Gift ideas when visiting Israel

amother

OP ↓

Yesterday at 8:29 pm

Any ideas for small gifts to bring to friends in Israel- something that'll be fun to get from America?

Elfrida ↓

Yesterday at 9:46 pm

Most things are available in Israel, albeit at a higher price.

Maybe a specific food item that isn't so readily available here would be appreciated.

If you could specify ages, genders, and approximate budget it would be easier to give an answer.

essie14

Yesterday at 9:51 pm

I can't think of anything generic. I know my friends and I all ask for different things when people come from America.
For me, it's usually stuff we are running low on - Nyquil, sugar free Tums, crystal light, granulated onion powder

DH loves bringing back every kind of chips he can find at 7-11. Entenmanns is always a treat.

juggling ↓

Yesterday at 10:05 pm

Interesting spice mixes from trader Joe's? For a while people were bringing everything bagel spice, but that's become more available here (at least in anglo areas).

amother

↑ OP

Yesterday at 10:05 pm

Women/girls- teenagers, 20+ single girl, and 50+ grandmother

I'm looking for something gift-ish, not the toothpaste or spices they want from America, that I'll ask- what can I bring you. But I also want to bring something fun. Inexpensive present

↑ juggling ↓

Yesterday at 10:10 pm

I think the spice mix is more of a gift than a "what can I bring you" but it also sounds like your demographic isn't necessarily cooks.

I think if you're looking for a small, inexpensive gift you should probably shift from the mentality of "something they can't get in Israel" to "something they would enjoy". What's a trendy gift these days in America for that demographic?

Bnei Berak 10

Today at 12:04 am

amother OP wrote:

I agree with juggling. The most appreciated gifts are the ones that people outright request. Items that you use.

amother

Pearl

Today at 12:08 am

Ask them what they would like you to bring! It’s likely they would even want to purchase themselves and if you are able to bring, that’s the biggest gift.

↑ Elfrida

Today at 1:02 am

If they read secular books, they are one of my favourite gifts from chutz l'aretz. The bookshops here have a limited selection, and while amazon will deliver some for free, they often have high delivery costs.

Only buy books if you really know their taste, or if they tell you specific titles. Don't waste money and weight allowance on something they won't read.

choco1

Today at 1:32 am

I live in Israel. I wouldn’t mind receiving an awesome diffuser, maybe a cool vase, tray or bowl from home goods or simiiar.
Someone once sent me a makeup bag with interesting creams and maybe lip gloss from a known store from their area - was really nice!
Agree with above poster - whatever someone would like in the US would be appreciated in Israel whether it’s possible to get here or not.. enjoy your trip !

amother

Seagreen

Today at 1:36 am

My favorite treat from America is Kind Bars but you should ask them.

singleagain ↓

Today at 2:31 am

Wasn't there a whole thing about fruit but foot and fruit roll ups a while back?

↑ juggling ↓

Today at 2:51 am

singleagain wrote:

Wasn't there a whole thing about fruit but foot and fruit roll ups a while back?

I think that was a short-lived tik tok trend. I don't think it's a thing anymore. Also, less for the ages mentioned by OP

↑ singleagain ↓

Today at 2:55 am

juggling wrote:

I think that was a short-lived tik tok trend. I don't think it's a thing anymore. Also, less for the ages mentioned by OP

My mom went to Israel in Feb/March and bright these candies and have them to soldiers at a rest area who appreciated them.

And I'm 38 years old and will sometimes but fruit by the foot for myself simply bc I want it so... 🤷‍♂️

ETA, when my folks were in Israel recently I asked them to get me chocolate eggs.

↑ juggling

Today at 3:28 am

singleagain wrote:

Just left osher ad. They have big Costco size boxes of fruit by the foot. I'm not saying people don't enjoy them. I just don't think too many Israelis would consider them exciting.

↑ singleagain

Today at 3:42 am

juggling wrote:

Just left osher ad. They have big Costco size boxes of fruit by the foot. I'm not saying people don't enjoy them. I just don't think too many Israelis would consider them exciting.

This is probably a case of know thy person.

OP, I'd consider what type of things they like and ask for and then look for something similar.

amother

Lavender

Today at 4:07 am

I always appreciate a nice water bottle or reusable coffee cup (like the good contigo stuff). They are so expensive here, and not as much of a selection.

And we do also always enjoy American snacks, especially trader Joe's stuff that I can't get here (but not twizzlers or Mike and ikes, which both way a lot and are very easy to get in israel).