Why is 'gelt' given on Hanukkah?

Gelt is the Yiddish Word for coins. It is a tradition for Jewish parents to give their children money, and some chocolate companies thought that it would be a good idea to make chocolate coins. These "gelt" became a hit in many places, and they still are today.

Some families like to gamble using gelt instead of money, and playing with a dreydle.