New discount code for iHerb! הנחה חדשה באייהרב

This post contains affiliate or rewards program links. This means I may receive a small commission if you click on a link and place an order, never at any additional cost to you

עברית למטה

iHerb's got a great deal available right now - Get 15% off your order of 200 ILS and up for the Summer Wellness Sale! Click here to start shopping, and the code will automatically load into your cart (or use my rewards code QEJ101 and promo code ILJULSW at checkout)

THIS CODE EXPIRES TODAY!

Happy savings!

Other sales you might want to check:

Brands of the week - use this link to get discounts when you purchase any products from the 16 brands of the week!

Click here to find all the current Specials - up to 65% off!

Sales change all the time! I'll try to find more codes and update when I can!

TIP: Get free shipping if you order $65 USD or more, but keep your order total under $75 to avoid taxes and import fees.

קבלו 15% הנחה על כל אתר של אייהרב בקנייה של 200 ש"ח ומעלה!

(או הכניסו את הקודים QEJ101 ו ILJULSW לפני התשלום!)

הקוד בתוקף עד 8.07.2026

רק וודאו שהסל הסופי יוצא ללא מיסים - צריך להיזהר מאוד שאחרי הקודים הסל יורד למתחת ל$75 - סף המע"מ

(ולרוב גם תקבלו משלוח חינם עם גלובל אייר לוקר עם מוסיפים מוצרים כדי שסכום הרכישה

יגיע ל$65)!

במקרה ואתם מעדיפים לקנות מאתר ישראלי, אני ממליצה לבדוק את מבחר הויטמינים של קי.אס.פי!

תהינו!

iHerb is one of my favorite ways to find products that I can't get in Israel. Or products that may be available in Israel, but at inflated prices.

Need some ideas for your iHerb order?

Here are just a few things I recommend - several of these are eligible for the extra discount! I'd love to hear what your favorites are:

Teas

Witch Hazel Toner 

Vitamin E Moisturizing Cream 

Plant-based (coconut milk based) Caramel 

Hand Sanitizer (great size for your bag!)

Lip balm 

Concentrated Laundry Detergent 

Unscented Compostable Dryer Sheets

Witch Hazel Cleansing Pads 

Stridex acne control pads 

Cocoa Butter Lotion 

Dental Floss 

Pain Relief Cream (herbal) (the athletes in my house like this one a lot) 

Aspercreme pain relief products (conventional)

Makeup Remover

Aquaphor 

Scar gel

Maple Syrup Granules 

Made Good Granola Bars (allergy friendly!)

Cheddar Cheese Powder

Your order of $60 and up will usually qualify for FREE Global Air Locker shipping!

Don't forget these important, basic principles of shopping online from Israel:

• Keep your order under $75 to avoid paying VAT!!
• Spread out your orders. If you want to buy more than $75 worth of items from one website, and you have the option of splitting your order - DO IT. BUT don't order more than $75 worth on any given day to the same shipping name/address/ID. If you do, customs may combine your orders and charge you. Give it about 3 days between orders. Best to ship to a different name using a different ID for customs, so you can order it all on the same day.
• Always look for the free shipping option - usually, it's to a pickup spot.

I love to see how close to $75 I can get without going over, and get free delivery to maximize savings while avoiding import taxes!

Enjoy and happy savings!

If you prefer to buy from Israeli sites - check out KSP's selection of Vitamin products!

Maanak Avodah 2025 - Reminder to Apply!

It's time for your yearly reminder to check if you might be able to claim this benefit! Maybe you've heard about this already, and maybe this is new information for you. There is a reverse-tax benefit in Israel for low-income families. It's called the "Maanak Avodah" or "Work Grant". The point of this grant is to put more money in your pocket if you earn less than a certain amount of money!

Please don't miss out on this if you qualify - apply as soon as possible in order to avoid disappointment later. It won't take much of your time to apply, and you can do it now, BEFORE YOU FORGET! Right now, you can may still be able to apply for the 2024 grant as well!
  
Updated information for the 2024 grant: 
Who can apply for this grant?

You can apply for this grant if: 

1. You were employed or self-employed
 
2. You were 21 years of age or older, and have minor children*, or 55 years of age or above, even if you have no minor children
 
3. You did not own more than 50% of a property or rights to a property (anywhere in the world) in the 2025 tax year, other than your primary residence
 
4. If you have one or two children, or are age 55+ without children, and your average monthly income falls between 2,450 and 7,289 you may be eligible for this grant. If you are a single parent of 1-2 children (with custody of your minor children), your average monthly income must fall between 1,510 and 11,190 NIS to qualifyץ
 
5. If you have 3 or more children, and your average monthly income falls between 2,450 NIS and 8,020 NIS, you may be eligible for this grant. If you are a single parent of 3 or more children (with custody), you may qualify if your income is between 1,510 and 13,660 NIS per month.

6. If any of your children are below the age of 3, you may qualify for an additional grant.

*children who are counted are those who are under the age of 19 as of 31/12/2023

How do you apply? 

Online, using the Israeli tax website - this form lets you apply for this year and last year

OR
At the post office, where you'll need to answer a few questions. BE SURE to bring your teudat zehut (ID card) and either your checkbook or an "ishur" from your bank that you have an account with them. Please keep any paperwork you receive at the post office and/or in the mail. (This option only allows you to apply for 2025, whereas online you may still be able to apply for the previous year).

If you have questions after you've applied, or to check the status of your application, you can check the status of your request online in your "eizor ishi", or call *4954 or or 02-565-6400 to speak with the Tax Authority. 

Your payment may arrive in anywhere from 1-4 installments.

Deadline for applications:

At the post office: December 12, 2026

Online: December 31, 2027

How much can you expect to receive? 

The amount you receive will vary depending on your circumstances.

Your spouse's income may affect your eligibility, as may various other factors.

I hope this helps some of you out there! It's worth it to check if you are eligible.

Please share this information with your friends and family who may benefit from it!

Don't miss out on useful tips and tricks for living in Israel! Follow me on FB and join my Kosher Frugal group! Let me know what you want me to post about!

UPDATED TODAY!!! Import taxes for online purchases: Everything you need to know

Impact-Site-Verification: c6a92aaa-9c12-40bb-80fe-62822d0c5c95

this post contains affiliate links. When you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. Thanks for helping keep this website up and running!

package from purchase abroad - tax free!

Do you live in Israel? 

Are you wondering what to expect regarding taxes and fees if you shop online?

This guide will help you understand the basics that apply to residents  of Israel when shopping online from overseas (yes, even if you're not a citizen, you need to know how your orders will be handled!). 

Most of us shop this way to save money, so who wants a tax bill surprise when the order gets here? This post will help you avoid a tax bill (legally, of course!).

Note: the same regulations apply to packages sent from abroad, even if they are gifts!

Some of my favorite websites to shop from are:

Amazon ~ iHerb ~ AliExpress ~ eBay ~

SHOP the USA and SHIP Worldwide with MyUS! 

Here's the rundown (full regulations can be found on the Israel tax authority's site

The current tax exempt limit is $75 USD

When you get a package, the value of your purchase or package will be converted into US Dollars by the tax authority (using the official exchange rate that you can find here: https://www.gov.il/he/service/exchange-rate) to determine if it's subject to tax.

Purchases up to $75/Packages with a declared value up to $75 - no taxes

Purchases or packages with a declared value $75 and up, up to $500 - VAT will apply in most cases (18% currently), and Purchase Tax (variable rates) may apply (purchase tax applies to very few items at this point!), but no customs taxes

Purchases or packages with a declared value over $500 - subject to all taxes (VAT of 18%, Purchase Tax (if applicable), and Customs Tax which varies by category)

Please note that purchases and packages (even gifts) of up to $75 in value will almost automatically be subject to customs clearance fees if they arrive using an EMS service*, and some other types of deliveries may also be charged this fee (it's about 40 shekels right now). If the value of the purchase is higher than $75, the customs clearance fee can be higher as well.

Other fees are often added on by shipping companies, and there is not much oversight on the matter. I once saw a bill that included the following fees: Handling Fee, Import Approval Fee, VAT, Computer Fee, Unloading Fee, Storage Fee. Watch out for these fees from shipping companies/courier services - I recommend you always arrange to get your packages via a service that guarantees your fees have all been prepaid.

Please be aware that the purchase price only (not purchase + shipping) will determine whether an item will be taxed. If it is deemed taxable, all applicable taxes will be calculated on the purchase price + the shipping price. This means that if you order something for $75.01 plus $15 shipping, you will be taxed on the total value of $90.01!

One more important point: If you order multiple orders addressed to the same person, with the same address & phone number listed, from the same seller and they arrive within 72 hours of each other, customs may combine the orders and treat them as one purchase for tax purposes, or they may not. But it is a possibility you should be aware of before you place multiple orders. 

I recommend ordering at least 3 days apart, or ordering with different names and contact info (including the tax ID number you provide for clearing customs).

Note about Amazon orders, when the option to order comes back: you do not have to wait 3 days to place another order. You can order all you want, just keep each individual order below the taxable threshold.

Tracking your item is possible! Often you'll see updates on the website you ordered from. I recommend you create an account on Israel Post - you can see updates there if your order is being processed by them! If your order is stalled for a long time, reach out to the seller and see if they can help you. I've found this to be very effective!

If your order is stuck in customs, or if you feel like you were charged tax by mistake, you will need to file an appeal. The appeal form is on the Meches site: https://www.gov.il/he/service/return-on-personal-import-taxes

Some of these regulations are different from what some people seem to believe, so please refer back to this guide if you are about to place an order and you're not sure what to expect taxwise.

Join my WhatsApp group and my Facebook Group where I'll be posting my favorite deals!

*Examples of EMS services - Express Mail, Fedex, UPS and other express delivery services. Sometimes DHL is EMS and sometimes it is not.

Recall Alert!

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!!

There's been a recall on these Universal Travel Adapters:

The product is called "Universal Travel Adapter" Model 177W, Made in CHINA, Sold in 2025, Barcode 6949989408060

They pose a RISK OF ELECTROCUTION and are also a FIRE HAZARD!! DO NOT USE THEM.

If you bought one of these, you can return them at ANY Rikochet store throughout the country, or contact the importer at 08-9708040 or WhatsApp 0523701076

PASS THIS ON to someone who might not know!

Stay safe, everyone!

FREE Museum Day 2026!

Sorry for the late post, but you need to know that TOMORROW, Monday, May 18, 2026, is FREE Museum Day in Israel!!

There are over 100 participating museums - - there's something for everyone!!

Find the full list here: https://www.icom.org.il/event/4609

Note: Some museums require advance registration, and some may already be fully booked. But there are plenty still available!

Examples from the list of participating museums:

The Eli Cohen Museum

The Herzliya Museum

The Israeli Cartoon Museum

The Lod Mosaics Museum

The Agam Museum

The Chlore Science Garden

The Yemenite Jewish Heritage Museum

The Ramat Gan Israeli Art Museum

The Tel Aviv-Jaffa City Museum

Yad Vashem

The Old Yishuv Court Museum

The Israel Museum

The Tower of David Museum

The Yigal Alon Museum

First Aliyah Museum

Technoda Hadera

The Haifa Train Museum

The Khan Museum

Haifa City Museums

Madatech

The Ghetto Fighters' Museum

The Akko Underground Prisoners Museum

Ralli Museum

Chanah Senesh House

AND MORE!

Let me know where you decide to go!

Have fun! 

NEW deals and discounts!

This post contains affiliate links.

I may receive a small commission if you click on a link and make a purchase, but this will never cost you extra!

I'm so excited to bring you some great deals you can only get with my exclusive link (deals show up in your cart!):

1. 3 packages of Pampers Premium stage 6-7, for just 103 ILS instead of 144 ILS!

Click here for the deal

2. 4 packages of Pampers Premium for stages 3, 4, or 5, for 132 ILS instead of 192 ILS!

Click here for the deal

3. 12 packages of Pampers baby wipes (unscented or fresh scent) for 39 ILS instead of 42 ILS!

Click here for the deal

4. Pampers Baby Dry pants, sizes 4, 5, or 6, for 39 ILS instead of 59 NIS!

Click here for the deal

Discounts valid thru 30.04.2026 or while supplies last

ALSO AVAILABLE! 50 ILS off any Braun IPL hair removal machine when you use this link to shop: https://ksp.co.il/cat/16413-91413 (good thru 15.04.2026 or while supplies last)

In time for Pesach: Kitchen finds!

 This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission, but never at any additional cost to you.

KITCHEN DEALS!!

If you've been thinking about Pesach, here are some deals for you!

Not kashering your oven for Pesach? Check out these countertop options:

1. 2100W Selmor 60L countertop oven with convection option AND it can be set to work on a timer with the "stay on" setting

2. 2000W Goldline 60L countertop oven with the option to put more than one rack in at a time

Small Appliances that can make cooking for Pesach easier:

 1. Slow cookers: 6.5 L or 8 L are great for families and small crowds!

2. Multicookers can be useful too

3. Electric frying pans can be a big help if you can't kasher your stove. This one has a removable pan for easy serving and washing.

4, NINJA food processer. IYKYN 

5. Black & Decker Soup Makers are perfect for anyone cooking for just one or two! 

Plattas and Hot Water Machines:

1. Silicone fold up platta - under 100 NIS and easy to store when not in use!

2. Giant platta for those meals with lots of dishes!

3. Hot Water Urn (Tzomet certified) 

What are you looking for? There are too many of these deals to post them all, but I'm happy to look for things you're looking for! Just drop me a note!

Feel free to share with anyone who might be interested!

Find me on Facebook

If you want to find (and share!) shopping deals, please join my deals groups on Facebook: 

Kosher Frugal

Israeli Shopping Overseas 

Live in Israel, Shop Online 

Israel Deals Made Easy (in English) 

I'm also on WhatsApp with an opt-in group where you'll get links to deals I find. Only admins can post.

NEW Tech deals you should see!

 This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission, but never at any additional cost to you.

TECH DEALS!!

If you've been thinking about getting a new laptop, I thought you should know about the current amazing discounts on KSP! And many of them have FREE delivery options, too!

Save 1350 NIS on an ASUS gaming laptop

Save 810 NIS on a Lenovo Ideapad 5 (touchscreen)

Save almost 900 NIS on this MacBook Air 

Save 560 NIS on this Lenovo Ideapad Slim 3

Save over 1800 NIS on this Asus Zenbook 14

What are you looking for? There are too many of these deals to post them all, but I'm happy to look for something in the size and price range you're looking for! Just drop me a note!

Feel free to share with anyone who might be interested!

Find me on Facebook

If you want to find (and share!) shopping deals, please join my deals groups on Facebook: 

Kosher Frugal

Israeli Shopping Overseas 

Live in Israel, Shop Online 

Israel Deals Made Easy (in English) 

I'm also on WhatsApp with an opt-in group where you'll get links to deals I find. Only admins can post.

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT! Britax car seat

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission, but at no additional cost to you

I'm so excited to bring you an EXCLUSIVE discount on the Britax One4Life Clight Tight car seat!

Keep your little one safe with this amazing car seat, and, when you buy it with my link, you'll pay just 1499 NIS instead of the listed sale price of 1832 NIS (original price was 2290 NIS)!

Click here to buy - the extra discount will show up in your cart: https://ksp.co.il/item/16413-129614

Supplies are limited and this deal expires on 21.2.2026 at midnight, or when sold out.

Reminder - these Cookware Discounts (below) are ending soon!

There's a BIG cookware sale (Soltam, ArcoSteel, and Food Appeal brands) sale at KSP right now, and if you use my link to shop, you'll get an EXTRA 5% discount (in addition to the sale)!!

So go ahead and make sure you get the savings you want!

Here's the link: https://ksp.co.il/cat/16413-25931..8720..11479 (afflink)

Grab this deal while you can - it's available thru 22.02 or while supplies last.

KSP offers free pickup at your nearest store, 10 NIS delivery to a locker location, or 28 NIS delivery to your door. Just FYI this website only opens if you're using an Israel-based IP address.

What are you shopping for today?

Want more deals? Join my groups!

• Great Deals Israel WhatsApp group
• Kosher Frugal Facebook Group
• Israel Deals Made Easy (in English) Facebook Group
• Live in Israel. Shop Online Facebook Group

Recipe: Vegan pancakes

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you

Vegan Pancakes!

I decided to make some pancakes today, and as usual, I wanted to keep it simple, so I went with the method that would make the fewest dirty dishes - vegan pancakes! They came out great, and they're really easy, so I wanted to share!

Recipe

(makes enough for 4 normal people, so if teenage boys are around, adjust accordingly!)

1 cup whole grain or other flour (I used 80% spelt)

2 tablespoons sugar (I used demarrara but you can use any)

1 tablespoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup vanilla soy milk (but you can use any kind)

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for those of you wondering, yes, you can use regular "white" vinegar for this instead. Just please don't use balsamic or other wine-based vinegar)

First place all the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, and mix with a fork or spoon. Then make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients and pour the soy milk and the vinegar into the well. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then mix well with the fork or spoon.

Let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes before you start frying up your pancakes.

Fry them up on a lightly oiled frying pan (I like my cast iron pan for this), and enjoy!

I added blueberries to the batter this time - they were great! You can add in anything you want, or just go traditional with this and serve with maple syrup (but the price of that went through the roof lately, so we'll understand if you decide to find a substitute for maple syrup!)

These were a late night dinner for us, but obviously they make the perfect breakfast if you're up for cooking in the morning!

Enjoy!

P.S. the links in this post only work if you're in Israel - sorry. If you want to buy a great mixing bowl or a cast iron pan outside of Israel, check the links down here:

Mixing Bowl: US, also international. UK option

Cast Iron Pan: US, also international. UK option

UPDATED *EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT*!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission or other compensation, at no additional cost to you.

There's a new musical out, playing in Jerusalem and Bet Shemesh, and you can SAVE when you buy tickets with my EXCLUSIVE coupon code!

Note: this is Theater By Women, For Women! 

Want to know more about the show?

 *A brand-new original musical for women takes the stage!* 

From outcast to anointed, “David the Servant King” is an epic musical that tells the little-known story of David from black sheep to shepherd of Israel.

 Performed in English

 With Hebrew and English surtitles

 A remarkable all-female cast, with costumes and sets that bring ancient Israel to life on stage

 A moving, deep, and uplifting theatrical experience

 Based on classical Torah sources

 Group rates available! 

Performances in *Jerusalem* and *Beit Shemesh*

Be sure to use coupon code KFSAVE, valid for all show dates, to SAVE up to 15 NIS per ticket! Get tickets here or use the links below!

The discount code is valid until Thursday, Feb 5 at noon

Here are the regular ticket prices:

The coupon code will give you a Regular ticket for 95 NIS, Bnot Sherut, Soldiers, Students for 90 NIS, and Groups of 10+ for 85 NIS

Code expires on Jan 29th at 10AM 

 Tickets: Get your discount tix here: 

JERUSALEM SHOWS:

Tickets for February 1: https://eventbuzz.co.il/lp/event/david-feb1?d=KFSAVE

Tickets for February 2: https://eventbuzz.co.il/lp/event/david-feb2?d=KFSAVE

Tickets for February 5: https://eventbuzz.co.il/lp/event/david-feb5?d=KFSAVE

BET SHEMESH SHOW:

Tickets for February 8: https://eventbuzz.co.il/lp/event/david-feb8?d=KFSAVE

For more information about the show, check DavidServantKing.com

Check out the trailer on Facebook!

Please share far and wide across the whole country! 

Enjoy the show!

Want more deals? Join my groups!

• Great Deals Israel WhatsApp group
• Kosher Frugal Facebook Group
• Israel Deals Made Easy (in English) Facebook Group
• Live in Israel. Shop Online Facebook Group

Get EXTRA shekels off with these EXCLUSIVE discounts!

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission, but at no additional cost to you

UPDATED TODAY! (January 26)

Israel-based shoppers who like to spend their shekels IN ISRAEL- this is for YOU!

I'm so excited to bring you an EXTRA 5% discount on ALL of the following brands at KSP! You'll get the sale price PLUS 5% extra discount in your cart!

Jason, Avalon Organics, Alba Botanica, Sun & Shine, AND Leaves - find them all here -->

https://ksp.co.il/cat/16413-40617...40612...41148...60477...60516 (afflink)

Grab this deal while you can - it's available thru 8.02 or while supplies last.

Coffee discounts:

Get 120 Landwer coffee capsules for 126 NIS instead of 159 NIS when you use this link to shop -->  https://ksp.co.il/cat/16413-14658 

Get 30% off San Martino coffee 1 kilo bags when you start with my link: https://ksp.co.il/cat/16413-64723

This brings the price down to as low as 61 NIS per kilo (prices vary by coffee variety)

The discounts will show up in your cart ONLY if you use my link! Otherwise, you won't see the discount.

Grab these coffee deals while you can - they're available thru 31.01 or while supplies last.

Cookware Discounts:

Need cookware? There's a BIG cookware sale (Soltam, ArcoSteel, and Food Appeal brands) sale at KSP right now, and if you use my link to shop, you'll get an EXTRA 5% discount (in addition to the sale)!!

So go ahead and make sure you get the savings you want!

Here's the link: https://ksp.co.il/cat/16413-25931..8720..11479 (afflink)

Grab this deal while you can - it's available thru 22.02 or while supplies last.

KSP offers free pickup at your nearest store, 10 NIS delivery to a locker location, or 28 NIS delivery to your door. Just FYI this website only opens if you're using an Israel-based IP address.

What are you shopping for today?

Want more deals? Join my groups!

• Great Deals Israel WhatsApp group
• Kosher Frugal Facebook Group
• Israel Deals Made Easy (in English) Facebook Group
• Live in Israel. Shop Online Facebook Group

Household Essentials - Exclusive Savings inside

this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of my links, I may receive a small commission, but it won't cost you extra!

Shopping in Israel may have just gotten a little bit less expensive with these EXCLUSIVE discounts I'm excited to bring to you today!

Coffee Lovers - get a great price on coffee beans when you stock up from KSP with my link - my link will get you 30% off the list price on 4 varieties of the Italian coffee brand San Martino: 

Palermo (50/50), Modena (80/20), Top Quality (100% Arabica), Slow Roast (קלייה איטית 100% Arabica)

Prices vary by variety, but after the discount, some are as low as 61 NIS per KILO of coffee beans! This is a deal to grab if you make coffee at home (and I imagine if you're here, you're inclined to make coffee more than buy it at a coffee shop!)

Click here to shop and the discount will load into your cart.  Be sure to use this link in order to get the discount - it doesn't show up on the site without starting at this link -https://ksp.co.il/cat/16413-64723 !!

Laundry Essentials from Ariel and Lenor brands - some are on sale on the site without my link, HOWEVER, my link gets you an EXTRA discount (for example, Ariel gel detergent is currently on sale for 37 NIS/bottle but my link will give it to you for 32 NIS/bottle - you'll see the extra discount in your cart)!

Click here to shop this category!

KSP offers free pickup at your nearest store, 10 NIS delivery to a locker location, or 28 NIS delivery to your door. Just FYI this website only opens if you're using an Israel-based IP address.

These deals are only available using these links - they do not appear on the website but will load in your cart when you start shopping here. Discounts are valid through Jan 31 or while supplies last.

I am not responsible for pricing errors or anything on the website the links take you to. I do not work for them, I just share deals!

Allergy survival guide!

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission, but it will never be at an additional cost to you!

(for illustrative purposes only)

I've been managing my allergies a lot better lately, and I'd love to share my finds with you!

Some of these things ship FREE to Israel, and I'm trying to maximize that to help you find a good deal.

I've found that sometimes the Amazon deals are the PERFECT solution to finding what I'm looking for without traveling to multiple cities to check all the malls, AND if we do it right, we can get higher quality items and still save money! And with the new, higher tax free limit, I feel confident that we'll all be able to save more money!

Here are some of the options for dealing with allergies in Israel that I found with free shipping (although sometimes free shipping is limited to a certain size, color, or variation, so be sure to check carefully before you order):

Mattress encasers are super helpful but very expensive locally. Here's another option for you to check out 

Saline rinses are highly recommended to keep airborne allergies from ruining your life 

Consider getting hypoallergenic titanium flex glasses frames online that you can then get lenses for at any local optical store

Hypoallergenic medical tape is a very important household item to keep around if you have sensitive skin

Cetaphil moisturizer is a sensitive skin essential!

Fragrance free laundry detergent - these sheets are so easy to use and completely mess-free

Air purifiers REALLY help - if buying from overseas, make sure it's rated for 220V OR uses a USB cord for the power source. Here's one that's portable and battery powered (recharges using a USB cable)

Lotion tissues are ESSENTIAL! If you're up for ordering A LOT at a time, you can save by ordering from overseas! I compared with Rami Levi's lotion tissue prices and if you take advantage of the "order 2 or more, get 5% off" deal, you'll pay several shekels less per package than what I'm seeing as a standard local price.

I'll try to add more deals as I find them! Happy Savings!

Want more deals? Join my groups!

• Great Deals Israel WhatsApp group
• Kosher Frugal Facebook Group
• Israel Deals Made Easy (in English) Facebook Group
• Live in Israel. Shop Online Facebook Group

Grocery Savings

 If you've found your way here, chances are you're trying to figure out how to lower your grocery bill in Israel.

I'm going to try to share some helpful tips and tricks!

I live in a small town and we don't have lots of options for supermarkets. We have the following stores within walking distance of our house:

Machsanei HaShuk (not a huge one)

3 Makolets (2 are owned by the same person)

1 Fruit and Vegetable Store

(and several "Russian Makolets" I don't go to)

We have the option of driving a few minutes to a Shufersal

And we have the option of ordering groceries online from Shufersal or Rami Levy.

I've discovered that the way I spend the least money is by maximizing my ability to do small shops on the different sale days at our local stores, OR by buying from Rami Levy online once in while, especially if I can snag a free delivery deal (they have them every so often)!

Here's the thing I discovered today, when I went to Machsanei HaShuk for their Tuesday Dairy Sales (I only sometimes buy their Tuesday Meat Sales - depends if they're good enough!) - I walked thru the produce section, which I often ignore on Tuesday, knowing that Wednesday is Produce Sale Day. And you know what I discovered?

A fair number of vegetables were priced at 2.90/kilo, which is LOWER than the price they will be sold for tomorrow on Produce Sale Day!

I saw onions, sweet potatoes, eggplants, carrots, yellow peppers, and red peppers ALL for 2.90/kg! And I decided to buy them, except for the onions, as I am fairly certain that they won't be available for anywhere close to that price tomorrow or Thursday! 

Follow up: I checked the sale announcement later in the day. Tomorrow's sale prices have Carrots for 3.90/kg, Eggplant for 5.90/kg, Sweet Potatoes for 6.90/kg, and Yellow Peppers for 6.90/kg, so I'm glad I got them for 2.90! I did see some decent prices on some of the fruit I would consider buying, so if I have time for a 10 minute stop at the store tomorrow, I'll probably get some fruit that's on sale.

UPDATE: I checked on Wednesday, and the items that were 2.90 yesterday were STILL 2.90 today! I'm still glad I bought them yesterday, though, so I didn't have to carry it all home today!

I know that 2 of our local makolets (the two owned by the same person) have produce sales on Monday and Thursday. Lately I can get onions there for 1.90/kilo so I skipped the 2.90 onions, and I'm planning a quick stop at the Makolet on Thursday for their chicken sale that runs Wednesday and Thursday, onions for 1.90 if still available, and potatoes for 2.50 if still available (the sales do change from time to time, so I can't be certain what the price will be).

One of those 2 makolets also has a "produce markdown rack" where everything on the rack is 2 shekels/kg or per package. It's pretty hit or miss but I'm always happy to get bananas and apples from their for turning into muffins or apple crisp.

I checked the specialty fruit and vegetable store, and while it's not nearly as expensive as similar stores in Tel Aviv, I haven't shopped there.

Every once in a while, I'll find myself enticed to stop into Shufersal, but generally, it's pricey. They do sometimes have worthwhile sales in the produce section, though!

Anyway, what's the upshot here?

I recommend exploring your options in order to find out how you'll get the best deal on the foods you tend to buy. If you only have time for one grocery shop a week, you're going to want to figure out which one comes out cheapest overall for your typical list, but I guarantee it won't be cheapest for every item on your list. If you have time for a few small shopping trips, try to take advantage of sales and specials and plan which store is the place to buy what!

So the upshot here is: I buy fruits and vegetables from Machsanei HaShuk and the makolets, I buy dairy sales and price controlled cheese and eggs from Machsanei Hashuk, and I buy chicken from the makolet with the chicken sales unless I find an amazing sale at a supermarket. I usually order spelt flour, pasta, rice, and other dry and canned goods in a once a month Rami Levy order. And I also occasionally find myself buying spices, vinegar and baking soda in kilo bags, and sometimes other baking supplies from a store in the shuk in Teverya that delivers here every few weeks.

I hope this helps get you thinking about what strategies you might want to use to keep your grocery bills down. I'd love to hear your best tips, too!

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