A trip to Israel is not complete without some shopping for the best things to buy in Israel. But if you are wondering what to buy in Israel, you are not alone. This Middle Eastern country has an array of fun and unique souvenirs to buy when you visit Jerusalem, or Tel Aviv or Eliat.
Israel’s currency is called the Israeli New Shekel. 1 USD is equal to about 3.6 ILS (Israeli Shekel). 1 Euro is equal to about 4.1 ILS. (current to March 2019). The Israeli Shekels can add up fast when you check your change as 1, 5 and 10 Shekel denominations are coins. 20, 50 and 100 Shekels are paper bills.
Many people, like me, like to bring home gifts from Israel to share with friends and family, as well a mementos from an amazing visit. Keep reading this guide to what souvenirs can you buy in the Holy Land.
What to Buy in Israel: 15 Unique Israel Souvenirs
Eliat Stone
The Eliat stone derives its name from the city of Eliat, where it was once mined. It is the national stone of Israel and is sometimes referred to as the King Solomon stone. The stones make beautiful jewelry and make great gifts from Jerusalem.
Dead Sea Salt and Mud
The Dead Sea is well known for its high concentration of mineral rich waters and the healing properties that come with it. It is particularly Whether it is salt, soaps, lotions or Dead Sea mud, this is one of the things to buy from Israel for anyone who wants to improve their skin, treat acne, and treat psoriasis. Even if these claims are not true, after covering yourself in the mineral rich mud and bathing in the Dead Sea my skin felt great for days. Make sure you take a day trip to Masada and the Dead Sea when you visit Israel.
Christian Holy Land Jewelry
Whether you are looking for a traditional cross necklace or beautiful rings or cross earrings, buying a piece of Christian fashion in the Holy Land is a popular choice. If you are Christian and want to know what to buy in Israel, a stunning piece of jewellery is a great option. If you are not yet headed to the Holy Land, you can pick up some nice jewelry here.
Olive Wood Carvings
The olive tree is native to the Holy Land where it has been planted an cultivated for thousands of years. The olive branch has been seen as a symbol of peace and godwill. The Bible makes many references to olives and olive oil and the olive branch. Wondering why you should buy something made from Olive Wood without damaging these important trees. Well, most olive wood carvings are made from the pruning of the olive trees, which is an essential process for healthier growth of the tree.
Armenian Pottery
Armenian Pottery is famous around the world for its striking bold colors, and hand-painted designs. Armenian pottery is known for its high quality designs, whether traditional Christian scenes or ornate hamsa creations. Whether you are looking for a mosaic or a beautifully painted piece, you will find plenty of shops in Jerusalem and all over Israel that sell Armenian pottery.
Zataar Spices
Israeli Zaatar (or Zatar) spice is made up for sumac, oregano, toasted sesame seeds, thyme and salt. it is commonly stirred into olive oil and baked on bread. It is hard to miss and you will find it at breakfast buffets, in markets, and sprinkled all over a variety of foods. You can buy it at any market to bring home from Israel. You can also find this spice more and more at home, but I have never found anything remotely close to what you can find in the Middle East.
Dates
Dates have been a staple food in the Middle East for thousands of years. The Middle East and North Africa are the main producers of dates. Mejool dates are a large, succulent date and are cultivated in Israel (and other nearby countries). Dates are mentioned in the Bible and the Quran. These are one of the popular edible souvenirs from Israel to bring home and make a great gift or something to share with friends and family.
Kippah Jewish Souvenirs
A Kippah is a brimless hat, often made of cloth that is worn by jewish men and boys to cover their head. Some will wear it all the time, and some will just wear it during prayer. It signifies that God is above them and is a way to always honor him.
Hanukkah Menorahs
You will see Hanukkah Menorahs all over Israel and they make a great Israeli souvenir to bring back from your trip! They come in all shapes and sizes and some are just decorative while others can actually be used.
Things to Try in Israel
When visiting Israel, there are so many amazing foods to try! One of my favorite sweet treats is halva! They have so many flavors in the local markets, you might need to sample more than one! Another popular thing to try is all of the breads! What they call a “bagel” a long sesame seed covered bread is delicious! Dates and other dried fruits are very popular and fruits and juices are prolific around the local markets in places like Jerusalem.
What to Buy in Israel Final Thoughts
There are plenty of places to buy Jewish Souvenirs, Christian Souvenirs and mementos from Israel all over the country. There are small stalls in the Jerusalem Old CIty as well as large souvenir shops! I did not see many souvenirs at the airport, but it is a big airport and I might have not had any near my gate. To be safe, pick some up before you get to the airport.
More Planning Resources for Israel
If you are looking for some things to do in Israel and are on a budget, we took two tours with Abraham Tours and learned so much about this complicated region of the Middle East! If you are planning on visiting some of the neighbouring countries around Israel, check out things to buy in Egypt, and things to buy in Jordan.
Ensure you have Travel Insurance
There are a few other things to think about when it comes to travel. The first thing is travel insurance. Whether it is an emergency room visit for something as simple as strep throat, or an emergency appendix surgery, or an unfortunate moped incident things do go wrong when people travel everyday.
I highly suggest travel insurance and a good policy. I personally never travel without it, and I even checked into my policy about care for my children if I am ever in an accident or hospitalized. There are just too many things to think about.
You can find out more information and buy your travel insurance here.
Lindsay Nieminen hails from Vancouver, Canada and shares her love of travel on this website. She is passionate about showing others that they should not put off traveling the world just because they have young children or are single parents. She aims to encourage them to seek out adventure, whether it is at home or abroad by providing information on how just about everywhere can be a destination to explore as a family.
Peg
Tuesday 5th of April 2022
I just got back from Israel, and DID pick up some of these things you mentioned. I wish I had seen this first, but the things I got were super great prices at Johnny's in Bethlehem. I got an Olive Wood nativity set (glued down, not movable which were considerable more expensive), a simple silver cross which looks like nails and silver chain, a miniature model of the ark of the Covenant, complete with charm size bowl of manna, aaron's staff, and the 10 commandments, a Mezuzah to hand on my door frame, some olive wood bowls, some hand painted bowls and plates (small size) a prayer shawl (for when I pray for Israel and actually for anyone), and some olive wood ornaments. Johnny ships it to your home and it arrived within a week!! I also got a free yamaka my husband used when he went to the wall. I WISH I had picked up some spices: Hyssop, and the one you mentioned. And Halva (sooo good, although I can get it at local Mediteranian shops here). and I did bring chunks of salt from the Salt Sea. As well as pottery shards found ALL over on the ground!
Lindsay Nieminen
Tuesday 5th of April 2022
Glad to hear you had a great shopping experience! Thanks for letting us know about the shipping option and that it arrived quickly (Which country are you in - for shipping information purposes). A note about things like pottery and other artifacts on the ground. When it comes to touching ancient sites, nothing should be taken from the site.