Wooden Dreidels

Here is a sampling of wood dreidels available for online purchase.  Wood dreidels are made using a variety of techniques:  some are turned on a lathe, some have laser cut parts, and most are assembled from multiple pieces because its easier and less expensive to create a dreidel that way.  I've tried to note the artisan/designer when possible.

Simple Flat Dreidel

This small 2" dreidel falls nicely on it's side -- a nice inexpensive dreidel, but still handmade using laser cut plywood.  Sold in a package of 3.  Price: $15.00 (as of 11/11/08).  Designed and handmade by Cheryl and Don Olney.  Available at Etsy.com

Bead Dreidel

Wooden dreidel about 3" tall. A printed cylindrical wooden bead encased in a wooden framework creates a round in a square sort of dreidel. Comes in a festive pouch.  2-3/4"t x 1-1/4"w. Price: $12.00 (as of 11/11/08).  Designed and handmade by Cheryl and Don Olney.  Available at the Jewish Museum Store

Colorful Wood Dreidel

These inexpensive wood dreidels are solidly constructed and have a unique shape.  This is one of the only mass produced dreidels that is well balanced and consistantly shaped - and thus spins well and isn't weighted to land on a particular side.  2" tall x 1" wide. Price: $1.25 (as of 11/30/08).  Available at one800dreidels.com.

Saguaro Cactus Dreidels

Hand carved from Saguaro Cactus these dreidels by Maury Lipowich are marked using a wood burning technique.  According to his artist page, he had a giant, 18 arm saguaro in his back yard that died and he was determined to see that the skeleton not be wasted.  6"HX5"W  Price: $40.00 (as of 11/30/08).  Available at lipowich.com.

Dreidel Box

This beautiful wood dreidel shaped box by Elliot Landes contains six bronze charms of Hanukkah symbols by Daniel Riccio. Represented are the menorah, a dreidel, an oil cruse, an oil lamp, gelt, and latkes in a pan. The wood body is about 2"" by 2"" by 2"".  Price: $80 (as of 11/30/08).  Available in rosewood with the body made of various blond, red, or brown woods from penmakers.com. 

Classic Dreidel Top

A simple turned wood dreidel with a unique black spinning handle and black branded letters this dreidel is designed by Ulrich Büker.  Solidly constructed of beech wood the dreidel is 29 x 48 mm and spins very well.  Price: $20.00 (as of 11/30/08). Available from the German top retailer Kreiselparadies.de.