Key facts for Israel
Christmas is not a business occasion for most companies; Rosh Hashanah and Passover are the main gifting seasons.
How companies in Israel give year-end gifts
In Israel, the main corporate gifting seasons are Rosh Hashanah in the autumn and Passover in the spring. Employers commonly give holiday gifts to staff, often as gift cards or packages, and send gifts to clients and partners. Hanukkah in December is a smaller occasion, and the international New Year is used for greetings to foreign partners. Christmas is not a public holiday and is mainly celebrated by Christian Arab communities and in Nazareth and Jerusalem. Kosher certification is important for food gifts to many recipients and is expected by observant ones. Wine is a common and accepted gift. Hebrew or English cards are fine. Companies often deliver Rosh Hashanah gifts in the weeks before the holiday, with honey, wine and sweets as traditional elements. For December, a New Year gift to international contacts is usually more appropriate than a Christmas gift. Avoid deliveries on Shabbat, from Friday afternoon to Saturday evening.
Gift occasions in Israel
Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year)
the main season for gifts to employees, clients and partners
Passover (Pesach)
second major gifting season
Hanukkah
smaller gifts; sufganiyot and candles
New Year
greetings to international partners
Good practice
- Time main gifts for Rosh Hashanah or Passover.
- Use kosher-certified food for observant recipients.
- Use 'Season's Greetings' or 'Happy New Year' for December gifts.
Avoid
- Avoid Christmas imagery for general business audiences.
- Do not mix meat and dairy in food hampers for kosher recipients.
Design and wording
Use 'Season's Greetings', New Year or Hanukkah-neutral designs.
Gift policies
Israeli law prohibits bribery of public servants, and public employees are restricted from accepting gifts.
Delivery to Israel
Ships from Poland by courier; customs duties and VAT may apply and are quoted in advance. Commercial food imports require Ministry of Health approval.
Planning dates for Israel
| Order personalized stock advent calendars by | 6 Nov 2026 |
|---|---|
| Order Christmas hampers by | 13 Nov 2026 |
| Fully custom calendars for 2027 — order between | 01.2027 – 08.2027 |
Indicative planning dates; exact dates are confirmed in your proposal.
Recommended formats for Israel
Christmas hampers
Corporate Christmas hampers with your logo on the box, ribbon or card, composed to your budget band and delivered to one office or to individual home…
Tea & coffee calendars
A tea or coffee advent calendar with your logo is a measured, practical gift for clients and colleagues who prefer to avoid sweets.
Chocolate advent calendars
Twenty-four chocolates and your brand on the front from 1 to 24 December.
Beauty calendars
A beauty advent calendar is a premium December gift.
Christmas plush
Plush is made in our own workshop in Biała Podlaska, Poland: ready Christmas teddies with your embroidered logo, and custom plush mascots based on…
Empty calendar boxes
For companies that already have the filling: custom printed advent calendar boxes in bulk, designed around your products and delivered flat or…
Frequently asked questions
Is Christmas a business gifting occasion in Israel?
Generally no. Rosh Hashanah and Passover are the main seasons.
Do food gifts need to be kosher?
For many recipients, yes. Kosher certification is expected by observant recipients.