From bagel wall clocks to bissli-patterned socks and gift boxes packed with artisan Israeli treats — think dates, olive and fresh citrus fruits — there are so many gorgeous gifts you can buy directly from the Holy Land.
Not only are they a bit different but you’ll also be supporting Israeli artisans, small businesses and famers at a time when they really need us.
I’ve assembled some of the offerings available to showcase the best of Israel's rich culinary and artistic heritage — some of the best Chanukah gifts you can order from Israel this year
A selection of gift boxes filled with local Israeli delicacies such as wines, chocolates, dates, honey, olive oil, olives, and fresh citrus fruit. The Galilee with Citrus Box costs approximately £150, including international delivery, and is a great way to support businesses in the North of Israel.
A gift box service offering box subscriptions and one-off gift boxes filled with products from local Israeli artisans and designers. Food products include chocolate, coffee, honey, olive oil, spices, tea, toffee and wine. Prices range from $39 to $199; free shipping is available on orders over $150. Donating a box to be sent to the families of army reservists (miluimnikim) is also possible.
A monthly box subscription service includes products from small businesses in Judea and Samaria affected by terror and international boycotts. Products include olive oil, spreads, snacks, teas, Judaica, cosmetics, and housewares. The boxes cost $99 monthly and include free delivery.
This olive oil farm in Katzrin in the Golan produces natural, ecological, and organic olive oil. The farm also makes olive-based skincare that is eco-responsible and entirely natural, and it ensures that the olive residue is not left to harm the environment. Along with pure olive oil, Olea Essence produces basil, garlic, lemon olive oil, wildflower honey, silan (date honey), and za’atar. Find out more about olive oil in Israel.
A family-owned company that provides various gift boxes from Israel, including kosher food products like dates, halva, honey, olive oil, tahina, tea blends, and more. I ordered boxes from Yoffi, and the products were delicious. The company was very professional.
Food themed gifts that will make you drool ...
Originally from Sydney, Australia, Barbara is now my neighbour in Jerusalem (but I have always loved her products before I knew her personally). Her stores sell modern, Jewish-themed homeware products with unique designs and prints. Her Foods of Israel collection includes coin purses in the shape of a burka, a donut, and a watermelon; tea towels and aprons with fig leaves; seven species; chicken soup recipe designs; a falafel and pita trivet; a bagel wall clock and more. She also has a dedicated Jaffa orange collection and a pomegranate collection.
A sock brand founded by a young couple in Jerusalem, Groovim has many Israeli food-themed designs, including bissli, challah, chocolate milk, crembo, donuts, gefilte fish, pretzels, and shakshuka. Prices range from NIS 39 to NIS 149, and worldwide shipping is free for orders over NIS 300.
Debbie Kandel is a food and travel writer and founder of Debbest Israel. The self-proclaimed foodie moved to Israel from London in 2008 and is passionate about helping others plan their own adventures in Jerusalem and around Israel. More info on her tailor-made tasting tours of Shuk Machane Yehuda here.
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