Are Your Hamantaschen: ready to go?It's Purim, party people, and that means you have six mitzvoth to observe in the next couple of days. What, you thought it was just a costume party? The Purim mitzvoth are:

1. Hearing the Megillah. We’re supposed to hear the Megillah twice: Once tonight, and once tomorrow morning.
2. Giving mishloach manot to your friends and family.
   
3. Giving money to the poor.
   
4. Having a festive Purim meal.
   
5. Adding the appropriate prayer, Al Hanisim, during the Amidah
   
6. Being extra happy on Shushan Purim, which this year falls on Shabbat.

Word to the wise: Purim is a great time to try out a new synagogue—you get to see how much liquor they’ve got around and how generous they are with it, and sample their hamantaschen. A lot of synagogues offer Purim Carnivals, such as Ikar in Los Angeles. They're hosting a "Justice" Purim Carnival—with games like Guitar Hero and Wii Sports—from which all proceeds will go to charity. To find a cool shul near you, try shulshopper.

We’ve already covered giving mishloach manot here, but remember that the mitzvah is to distribute them on the day of Purim, which is Friday. Ideally, one should send them by messenger, but if your chauffeur has the day off, it’s cool to deliver them yourself. You should put together and send at least two gift baskets.
You Gotta Give: to everyone who asks on Purim
Giving money and gifts to the poor is an integral part of celebrating Purim. On Friday one should try to give money, food or clothing to at least two needy people. The minimum amount you should give is only about 20 cents per person, but if you can afford to give more, then do so. Technically one is obligated to give money to every needy person who asks on Purim, and it’s preferable to give more money to the poor than to spend tons on your mishloach manot or on making a lavish Purim meal.

Having a festive meal on the day of Purim is one of the less commonly observed mitzvoth, but it need not be. Since Purim falls on Good Friday this year, you might have the day off, which means plenty of time to put together a nice Purim brunch. Check out Not Derby Pie for some great ideas, or our own Jewcy suggestions. And we’re supposed to drink on Purim, so how about mimosas? Another suggestion: Brew up a pitcher of Sukkot Sangria, and tell your friends it's Purim Punch.

Being especially happy and joyous on Shabbat, and adding Al Hanisim during the Amidah are pretty easy to figure out without much explanation.

Now, start cleaning for Pesach…

Related: Must Have: Readymade Purim Baskets, How To: Make Your Own Purim Baskets

Pre-Made Mishloach Manot: no need to lift a fingerYesterday we gave you some ideas and tips for creating your own mishloach manot. Today, we're giving a shout out to the especially busy and/or all-too-lazy readers among us, by offering leads on pre-made Purim Baskets. If you’re too darn lethargic to put something together yourself, fear not:

• You can purchase premade mishloach manot, which can be conveniently mailed to your friends, at Oh Nuts!

• If you're feeling especially generous, you can have mishloach manot delivered to Israeli soldiers.

• Less than enamored by the basket options? Why not send cards that say “A donation has been made in your honor to X charity this Purim” to the important people in your life. Yad Sarah has some beautiful options, and the money helps bring the gift of Mishloach Manot to a homebound and/or disabled person in Israel.

• Table to Table has some cute ones that can even be emailed, with the money going to hunger charities in Israel. Your local synagogue probably has their own version, as well.

Previously: Letters of Creation Necklace (and Natalie Portman's Shoes)

DIY: Mishloach ManotWith Purim quickly approaching, it's time to start putting together the mishloach manot, or Purim baskets, that are customarily given to friends and family for the holiday. There aren’t any hard and fast rules for what has to go into mishloach manot, but Jewish law and custom does dictate that two different types of ready-to-eat food—each of which require a different blessing—should be included. So hamentaschen along with some fruit or a beverage have you covered, but feel free to get creative.

It can be fun to put your personal stamp on Purim baskets, so why not come up with a theme? One timely idea is doing “green” baskets, with reusable containers and organic ingredients. If you’re a big baseball fan, how about filling your basket with snacks you'd get at a ballgame, like beer, peanuts, and popcorn? If you're especially crafty, you might even want to include your own homemade hamentaschen and personal dried fruit mix.

Here are some tips and guidelines to get you started:

1. Make two lists: One of recipients for your baskets, the other of the items you'll include. Then shop accordingly.
2. You can use any kind of container, from a nice wicker basket to a brown bag or shoe box. Recycle something you already have, and feel free to decorate.
   
3. Include a Purim card with each basket.
4. Mishloach manot shouldn't be delivered to anyone currently in mourning.
5. Deliver your baskets on Purim!
6. Have some extra baskets ready to go, just in case someone surprises you with an unexpected offering.