Can you believe that Hanukkah will arrive in only 38 days?! I’m planning my gifts now, and at the top of the list is a Sonora Menorah.

The majority of Jewish homes have at least one menorah (the traditional, silver variety); I actually own several. While I love a classic, I also crave new designs to freshen my holiday décor. I’ve seen many different kinds of novelty menorahs before—sports theme, high-heeled shoes, seashells, etc. They’re all adorable, but never have I seen one as unique as the Sonora Menorah; it’s a Saguaro cactus!

This remarkable creation was designed by husband-and-wife team, Eliot and Mickii Cohen. After moving to Tucson, they became familiar with cacti and have loved them ever since. Seeing them as living, spiritual entities, with a shape reminiscent of a menorah, they set out to make a beautiful symbol that celebrates a place and a people.

Thanks to their hard work and ingenuity, no matter where in the world you live, a piece of the Southwest can brighten your mantel or holiday table. Here in New England, the weather is often cold and snowy during Hanukkah, and I am so excited to have a little bit of the desert (especially since we don’t have cacti growing up north)!

They also have a wonderful sense of humor, evidence by the company motto: “Forty years in the desert and this is what we found.” Funny, huh?

Each menorah arrives snugly and safely in the box pictured above. Inside, you will find a hand-painted delight that’s truly one of a kind. It’s made from a hard composite material that’s very sturdy (important with clumsy kids and pets that knock stuff over constantly). Metal inserts are supplied to help keep dripping/scorching to a minimum as the candles burn down.

Currently, Sonora Menorah is having a Pre-Hanukkah sale. You can buy one today for 40% off. (It’s worth every penny.) I know that my family will be enjoying ours for many years to come!