Ordering a gift basket to Israel is easy. Getting one delivered with love is unique. It’s this special niche that Gail and David Ehrlich have carved out for themselves with Gili’s Goodies.
From its modest beginnings in their Efrat home in 2001, the company has expanded to include everything from Mishloach Manot and a Purim Candy Shop to Passover Baskets, Baby Gifts and special student packages filled with fresh baked goodies and treats that feel like home. But what sets Gili’s Goodies apart is not just the incredible variety for every budget; it’s the warm, caring way in which each basket is hand-delivered.
“Gili’s Goodies specializes in the personal touch,” says Ehrlich, co-owner with his wife Gail. “We are connecting people from around the world with their family and friends in Israel. We don’t just ‘put the box in the mail.’ Each order receives our individual attention allowing us to customize orders and give our personal attention to every aspect of the delivery.” Ehrlich adds with a smile, “When the need arises we are there to try and help with any possible option…from a giant teddy bear to a bowl of chicken soup!”
In addition to bringing love and smiles to the students, grandparents, friends and families who are in Israel, they provide an important service for the families abroad who miss them. Ehrlich explains, “The smile we feel on the phone when a mom says ‘thanks for making my kid’s day special’…or ‘for being there when I couldn’t,’ that’s what this business is about.”
After well over a decade in the business, Ehrlich is still amazed at the connectedness he continues to feel with his customers. “The Jewish world is very special,” says Ehrlich. “It’s amazing how many of our customers know each other, know us…so the company really feels to us like our family. Many of our customers have become close friends. In fact, customers often call us just to ask advice on Israel issues knowing that as ‘their man on the ground’ I can usually help.”
Of course Gili’s Goodies is a lot more than just gift baskets to family and friends. Tremendous resources are dedicated toward important causes such as the special-needs children of Shalva and helping show appreciation for the young men and women serving in the IDF with special thank you packages designed with their needs in mind. During the last war, when Gili’s Goodies saw the army was inundated with cookies and food, they redirected their resources to supply the soldiers with basic necessities and additional combat gear. Ehrlich adds, “The ability to be here in Israel and be a shaliach for others to help show their appreciation for our soldiers, to be the source of their smile…well what can I say? That’s one of the sources of my smile.”
