What to bring from Israel: 10 inexpensive and useful things

Israel, the ancient Promised Land, attracts tourists from all over the world who are attracted by the combination of modernity with the holy places of the Holy Land of the three world religions. A person who has been to Israel, certainly wants to take home souvenirs. It’s easy to choose them, because in Israel there are so many interesting and unusual things. What can I bring from Israel as a gift?

Works of art

Souvenirs from Israel are part of the cultural and historical heritage of the Jewish people. In them, religious and secular themes are embodied in a special way. If you are a fan of art, you should visit Jerusalem. This city is one of the mysterious places on the planet. Once having visited it, you will want to return there again and again and be sure to take memorable souvenirs with you. The choice is widely represented in the form of paintings of various subjects and styles, objects of applied art, for example, a decorative wall plate with views of Jerusalem.

Porcelain in a gold frame in conjunction with silk-screen printing will not leave you indifferent. Handicrafts will attract your attention at an inexpensive price. In special galleries, you can purchase copies of archaeological treasures. They will become an original addition to the home interior. Items directly related to religion are also popular. What souvenirs to bring from Israel to believers?

Spiritual Gifts

In monasteries and shops at churches you can buy consecrated Christian icons, books, copies of Byzantine mosaics, candles and incense. For a believer to go to the Holy Land and not bring one of the Israeli icons to their homeland is unacceptable. In Israel there is the Holy Family icon; there are no analogues in Russia. Go to the first souvenir shop you come across and you will see a copy of the icon on the engraving or canvas. You can also purchase the icons "Theotokos of Jerusalem", "Nikolai the Miracle Worker", "Christ the Savior". There is a widespread belief among believers that the icons brought from the Holy Land are endowed with a special divine power. Popular among visitors are traditional Jewish objects in a stylish design: menorahs, silver glasses with the symbols of Judaism.

You can buy art glass as a gift for friends, unusual items made of straw and wool. A great souvenir is a silk tablecloth. The patterns and coloring of such a tablecloth are unusually beautiful; it is easily washed and ironed. Surprisingly, even when soaking on it, traces of spots already disappear. The thing is very durable. What else can be brought from Israel?

Bijouterie

While in Israel, be sure to visit the Michal Negrin jewelry store. In it at an affordable price you will buy very beautiful jewelry made of silver. Israel is called the Land of Jewelers. This country is famous for its traditions of jewelry making; craftsmanship is passed down from generation to generation.

Silverware created by Israeli jewelers is associated with sophistication and nobleness. The choice is huge: from a small brooch to jewelry with precious stones.

Very beautiful products of TM Magnolia, inlaid with stones of various types. These jewelry are popular in many countries of the world.

Jewelry

Israel does not mine diamonds in the country, however you will buy diamonds there at a price much lower than in Europe or in Russia. Israel has the Tel Aviv Diamond Exchange. It concludes major contracts for the sale of precious stones; it is for this reason that Israeli diamonds are cheaper.

Original jewelry Danon, handmade products.They are produced in small batches, and some in a single copy with natural and exquisite stones.

HAARI produces handicrafts with Kabbalistic symbols. The stones in these products are precious, as well as semiprecious, contain a special sacred meaning.

As a souvenir, guests of the country purchase extremely beautiful and high-quality bracelets made of malachite or Eilat stone. Eilat stone (Solomon's stone) is mined only in Israel. The mineral contains a mixture of malachite, lapis lazuli, turquoise, etc .; such a composition gives beauty to the stone in jewelry. He is magnificent both in silver and in gold. And these are not all souvenirs from Israel. What to bring from cosmetics will be described below.

Cosmetics

The choice of cosmetics in Israel is diverse. The most famous manufacturers are Anava, Sea of ​​Life, Sea of ​​SPA. The most famous body care products are made from Dead Sea minerals or olive oil. Cosmetics are very high quality, but not cheap. Israeli cosmetics is famous for its effectiveness and environmental friendliness.

Tourists mainly purchase affordable bath salts, soap, creams, scrubs, sunblocks. The cheapest gift is a bag of salt, extracted from the Red or Dead Sea with the addition of jasmine, lavender, and rose oils. How much is Israeli cosmetics and what to bring from Israel? Reviews from experienced travelers will answer these and other questions.

The cost of cosmetics from Israel

Dead Sea mud costs between $ 2.5 and $ 10. Bath salts from - 12-15 shekels or from 3-4 dollars. Salt of the Dead Sea - from 30-35 shekels (8-9 dollars). Salt body scrub will cost $ 16-17. Creams - from 7.5 shekels (about $ 2). Hair masks from 6 shekels (1.7 dollars).

Everyone knows about the healing properties of mud and salts extracted from the Dead Sea. With their help, inflamed joints, psoriasis and skin diseases are treated.
You can buy cosmetics in all stores and even in the duty-free zone of the airport.

Israel is a truly spiritual country. There are many religious souvenirs. What do tourists from Israel with such attributes bring from Israel?

Religious paraphernalia

In the specialized store "Hatsorfim" there are widely represented objects symbolizing Judaism.

1. Menorah. This is a very ancient symbol of Judaism, it symbolizes 7 churches of Asia Minor, 7 planets and 7 days of the week. It is a candlestick with seven candle holders. The menorah is exactly described in the Bible. The candlestick itself is made of metal, and the nests for candles are made of glass or ceramic. Sold in souvenir shops. A menorah of silver is valued at $ 10.
2. Hamsa (Hand of the Lord). This souvenir serves as a mascot. It protects from the evil eye. Outwardly, hamsa looks like an open palm of a person, but it is completely symmetrical, because instead of the little finger there is another thumb. This talisman can be seen on postcards, jewelry and on things. If you get a thing with an image of hamsa, hang it in front of the house or on the glass in the car. But you can in any other place where you see fit.
3. Kipa. This is a Jewish headdress, a round cap, worn on the crown of the head. It is made of fabric or knitted from threads; sometimes decorated with religious embroidery. You can give the bale to a person who is not necessarily religious.
4. Star of David. It is a symbol that is traditionally depicted on many things in Israel. It is present on dishes, on clothes and on jewelry of various kinds. Star of David symbolizes Israel.

For guests of the Orthodox faith in souvenir shops small icons are sold, holy land in test tubes, blessed with holy water, and much more. What to bring from Israel as a gift and still not go bankrupt?

Red thread

This thing is a powerful amulet. Many peoples believe in the power of this amulet. The red thread is being brought from Israel, as it gains strength only after consecration at the grave of Rachel - the ancestress of the peoples.The red thread must be tied on the wrist of the left hand for seven knots. Only someone who wishes him well (usually a mother) should tie a thread to a person. The red thread, which is tied to seven knots, protects a person from illnesses and troubles. If the thread breaks, it means a big trouble passed by. This thing is very popular in all countries. Its price is only 2 shekels ($ 0.5).

Edible souvenirs

Edible souvenirs can also be brought from Israel.

1. Hummus. This is a traditional Israeli food for chickpeas puree with lemon juice, olive oil, paprika and sesame. Served with nuts, chips, but you can eat just with bread. Sold everywhere, costs 10 shekels (about 80 rubles) for 500 grams. The product is perishable, so it must be purchased closer to departure from Israel.
2. Dates. A wonderful gift to your household. Very large and tasty dates are cultivated in Israel. Sometimes they are stuffed with nuts. It raises their price, but they are worth it. The best varieties are DegleNur and Majhol. Dates are very useful for human health. They strengthen bones, teeth; perfectly affect the intestines, make skin radiant, and also help restore potency. Sold pre-packaged in 0.5 kg.
3. Honey. Sweet gift from Israel. It has an unforgettable taste. It happens apple, eucalyptus and citrus. It is sold in company stores, markets and airports.
4. Olive oil. This product will compete with Spanish and Greek butter. Israeli olives are very high quality. Israelis constantly hold competitions, contests, which determine the quality of olives grown by different producers.
5. Coffee. In Israel, coffee is sold with an expensive spice - cardamom, it has an exquisite taste and aroma. When buying, you need to look carefully at the pack in which it is placed. It must be green in color; on the front side is a logo in the form of a cardamom leaf. You will find coffee in all major stores, as well as in the Carmel Tel Aviv and Mahane Jerusalem markets. This coffee is brewed only in cezve.
6. Wine. Bring Israeli wine as a gift to a friend. In our country, you rarely find wine from Israel. And there unique wines are made from pomegranate, currant or from other fruits. Winemaking in Israel existed before our era, and now has gained a new dimension. In this small country, wine is produced by more than 150 wineries. The wine brands Flam Wineri, Sas Wineri, Yatir Wineri, Barkan are recognized worldwide. Real Israeli kosher wine. During its manufacture, strict rules are observed, for example, grapes must be from a vineyard that is at least four years old. In the seventh year, the vineyard should rest. Only Jews should be engaged in the production of this wine, and even then only those who observe Shabbat and other traditions. Israeli wines are more tart than those Europeans are used to. It is advisable to purchase them in wineries, where you can taste and purchase cheaper. Prices for a bottle - from 50 shekels (from $ 13).

As you can see, such abundance makes it easy to find the answer to the question of what to bring from Israel.

Wine Tips for Tourists

The following brands are popular with tourists:

• Wine of King David (King David’swine) - at a price of 50 shekels (approximately 400 rubles).
• Pomegranate wine Rimon - at a price of 65 shekels (about 500 rubles).
• Currant wine.
• Premium wine Yarden, Katzrin.

Wealthy tourists buy wines from GolanHeights Wineri. Good for gift Sabra liquors. Sabra's production technology is that the kumquat fruits from which the liquor is obtained must first be soaked in a three-year-old brandy. Sabra is poured into unusual bottles, they are an exact copy of the ancient Phoenician wine jar. Liquor can be added to coffee or used in the preparation of cocktails. Sabra liqueurs were awarded three gold medals at a competition in London.

Game matkot

Locals really love this game. The kit includes two racquets and a rubber ball.It resembles ping pong or badminton, but there is no tennis table and net. You can play anywhere, very conveniently on the beach. A set is sold even in supermarkets. Buy for a gift to friends who love a beach holiday.

After all of the above, everyone probably already noted for themselves what to bring from Israel. Shopping tips for tourists will be presented below.

Little tips for big shopping

A tourist who has entered the land of Israel, like a waterfall, is bombarded with a huge number of things, souvenirs, jewelry, products that you will not find anywhere else. Experienced tourists who have visited this country more than once are advised to pay attention first of all to silverware, handmade ceramic dishes, cosmetics and antiques. Here are some more tips on what you can take with you as a keepsake of this unique country.

For women visiting Israel, it is advisable to purchase items of underwear that are rumored to be not inferior to German and French in quality.

Shoes of the Israeli Couple of brand are stylish, high-quality and affordable.
Do not forget that, despite the abundance, gifts and souvenirs should always be chosen wisely.

note

In conclusion, we give some useful tips for tourists planning a trip to Israel for the first time.

1. Remember: in Israel, stores are closed on Saturday (Shabbat). They work from Sunday to Thursday from 9.00 to 21.00, on Friday - from 9.00 to 13.00.
2. When buying things, be sure to keep your checks, because for large amounts (from 400 shekels, or $ 100), it is possible to return VAT.
3. Religious paraphernalia items are best purchased in Jerusalem or Bethlehem.