Gift ideas that support Israel

Help Israel with your shopping! Buying Israeli gifts for Chanukah, Christmas, or any other occasion is a great way to show support.

We’re doing as much as we can to support our brothers and sisters in Israel, and the Israeli and Jewish communities around the world. As I started to think about Chanukah and Christmas gifts for my friends and family, it occurred to me that buying products from Israeli companies, authors, and artisans, would be a small but important way to show support.

Here are some useful links, and a few of my favourite items, that you might like to consider when making seasonal gift purchases.

Israeli gifts from artisans on Etsy

Etsy is a global marketplace of independent craftspeople and artists. You can filter search results by country of origin, to find Israeli-made gifts. There’s everything from homewares and handmade soaps, to judaica, jewellery and downloadable art prints, so you should be able to find something you love!

Some of my favourites include:

• ‘Let’s Jam’ donut tote bag
• 7 species of Israel mug
• Hamsa apron

These three are all from jewgotitart, who donates 10-15% of all sales to support wounded soldiers and families in need in Israel.

You can also check out the Support Israeli Artists Facebook group, where individual artists and artisans in Israel are able to show and sell their work.

Books by Israeli chefs and authors

Some of my favourite cookbooks by Israeli authors include:

• Savory Flavors by Ronald J DIller – a culinary journey around Israel, taking in diverse cuisines and family recipes from India, the Balkans, North & East Africa, the Middle East, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and the Caucus Regions as well as Bedouin, Druze, and Circassian foods.
• Candies from Heaven by Gil Hovav – a personal food memoir (including 20 family recipes) from Israel’s leading culinary journalist.
• Sababa by Adeena Sussman – this book is full of fresh flavours, and delicious vegetable-forward dishes.
• Breaking Breads by Uri Scheft – written by the owner of the famous Breads Bakery in NY, this book is a bread-baker’s delight (and of course includes the world-famous Nutella babka!)
• Gazoz: The Art of Making Magical, Seasonal Sparkling Drinks by Benny Briga – owner of the amazing Levinsky 41 in Tel Aviv, home to incredible hand-mixed fizzy drinks and delicious nibbles.
• Tasty and Healthy by Omer Miller, Dan Turner and Elinoar Rabin – is an amazing resource when cooking for special diets and allergies, and all the recipes are beautiful and delicious!

Books on my wish list include:

• Shuk From Market to Table, the Heart of Israeli Home Cooking, by Einat Admony
• Zahav: A world of Israeli Cooking, by Michael Solomonov
• Shabbat: Recipes and Rituals from My Table to Yours by Adeena Sussman

Israeli cosmetics and pampering gifts

Dead Sea mud and minerals are amazing for the skin! Ahava is the best-known Israeli brand of Dead Sea cosmetics, and their products are available on Amazon.

I particularly like the hand creams as the Winter cold plays always leaves my hands super dry. They make lovely gift sets too.

Delicious Israeli food gifts

There are some lovely edible gifts available that are made in Israel. In Jewish or kosher shops you will find lovely olive oils, Israeli wine, and chocolate from Israeli producers like Holy Cacao. Brands such as Providence Deli also source their products in Israel, so it’s always worth reading the label!

Machester-based R&M Fine Chocolate was set up by Israeli Raanan Malkin and offers nationwide delivery. His chocolates are beautiful and delicious, and kosher under Manchester Beth Din. If you know of other ex-pat Israelis operating in the UK, please let me know.

Other foodie gifts can be bought online. Amazon has a great selection of halva and spreads from Israeli brand Achva, classic chocolate-orange Sabra Liqueur, and Milk & Honey Israeli single malt whisky.

This article was first published on 21 November 2023. It was updated and republished on 2 December 2024.