The Best Israel Souvenirs To Buy In Israel And Online (2025)
Looking for the best Israel souvenirs for yourself, friends or holiday gifts?
I’ve been to basically every part of Israel and lived there for two years, and I’m listing all the best souvenirs, including what you can buy while in Israel as well as from abroad, and including items that directly support Israel in various ways.
Keep reading for the most quintessential to the most unique souvenirs from Israel that you can buy in Israel and online (especially right now).
1. Local Israeli Art
Israel is full of art, artists and galleries, especially in artist villages where you can visit the artists and buy their art!
Here are some of my favorite places to find art in Israel:
- Hutzot Hayotzer, the artists’ village in Jerusalem near the Old City. I remember being here on a visit to Israel and talking to one of the artists while she worked on metal Judaica – some of the best I’ve seen!
- Ein Hod artists’ village in Atlit, south of Haifa. When I lived in Haifa, I remember visiting Ein Hod and highly recommend it! They have all kinds of art, from paintings to sculpture, to crafts, photography, ceramics, jewelry, and many more, from current and first generation Israeli artists. In addition, the village is on a picturesque nature preserve that makes it amazing to visit!
- Florentin in Tel Aviv, which has a lot of art galleries. I worked at a hostel right next to Florentin, and hung out in Florentin, and it’s one of my favorite Tel Aviv neighborhoods because of the street art, eclectic galleries, food and more!
- Ilana Goor Museum in Yafo (Jaffa), which has a gift shop full of eclectic and unique art. This is one of my all-time favorite museums in the area because it’s so unique and fun to visit!
- Tzfat, or the Old City of Safed. I have visited Safed, and it’s full of artists and galleries. You’re sure to find something unique and amazing here!
2. Photo prints
Speaking of art, photography of Israel is a category in and of itself because of the range! You can find old and new photography, different styles of photography, and different types of products with photo prints on them beyond wall art.
I’m a professional photographer and much of my work has taken place in Israel with archaeology, including excavations and my internship with the Israel Nature & Parks Authority, where I spent five months photographing various archaeological sites for conservation.
I occasionally offer prints in my shop – if you’re interested in purchasing one and don’t see them, you can contact me here!
3. Jewelry
Jewelry is a favorite souvenir from Israel, for me personally because I love wearable Judaica, but also for many others, for the many types of religious symbols and more!
My favorite shop where you can buy unique jewelry that supports Israel right now is from The Israeli Boutique Rockets Into Roses shop, where all the jewelry is made from rockets fired into Israel from Gaza.
The owner lives near the Gaza border, and you can watch his personal story from October 7 on the website. They also sell other art and Judaica crafted from rockets.
More types of jewelry to buy from Israel include:
Eilat Stone, Israel’s national gemstone that is a natural mix of malachite, azurite, and turquoise (the only place in the world where this mixture exists), found north of Eilat. Because it’s a mixture, the color varies and is completely unique.
Roman Glass: I have personally found Roman glass on archaeological excavations, and you can buy jewelry with it all over Israel! Most jewelry designs are inspired by the jewelry found on excavations – Roman glass is found from the 3rd-4th centuries.
Diamonds: Israel exports $7 billion in diamonds each year, so this is a great place to buy diamond jewelry!
Jewelry ideas include: Star of David (Magen David), Mezuzah, Shape of Israel, your name in Hebrew, Menorah, Hamsa, Pomegranates and more (keep reading for more ideas).
4. Judaica
Speaking of Judaica, there is so much unique Judaica to buy as Israel souvenirs and gifts! You can find all kinds of vintage Judaica in markets and more in Israel – my personal favorite, where I’ve bought most of my own souvenirs from Israel, is the Yafo Market – and you can find modern Judaica as well!
Besides Jaffa, Jerusalem has a lot of places to shop, including the Jewish Quarter in the Old City.
More places to find Judaica from Israel online:
- Israeli Center of Judaica
- Modern Tribe (you can find specific artists or a section of items made in Israel)
- The Israel Museum Shop
My favorite Judaica items:
- Menorahs
- Mezuzahs
- Passover Seder plates and covers
- Dreidels
- Kiddush Cups
5. Dead Sea products
Dead Sea products are a popular souvenir from Israel, since the Dead Sea is known for its benefits for the skin and overall health. Here are the best brands to choose from:
I recommend always checking the ingredients, and make sure your or the person you’re gifting can actually use the product first. I have eczema, for example, and I usually can’t use these products due to added ingredients I’m allergic to.
Here’s an example of a gift set from the Ahava official store:
Also beware of counterfeit products. Make sure you’re buying from a trusted source.
One more thing: I’ve been to the Dead Sea multiple times (including in Jordan), and I learned that in order to actually get the therapeutic benefits to help my eczema, I would need to stay for an elongated period of time where I would be on a program going into the Dead Sea for a certain amount of time each day.
Just using a product, or even a quick tourist visit to the Dead Sea, doesn’t have the same, or long-lasting, benefits.
6. Olive wood carvings
Olive wood is an ancient native plant in Israel, and it’s mentioned in the Bible, which makes these carvings a quintessential souvenir from Israel, and one you’ll find in basically all tourist shops with religious and more types of carvings.
The branches are used for these carvings when they’re pruned from the trees during cultivation.
The main places to find these souvenirs are in the Old City of Jerusalem (especially the Christian Quarter) and Bethlehem, as well as tourist shops at some of the other sites you might visit on tours.
Here’s an example of an Olive Wood carving of a nativity scene from Israel.
7. Armenian Ceramics & Pottery
Armenians have a long history in Jerusalem and Israel, making it one of the oldest Armenian communities not in Armenia.
There is an Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem, and this is one of the best places to find Armenian ceramics to buy. You’ll recognize these because they’re iconic in Israel and with Jewish pottery, like on Seder plates and Hamsa plates, for example. They’re known for their colorful designs with pomegranates and more shapes, using blue, green and red.
8. Antiquities
Be extremely careful when buying antiquities for souvenirs, because the antiquities trade is highly policed due to so much illegal trade. Be sure to purchase from an authorized dealer only (they’ll have a certificate, but they can be fake).
I recommend asking your tour guide or another trusted source.
9. Food
Israel and the Middle East have some of the best food you can eat, and from dishes to snacks and more, there are so many ideas for souvenirs and gifts! Here are my recommendations:
Wissotzsky Tea – my favorite tea, and you can buy it on Amazon here! (Cinnamon Magic is my favorite)
Halva – a sweet dessert made from sesame seed paste (I always buy this in Israel!)
Tahina – a savory paste made from sesame seeds, used in many recipes
Hummus – a dip made from chickpeas (the best is found in Israel, hands down!)
Dates (look for Medjool and/or Deglet Nur kinds)and Silan (date honey)
Israeli chocolate & chocolate spread
Bamba (peanut butter corn puffs, a very popular Israeli snack)
Coffee with cardamom (my favorite)
Olives & Olive Oil
Za’atar – Middle Eastern spice blend used in Israeli dishes
Another great gift/souvenir idea is Israeli cookbooks, because then you can make the amazing food (like Shakshuka, my favorite) yourself at home (or gift to someone who loves to cook)! Here are some cookbooks I can personally recommend:
- Israeli Soul
- Zahav: A World of Israeli Cooking
- Sababa: Fresh, Sunny Flavors From My Israeli Kitchen: A Cookbook
- Jerusalem: A Cookbook
- Shaya: An Odyssey of Food, My Journey Back to Israel: A Cookbook
- Jew-Ish: A Cookbook: Reinvented Recipes from a Modern Mensch
10. Textiles & Leather goods
When you’re in the Old City of Jerusalem, you’ll find a lot of textiles and leather goods. Just be sure to only buy items made in Israel (not China), and that are real leather.
I accidentally bought fake leather once – I really needed the bag for my laptop (because of the excavation, I didn’t want to bring my actual backpack and I was using a grocery bag), and I only realized later that it wasn’t genuine.
My advice is to not let the people selling convince you to buy something you’re skeptical of. If they’re coming on too strong, just leave and find another shop. Also, ask your tour guide for advice every time!
11. Israeli Wine, Beer & Liquor
Israel is known for its wine, beer and liquor. Tel Aviv is a city with a lot of nightlife, but drinking is also part of Jewish religious culture, from the four cups of wine at Passover to the drinking laws of Purim!
Israel Wine
Israel has around 300 wineries, and is well known for its wine. This makes it a fantastic gift (not to mention the Biblical story of the larger-than-life grapes)!
But wine is made with more than just grapes in Israel: It’s also made from pomegranates (Rimon), Currents, and more types of fruit.
If you’re looking to buy online, kosherwine.com is a great place to find Israeli wines!
This Israel Flag wine bottle stopper is a fun gift idea to go with a bottle of wine!
Israeli Beer
Israel has excellent beer, and it makes a great souvenir! Here are the best/most popular brands of beer to buy in Israel:
- Goldstar (my current favorite)
- Maccabee
- Malka
- Nesher
- Jems
Israeli liquor
Israel also has unique types of liquor that make for another souvenir option! My personal favorite is Arak (not everyone likes this, because it has an anise taste like black licorice). Here’s a list:
- Arak
- Whisky: Go to M&H Distillery in Tel Aviv
- Tubi 60
12. Mosaics
There are so many mosaics in Israel at archaeological sites and beyond, so buying a locally-made modern-day mosaic makes an excellent souvenir! You can find them in all forms, including figurines.
Some places to find these in Israel include the Jerusalem gift shop, Magdala gift shop, Ali Baba souvenir shop, George Kouz Store and many more places!
13. Religious & Cultural Icons/Symbols
Charms and amulets are available in Israel in various forms, from jewelry, to home decor (things you can hang on your wall, for example), keychains, magnets and more items.
Here are items to look for to buy for souvenirs:
- Menorah (7-branched) or Chanukkiah (9-branched, for Chanukkah)
14. Handmade Crafts
You can also find handmade crafts in Israel that benefit local communities. Some examples include:
- Soap and other body products: Gamila Hiar is a female Druze entrepreneur (the first) to make her business, Gamila Secret, well-known around the world.
- You can also find crocheted baskets, rugs and bags from the African Refugee Women’s Collective, a nonprofit based in Tel Aviv.
15. Home Decor
Israel is known for its art, and this also includes modern, fun and eclectic home decor! Places like Hatachana (the old train station with shops and more in Tel Aviv), malls and more places have shops with these in Israel.
If you’re looking for something outside of the typical souvenirs, check out these places:
16. Clothing
Israel is home to many clothing designers, and you can find more than just typical souvenir t-shirts!
- Dorin Frankfurt is one of my favorite Israeli designers to follow.
- Maskit, a brand by Ruth Dayan, the daughter of legendary Israeli General Moshe Dayan
- Doron Ashkenazi, a well-known men’s clothing brand
- Mews, based in Tel Aviv’s Neve Tzedek neighborhood featuring all black clothing
And, if you want a souvenir t-shirt, you can find these at the markets all over Israel, or on Amazon.
17. Tattoos
Some of the best tattoo artists are in Israel, so it’s a great souvenir idea to stop and get a tattoo if you’re into them!
I recommend Inklude Tel Aviv for a tattoo shop!
Places in Israel to buy souvenirs
Jerusalem:
- Markets
- The First Station
- Artists’ Colony
- Four Quarters
- Ben Yehuda Street
- Israel Museum
- Mamilla Pedestrian Mall
- King David Street
Tel Aviv:
- Markets
- Hatachana
- Eretz Israel Museum
- Florentin & Neve Tzedek neighborhoods
More Places:
- Safed (Tzfat)
- National Parks Sites with tourist shops
Tips For Buying Israel Souvenirs
- Make sure it’s made locally and not in China
- When you’re in Israel at the markets, always bargain unless the shop has set prices
- When shopping online, make sure the store/items are legit
- When in Israel, always ask tour guides or others you trust where to buy items
FAQs for buying souvenirs in and from Israel
👉 What are best souvenirs from Israel?
Israel offers a diverse array of souvenirs, including local art, jewelry, Dead Sea products, olive wood carvings, Armenian ceramics, and more. Each of these items reflects the rich cultural heritage and history of the region. It’s best to pick something that you’re drawn to or can wear, use or eat!
👉 What can I bring back from Israel to USA?
You can bring back various souvenirs from Israel to the USA, including local art, jewelry, Dead Sea skincare products, Israeli wine, and authentic Israeli food products that comply with U.S. customs regulations.
👉 What kind of jewelry is Israel known for?
Israel is known for its exquisite Judaica jewelry, including items such as the Star of David, Mezuzahs, Hamsas, and other symbolic pieces. The country is also famous for its Eilat Stone and Roman Glass jewelry, both of which have historical significance.
👉 What is worth to buy from Israel?
Items worth buying from Israel include local art, unique Judaica, Dead Sea skincare products, Israeli wine, authentic Israeli food products, and traditional handcrafted items like olive wood carvings and Armenian ceramics.
👉 What to buy cheap in Israel?
Some items that can be relatively inexpensive to purchase in Israel include local spices, Israeli chocolates, Dead Sea skincare products, and certain types of traditional Israeli clothing and textiles.
👉 Should I carry cash in Israel?
While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Israel, it is advisable to carry some cash (Shekels), especially for smaller purchases and transactions in local markets or smaller establishments where card payments may not be available.
I recommend using a travel-friendly credit card without foreign transaction fees, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, and a debit card that will reimburse ATM fees, like from Charles Schwab.
👉 Can you wear jewelry in the Dead Sea?
While wearing jewelry in the Dead Sea is not prohibited, it is advisable to remove any valuable or delicate jewelry before entering the water, as the high salt content and buoyancy of the water might pose a risk of damage or loss.
👉 What is the most popular snack in Israel?
Bamba, a popular peanut-flavored snack resembling Cheetos, is widely regarded as one of the most popular snacks in Israel, especially among children. It’s known for its unique taste and texture.
👉 What gemstone is only found in Israel?
The Eilat Stone, a unique combination of malachite, azurite, and turquoise, is the only gemstone that is exclusively found in Israel, specifically in the area near Eilat.
👉 Why are diamonds so cheap in Israel?
Israel is one of the world’s major diamond-cutting and trading centers, known for its expertise in the diamond industry. The accessibility to a large volume of rough diamonds, coupled with the streamlined cutting and trading processes, contributes to the relatively lower prices of diamonds in Israel compared to other countries.
👉 What are the food taboos in Israel?
Not everyone observes kosher dietary guidelines in Israel, but both religious and non-religious people ascribe to them. These include pork and shellfish, as well as other types of food, and mixing dairy with meat. Specific holidays have other rules as well – for example, for all the days of Passover, leavening is not consumed and many stores will block off those sections.
👉 What is a common Israeli breakfast?
A common Israeli breakfast often includes items such as freshly baked bread, hummus, tahini, Israeli salad, hard-boiled eggs, cheese, and various spreads like labneh and jam, accompanied by coffee or tea. Certain types of fish are also eaten at breakfast.
👉 What is a peanut butter snack from Israel?
Bamba, a popular Israeli snack, is a peanut-flavored puffed corn snack. It has a unique texture and is often considered one of the quintessential snacks in Israel.
👉 What to buy as a gift in Israel?
Some excellent gift options from Israel include local art, unique jewelry, Dead Sea skincare products, olive wood carvings, Israeli wines, and traditional Judaica items, among others.
👉 What fruit is native to Jerusalem?
The pomegranate is a fruit native to Jerusalem and is often regarded as a symbol of fertility, prosperity, and abundance in Jewish tradition.
👉 What do you wear to Old Jerusalem?
Modest attire is recommended when visiting Old Jerusalem, especially when visiting religious sites. Women are advised to dress conservatively, covering their shoulders and knees, and men should avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless shirts.
👉 What food can I bring back from Israel?
Some popular food items to bring back from Israel include spices, halva, dates, olive oil, tahini, Israeli chocolate, and local preserves or jams.
👉 Can you haggle in Israel?
While haggling is not as common in modern Israeli markets as it might be in some other countries, it is acceptable in certain situations, particularly in more traditional markets (especially in the Old City of Jerusalem and Jaffa market) or when making significant purchases.
👉 What is unique in Israel?
Israel is unique for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, historical significance, and technological innovation, as well as its vibrant culinary scene and the coexistence of various religious and ethnic communities.
👉 What fruits are unique to Israel?
Some fruits unique to Israel include the Etrog, a citrus fruit traditionally used in Jewish religious rituals, and the Sabra, a type of prickly pear cactus fruit that has become synonymous with Israeli identity.
👉 What is Israel most famous for?
Israel is renowned for its historical and religious significance, being the birthplace of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It is also celebrated for its technological advancements, diverse cultural heritage, and vibrant culinary scene.
👉 What are 3 cool facts about Israel?
Three cool facts about Israel include its leading role in technological innovation, its rich archaeological sites, and its diverse landscapes, ranging from the shores of the Dead Sea to the peaks of the Golan Heights.
All In All: What to buy in Israel for souvenirs & gifts
In summary, Israel offers an abundance of diverse and culturally rich souvenirs, reflecting its deep historical significance and vibrant contemporary arts scene.
From intricate Judaica and local art to the healing Dead Sea products and unique Eilat Stone jewelry, each item embodies the essence of this multifaceted land.
Whether you’re exploring bustling markets in Jerusalem or discovering hidden artistic gems in Tel Aviv, the souvenirs from Israel serve as tangible reminders of the country’s rich heritage and unparalleled cultural tapestry.
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