Last Second Easy Purim ideas!

Purim is the usual type of Jewish holiday… “They tried to kill us. It didn’t work. Let’s eat!” But there are several mitzvot (commandments) and minhagim (customs) very particular to Purim. These make plenty of work for parents and plenty of fun for kids. And if you’re young and single, well, have fun for me!

Below are some easy ideas for a few of the requirements and customs: HAMANTASCHEN, MISHLOACH MANOT and your PURIM SEUDAH.

Many years if I’m busy with other things before Purim I declare I won’t do any more work than I have to. The requirement of the mitzvah to give food gifts (mishloach manot) can be fulfilled by giving only one. But that’s not very fun and also not a great example to your kids. Of course, becoming a crazy, short-tempered perfectionist and staying up until 2am putting together your mishloach manot is also not a great example! So I usually try to find a happy medium.

It is possible to start planning months ahead, creating themed family costumes (complete with taking a family photo a few weeks ahead of time so you can print it on your coordinated mishloach manot gift tag),  and ordering supplies so you aren’t running around at the last minute.

This year I didn’t start planning until 3 days before the holiday, but I’m still not going to let it stress me out.

HAMANTASCHEN

Want to make hamantaschen with your kids but dough isn’t your forte? Buy it! You can usually purchase dough from your local kosher store or bakery. The kids will have fun rolling it out, shaping, filling, baking and eating the hamantaschen.

Here is an easy vegan hamantaschen recipe.  Click here for lots of yummy filling ideas.

MISHLOACH MANOT (3 ideas!)

See here for the mishloach manot I made a few  years ago with baby fruits and veggies. Couldn’t be easier, healthier and cuter, than these mini fruits and veggies!

And if all you can do is run to the dollar store (for the trays) and grocery store, but still want to make something special for a few or all of your mishloach manot, see below for what I made last year.

My Rainbow Mishloach Manot Tray

Inexpensive
Beautiful
Creative
Delicious
Healthy
Works for just about every dietary restriction!

This year I bought reusable containers and the following to put in them:  Chocolate hamantaschen, mini sour watermelon raisin boxes, and mini containers of hummus. I only need to pick up some baby rainbow veggies (carrots for sure, maybe peppers too) and I’m all set! Meets all the requirements of my life mantra: Healthy, Simple and Easy!

SUPER EASY AND HEALTHY SEUDAH IDEA