Ever since we were kids, we’ve understood two things about Rosh Hashanah: that having our new year start in the fall is the undisputed correct timing, and that getting two new years is the ultimate flex. If you’re not a new year’s fan like we are, we get it — the Jewish High Holidays have so much else to offer, spiritually and culturally. But if you relish in the opportunity to remake yourself at every opportunity, here are some ideas for 5787 from the Kveller editors.
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This is the year I get organized
Skylight Calendar
It's time for my 4-year-old daughter's many birthday party invitations to live somewhere besides my work calendar. This is less about me becoming a different type of person than my family becoming a different type of family: one that always knows the whereabouts of each other, what days we're leaving for that trip and when there is a random half-day of school. —Molly
Bamboo desk organizer
I'm constantly fantasizing about what life would be like if I just [did task I have not managed to turn into a habit in 37 years on earth], which is essentially a fancy way of saying what would life be like if I was a totally different person? This new year, I'd like to be the kind of person who keeps my desk clean. I won't be, but this desk organizer could help keep the fantasy alive for a minute or two. —Vanessa
Undated planner
You could spend hours finding the perfect planner that matches your aesthetic and is customized perfectly to the way your brain works, but this minimal, undated calendar is perfect if you need to get started right this second.
Toy storage
This is the year we stop tripping on our kids’ toys because they’ve all been put away in this toy system by perfectly behaved children who always willingly put away their toys.
This is the year I up my accessory game
Crystal earrings
Can you imagine if I was the kind of person to A. change my earrings, ever, B. wear fancy earrings, ever, and C. spend $250 on earrings, ever? Imagine!!! —Vanessa
Cashmere coat
What if I was the kind of person who wore a fancy cashmere coat everywhere instead of an REI rain jacket that makes me look like I want to go on an impromptu hike every time I step outside? (To be fair, I do want to go on an impromptu hike every time I step outside, but still.) —Vanessa
I know not many people wear watches anymore (that’s what phones are for) but this one is modeled after the clock on the famous Jewish Town Hall in Prague and the hand turns from right to left like Hebrew text is read which is just so cool. —Molly
We’re being told ponchos are in. This is great news for women who like to drape themselves in comfy, flowy fabric — this one has a nice geometric design that brings to mind honeycomb in fall.
This is the year I keep in touch with my long distance friends
How cute is this set of birthstone birthday cards for every month? If I have the birthday cards readily available, I’ll send them… right? Right?? —Daci
This fun book will get you inspired to be intentional with your analog correspondence. Maybe you’ll even find a pen pal!
If there’s one lesson I’ve learned from my 4-year-old, it’s stickers make everything better. Jewish design queen Susan Alexandra is releasing a sticker book full of her whimsical, colorful designs that would make any envelope a work of art. —Molly
This is the year I invest in self-care
My lifelong quest to find a signature scent is still ongoing. Will I find it in the Jo Malone universe? I’m hopeful. —Daci
This set promises to help you give yourself a super quick manicure at home. It might just be the gorgeous packaging, but I think I believe them. —Daci
This is the year I celebrate Shabbat regularly
At press time, these sleek Shabbat candles are on sale — the perfect time to stock up for the year!
Shabbat calls for an exciting, fresh-baked dessert on the table. Leah Koenig’s new cookbook will have you covered for the year.
This is the year I stick to a new hobby
Menschie mahjong set
This beautiful Jewish themed mah jongg set won’t ship until January, meaning you can order it now for this new year, learn to play, and be rewarded with a new set for the 2027 new year.
These 15 minute art books are the perfect bite-sized commitment to learning a new skill.
Anecdotally, everyone we know who is into needlepoint is infinitely happier and calmer than everyone else around them. It feels like we should learn — and like this mezuzah kit is a great place to start.
