What to buy in Israel: Israeli gift and souvenir ideas

Israel packs thousands of years of history, three great religions and a lively modern culture into a small country, and its souvenirs reflect all of it. Here are fifteen gifts worth bringing home – what they are, who they suit, and where to find them. We sell some of them in our shop in Haifa; for the rest, we point you in the right direction.

Judaica and Jewish symbols

1. A hamsa

The palm-shaped hamsa – from the Hebrew and Arabic words for “five” – is shared by Jewish, Muslim and Christian communities across the Middle East and North Africa. Hung by the door or given as a wish for good luck and protection, it is probably the single most popular gift from Israel. See our Jerusalem hamsa.

2. A seven-branch menorah

The ancient lampstand of the Temple and the emblem of the State of Israel. A decorative menorah is a striking gift for anyone with a connection to Israel.

3. A hanukkiah

The nine-branched Hanukkah lamp, lit over the eight nights of the festival. Not the same as a menorah – our Judaica guide explains the difference.

4. A Kiddush cup

The cup used for the blessing over wine on Shabbat and festivals – a classic gift for a Jewish wedding, a new home or a bar or bat mitzvah.

5. Shabbat candle holders

Two candles are lit on Friday evening to welcome Shabbat. Candle holders decorated with Jerusalem’s skyline bring a piece of the city to the table.

6. Klezmer musician figurines

Silver-tone figures of Jewish musicians – fiddlers, horn players and more – are a long-standing favourite souvenir. See our klezmer shelf-sitters.

Jerusalem, Haifa and the Holy Land

7. A Jerusalem keepsake

Models, plaques and candle holders showing the walls and domes of the Old City are among the most requested souvenirs of Israel, for visitors of every faith – like our 3D Jerusalem panorama.

8. A souvenir of the Bahá’í Gardens

Haifa’s landmark is the golden-domed Shrine of the Báb above nineteen terraces. A Shrine of the Báb plate or model is a souvenir that could only come from Haifa. See all Haifa souvenirs.

9. Bahá’í ringstone jewelry

For Bahá’í friends, a ring or bracelet with the ringstone symbol, bought near the Bahá’í World Centre, is especially meaningful. See Bahá’í jewelry.

Crafts and jewelry

10. Armenian ceramics

Hand-painted Armenian pottery – tiles, bowls and plates in blues, greens and turquoise – has been made in Jerusalem for over a century and is one of the most beautiful crafts of the Holy Land. Look for it in Jerusalem’s Armenian Quarter.

11. Olive wood

Carvings, bowls and nativity sets made from olive wood are traditional souvenirs of the Holy Land, valued for the wood’s warm, swirling grain.

12. Eilat stone and Roman glass jewelry

Eilat stone, a blue-green copper mineral from the south of the country, is often called Israel’s national stone. Roman glass jewelry is set with fragments of ancient glass whose iridescent patina comes from centuries underground; reputable sellers provide a certificate.

Food and drink

13. Halva, tahini, za’atar and dates

Sesame halva in dozens of flavours, rich tahini, the herb blend za’atar, Medjool dates, silan (date syrup) and coffee with cardamom are delicious, affordable gifts. In Haifa, Talpiot Market in Hadar – the same neighbourhood as our shop – is a good place to start.

14. Israeli wine

Wineries in the Galilee, the Golan Heights and the Judean Hills produce excellent wines. Two notes: observant Jewish friends will want a bottle with kosher certification, and Bahá’ís and observant Muslims do not drink alcohol – choose a different gift for them.

Dead Sea products

15. Dead Sea salts, mud and creams

Cosmetics made with minerals from the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, are sold all over Israel and make easy gifts. Pack jars in checked luggage or keep them within the liquid limits for hand luggage.

Packing and customs tips

• Liquids: creams, oils, honey and wine must follow airline liquid rules in hand luggage – pack them in your checked bag.
• Food: packaged foods usually travel well, but check your home country’s rules on meat, dairy, fresh produce and seeds.
• Fragile items: wrap ceramics and porcelain in clothing and carry them in your hand luggage.
• Antiquities: genuine antiquities need an export permit from the Israel Antiquities Authority; licensed dealers arrange it.