Israeli Employers Shift to Personalized Holiday Gifts Amid Rising Costs

The tradition of holiday gifts for employees in Israel is undergoing a significant transformation, moving away from generic presents towards personalized options. While in the past, standard items like pot sets or basic gift certificates were common, the trend now favors greater choice for the employee.

Despite the rise of digital platforms, physical gifts and food store vouchers remain popular. A survey by Vaadim Company, covering 1200 workplaces, estimates the Rosh Hashanah gift market for 2026 at NIS 5.5 billion. The data indicates that 30% of employees will receive a tangible gift, 30% will get food vouchers, and 25% will receive their gift via a dedicated app. The value of these gifts ranges from NIS 250 to NIS 1400, with employees at the Airports Authority receiving the highest value.

According to Baimi Company, the average gift value across the economy has risen to NIS 501, led by the finance sector at NIS 645. Splendo reports a 227% surge in purchases of cordless vacuum cleaners, with some employees opting to upgrade their gifts using their own funds.

Dana Biton Lev Ami, CEO of Baimi, noted that investment in employee gifts is expanding across more sectors, narrowing the gaps between them. A notable trend is the impact of the cost of living on how gifts are redeemed. Swish data shows 29% of redemptions occur at supermarket and food chains, a higher rate than before, reflecting a shift in employee priorities towards daily necessities.

The combination of a desire for personalization and the need to address everyday expenses is redefining the culture of employee gifting in Israeli organizations.