It seems strange to say, but we've been so busy scrambling to put together gift guides that Chanukah completely snuck up on me this year. Sure, the fact that the holiday is based on a different calendar and therefore could fall anywhere within a month-long window from year to year doesn't make it the easiest date to pencil in, but really, I think a lot of the problem has to do with the fact that tech gift guides tend to revolve around that other big, year-end gift-giving holiday that starts with a "Ch."

A friend of mine IMed me yesterday to send me holiday wishes. She was a bit early--the actual holiday didn't start until sundown last night (as is the tradition with Jewish holidays)--but still, had she not sent me a note, I'd no doubt have been in the dark for a good chunk of the festival of lights this year.

In an attempt to atone for my lack of celebration (and as a good old-fashioned embracing of my own Jewish guilt--or, rather, gelt), I've scoured the Web to find the eight coolest menorahs for my fellow Chanukah procrastinators out there. [Hats off to VillageHatShop for the pictured Chanukah fashion statement.]

Concrete Menorah

I've taken to calling this one the Whack-a-Mole Menorah. Really, though, it's the perfect way to celebrate the holiday in this post-industrial concrete jungle society of ours. They paved paradise, and all we got was this lousy menorah. The nine candle cubes can be rearranged into various configurations, but make sure to keep the shamash on top.

Dreidel Menorah

The perfect combination of two Channukah mainstays this side of the ill-fated latka menorah, which tends to only last 1 to 5 days, depending on refrigeration. Designed by an Israeli artist, this anodized aluminum menorah made an appearance in the New York Times. I bet that one made his bubba kvell.

High Heel Menorah

Looking for the perfect holiday item for the balabusta who has everything? Finally, a menorah that combines beautiful tradition with modern foot pain. Oy vey, indeed.

Last Match Oil Menorah

A new spin on the old tradition, this menorah brings the holiday back to its Macabean roots by employing oil candles. The candles are shaped like matchheads sticking out of a book, and should burn about 8 hours per refill. It's no miracle, but oy, it could be worse.

LED Menorah

This one's for the DIY Gearloggers out there. Just because you don't celebrate Christmas doesn't mean that you can't enjoy the warming glow of some electronic lights this holiday season. And as we are all well aware by now, LEDs are the green alternative this year. It's a Mitzvah, really.

Menorah Cork

It ain't Chanukkah until you bust out the bottle of Manischewitz. This combination cork/menorah is "safe and sturdy," according to the online store that stocks it,. But honestly, if you don't end up burning down the house after polishing off a bottle, that, friends, would be a miracle.

Transporation Menorah

Nothing makes me quite so nostalgic for my holidays in northern California as this menorah that's strangely reminiscent of San Francisco's Lombard St.

Vespa Menorah

The ultimate mod menorah is designed for all of those ace face macabees out there. Nothing says "Happy Chanukah" like busting out the old collection of Motown 45s. Ah, Smokey Robinson, now there was a mensch.