Picking out the best educational toys, books and presents for kids - not to mention those designed purely for fun - can make buying Hanukkah gifts a real headache. Even if you love giving out presents to your family and friends during the Festival of Lights, who's honestly eager to wade through all the choices? What's "best" depends on the gift, and it depends on the boy or girl. The top educational toy for one kid may not be appropriate for another.

The stimulating and educational Chanukah gifts for children presented here were chosen for their overwhelmingly positive user reviews. This select list includes can't-go-wrong book recommendations as well as very popular educational games and toys for toddlers and preschoolers (2, 3 and 4 year olds) and boys and girls in grade school. From Jewish educational toys to electronic learning toys, from science learning activities to classic Jewish stories and picture books, here's a small but choosy selection of perfect Hanukkah gifts for each child in your life.

Shop for Educational Toys for Hanukkah at Cookies, the Kids Department Store

For the budding scientist or child who's just curious about nature, consider a physics or chemistry set.  Old-fashioned chemistry sets and physics sets are still made, though they're not as common or popular as games and electronics tend to be.   But those kids who get them enjoy them and find them great fun.

With high marks for being age appropriate, the Chem C2000 Intermediate Chemistry Set is suitable for kids 11 and over. The kit is used with seltzer water, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, and rubbing alcohol, so if you give it as a Hanukkah gift, you may want to throw a bottle of each in while you're at it.

Introducing kids to the science of electronics, the Electronic Lab 130-in-one Project is great for a boy or girl who's a budding engineer or who loves to understand how things work. Needing no tools or any wires or pieces except those included, this kit is safe for kids age 10 and older.

The Disney Netpal is the real deal, when it comes to laptops for children. New on the market, it only has a few reviews, but they're generally positive. The notebook is definitely not a toy, and some of its specs might top your own--though it's definitely designed to appeal to kids. It comes in pink or blue, is built to be sturdy, has customizable parental controls, and has a 5-hour battery life. Perfect to give to a child for Hanukkah as a special gift on the first or last night. Read more about the Disney Netpal.

The "Fudge" Series

For grade school age kids, the Judy Blume "Fudge" books - named after one of the boy characters - make great Hannukah gifts for kids in grade school. Blume writes serious as well as funny books, but these fall distinctly on the "funny" side.

Because Blume remained adamant that, despite her readers' clamoring requests for another sequel, she would only write another Fudge novel when she was truly inspired, readers waited years for her most recent book.  It was worth the wait, in my view (yes, I read them all).  All the books are wonderful. Although girls will like it too, if you're looking for a Hanukkah gift for a boy, this is a great one.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

The only thing better than the movie, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, was the book it was based on. A British writer who fell into writing by accident (ask me sometime about the true story in which C.S. Forester encouraged the British intelligence officer to write), Dahl wrote charming, magical fantasy stories that kids absolutely love. This one's a true classic.

A Little Princess

Written in the 19th century, this book endures with a classic plot and delightful characters. Sara Crewe is a young girl sent to a British boarding school while her father is working in an African diamond mine. Treated like a princess when she's rich, her life takes a drastic turn when her father dies and her status falls from wealthy to poverty-stricken in a day. Shoved into the attic room of the boarding school as a grunge, Sara's spirit remains positive, enabling her to trimph against Miss Minchin, the mean and snobbish headmistress.

Kosher.com carries a variety of flavoured Halva's from chocolate to sugar free.

Hanukkah is not the "Jewish Christmas"....These books will help dispel the myth.

The books listed here teach kids about the Festival of Lights and offer plenty of activities for kids. Any of these would be ideal to give as a present on the very first day of Chanukah.