The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Blanket in Israel

So you just discovered that instead of shlepping a blanket from home, you can order one to be waiting in Israel on arrival. But you may still have many questions about blankets in Israel…

What weight and size blanket should you buy?

Will your American duvet cover fit your Israeli blanket? 

What if you still want to send a blanket from home and pay for an extra bag? 

What can you do with the blanket at the end of the year?

We had these questions in mind when we wrote this ultimate guide about buying a blanket in Israel just for you!

Size

The standard size for Israeli blankets is 59/79 in (150/200 cm). Please remember to purchase sheets and duvet covers that match the size of your Israeli bed and blanket. Your American sheets from home will not properly fit on an Israeli standard bed - Israeli beds are narrower and longer than their American counterparts, so think twice before bringing one from home.

Some of our taller customers prefer a larger size blanket, either full, queen or king. Please contact us directly if this is relevant to you.

Filling

Blankets are available with either synthetic or down filling. Which one to buy is a matter of personal preference, as neither one is warmer than the other. For your children with allergies, we generally recommend buying a synthetic blanket. In addition, you may choose to purchase hypoallergenic covers for your blanket, mattress and pillow.

Weight

Just like at home, Israeli blankets come in different weights - summer weight, all-weather weight, extra warm, etc. We suggest that whatever blanket weight your child uses at home should be similar to the blanket you purchase for their Israel use. For example, if your child is like me, and sleeps with a winter blanket all year round, then an all-season blanket is what you will want for them. If your child suffers from cold, you will want to have an extra warm blanket waiting for them in Israel. However, if your child sleeps in shorts and covers themselves with a thin blanket even in the winter, then a summer weight blanket should suffice.

That being said, however, please take into account the difference in weather in your home country/state and their destination in Israel. For example, if you live in Florida then the change in weather to Jerusalem may require a heavier blanket than your child sleeps with at home. 

If your child sleeps better with a weighted blanket, these also are available here in Israel.

Sleeping Bags

Sleeping bags are great for a tiyul and perhaps going away for Shabbat and it may be tempting to save some money and use a sleeping bag as a blanket. We don’t recommend this practice on the whole, but you know your child best. 

Egg Crates and Mattress Toppers

Israeli dorm mattresses can sometimes be harder than what your child is used to at home.

Therefore, many of our customers choose to provide their child with the extra comfort of a mattress topper. This is highly suggested, but not a complete necessity.

Can I Send my Blanket from Home and Pay for an Extra Bag?

In May 2021, someone posted this on the Facebook group Israel Gap Year Parents:

I think it would cost less to pay for an extra suitcase on the plane than to order linens from one of these companies in Israel. Does anyone agree? Usually an extra bag is about $100, and the amount of stuff I can fit in there would cost way more than that on these websites.

The responses were divided - of course you can do that. But we and lots of other experienced parents wouldn’t recommend it. The cost of sending an extra bag seems low (between $75-$200) but the cost can add up quickly if the bag is overweight. In addition, your child will have to wend their way across the world and through two airports with an extra bag. 

We like how this mom summed it up: 

Having sent many kids to Israel, unless your kid brings almost no clothing or other items to Israel it makes no sense to fill up the suitcase with the linen and stuff. Gap years are so expensive anyway, what is a little extra money. I ordered blankets, sheets and also towels and hangers that were in the dorm at her arrival. Worth every single penny!!

What Should My Child Do with the Blanket at the End of the School Year?

The blanket belongs to you so you can do what you want with it. We suggest the added value of donating the blanket to needy families, and many institutions offer this service.. If your school doesn’t have that option, you can contact us and we can help you.

I want to order a blanket delivered to Israel - How do I go about it?

Start shopping for your blanket at Pack for Israel!

Thanks for Tuning In!

We hope this guide addressed your concerns about buying a blanket in Israel. At Pack for Israel, we have years of experience serving customers whose children go to Israel for the year, so if you have any questions please contact us and we’ll be glad to help. We are open all year so you can order blankets for delivery on arrival, or wait until the cold winter months to order. We’d also love to hear your feedback and comments about this guide.

About the Author

Melissa Goldwag spent her GAP year in Israel in 1990-91 and made aliya in 1998. She is the co-founder and CEO of Pack for Israel, an online store that offers everything your child needs for their GAP year in Israel: blankets, linens, bedding, laundry accessories, toiletries, storage solutions and more.