter Solstice.
It's all good. ;-)

leeski says: Dec 3, 2009. 5:04 PM

great idea. I've got two little ones 4 yrs old and 2 yrs old, this will be a project that will be used for 8 nights of fun and even better will be aSAFE alternative!

whenwen (author) in reply to leeskiDec 3, 2009. 8:51 PM

Thanks for the comment! My daughter can't help being drawn to shiny things si it's a matter of time until she burns a digit on a flame. I'm hoping our LED menorah will prevent that a few more years.

Happy Chanukah to you and your family!

Icetigris says: Dec 3, 2009. 1:02 PM

Dawww, that's adorable! Also a good idea for those of us who aren't allowed to have candles in our living spaces (university housing). I may have to do something like this. Happy Chanukka :D

whenwen (author) in reply to IcetigrisDec 3, 2009. 1:42 PM

Thanks! What an awesome idea about using this in flame-free spaces! Happy Chanukah !