There's no religious significance to the gift-giving. However, it is a matter of courtesy, common practice, respect and friendship.
Bar Mitzvah gifts are not important at all. They serve to show the boy that he is loved (or girl, if it's a bat mitzvah), but they are optional.
A good Bat mitzvah gift of money really depends on how close you are to this person. The Jewish tradition is to give gifts of money in multiples of 18.
No. Gifts are never mandatory for any occasion. A Bat Mitzvah greeting card would suffice.
Give them $18- it's traditional
For a bat mitzvah, it is customary to give a gift, which can be either money or a present. Many guests choose to give money, often in increments of $18, as this number represents "chai," meaning life in Hebrew. Alternatively, thoughtful gifts that reflect the interests or hobbies of the bat mitzvah girl are also appreciated. Ultimately, the choice depends on your relationship with the family and personal preference.
A bat mitzvah is the second most important event in a Jewish female's life. It's an event to be celebrated.
Multiples of $18 is the tradition.
The plural for a bat mitzvah is a b'nai mitzvah
Congratulate her on her Bat mitzvah and tell her you know she did a good job on the bema. Tell her you have been thinking of her but can't make it to the bat mitzvah and that you are sending a small gift. You could find a picture of the two of you and frame it or give her a nice necklace to remind her of your friendship and her bat mitzvah.
NO Barmitzvah's are for men. BATmitzvah's are for women
There is no historical tradition of gift giving during Channukah so you do not have to give or get presents. The practice of gift giving during Channukah is mainly specific to the US and Canada and is the result of the holiday falling in the same month as Christmas.
The Bar Mitzvah is a Jewish ceremony that dates to the 13th century and confirms that a Jewish boy has come of age and should be seen as an adult in the community. The celebration of coming of age remains an important rite in Judaism.