Travelers always want to bring home some souvenirs and gifts that will remind them of their trip.
I personally love getting souvenirs from each place that I’m visiting. Something unique about the place, to keep the best memories and never forget them ^_^.
Russia is home to several artists so you can expect to see some of the best artworks and handicrafts displayed in the streets. These things are actually the best souvenirs that you can take home and distribute to friends and family members.
Aside from these handicrafts, there are several other interesting things in Russia that you can take home as a memento of your trip. These are things that you can rarely find in your home country and in other parts of the world.
Let’s take a look at these 10 popular souvenirs that you should bring home from a trip to Russia.
1. Matryoshka Dolls
The Matryoshka Dolls are also called the Russian nesting dolls and are perhaps among the most popular souvenir from Russia. The dolls are available in various traditional styles. You will find pretty ones that are dressed in colorful floral dresses and beautiful headscarves. They have whimsical designs and are intricately painted.
This is the perfect souvenir for little girls or even for your adult women friends since it will make a great decoration for the living room.
2. Palekh and Other Forms of Painting
Russians are known for their tradition of painting on wood. This dates back to the 12thcentury, but still, you will find that a lot of Russians are still into it, especially those that live in the villages of Palekh, Kholuy, Mstyora and Fedoskino. Most of these artworks come in the form of painted boxes that are made of wood.
You will find a lot of them displayed along the streets in St. Petersburg and they have become very popular among tourists from all over the world.
3. Communist Era Military Souvenirs
If you want something interesting and unique to bring home to friends, the communist era military uniforms would be a great choice. These souvenirs have become very popular among the tourists that they used to be very expensive.
They come in the form of Soviet Army hats, uniforms, pins, medals, etc. You can now find several of them that are being sold at very reasonable prices and can be bought cheaply especially if you haggle.
4. Khokhloma
Khokhloma is a Russian village that is popular for producing traditional Russian tableware. These days, you will find some companies in Russia that have been adapting this tradition and have created their own modern version of the tableware.
This work of art will surely amaze you since the tableware is painted with very delicate floral patterns and are painted with festive coloring.
So if you want something that you can decorate in your home, then this would be a perfect choice.
5. Fur Hats
Although you can pretty much find fur hats being sold in various countries worldwide, the Russian fur hats are something different. If you have seen those classic films set in Russia, then you will certainly notice those elegant fur hats worn by stylish men and women.
The least expensive hats are made out of the rabbit’s fur.
6. Birch Bark Souvenirs
The bark of the birch tree is actually being used all over Russia. You will find decorative folk crafts that are made from the bark, such as hairpins, boxes, picture frames, etc.
You will surely appreciate the intricacy of the design. These are very beautiful creations that come with lace like detail, something that you can rarely find in other countries.
7. Gzhel Ceramics
Gzhel is my personal favorite souvenir from Russia!
If you want to bring home some house ware items, then the Gzhel ceramics would be a great choice. The most common of them are those that have a blue and white floral design and although you can find them all over the world now, it is really different if you get it from where it has originated from.
You can find beautiful Gzhel porcelain, bowls, tea sets and other house wares. They are so pretty!
8. Replicas of Faberge Easter Eggs
You are probably familiar with the Faberge Easter Eggs – that piece of artwork created by Russian jeweler Karl Gustav Faberge. The jeweler is from St. Petersburg and he created this beautiful masterpiece for the Imperial family of Russia.
These days, you will find a lot of replicas of that famous masterpiece being sold all over Russia. These are beautiful eggs that are made from gold or silver and are adorned with crystals, pearls, ivory, jade, diamonds, rubies, etc. The price would vary depending on what the eggs are made of.
9. Amber Jewelry
Amber jewelry is another popular Russian souvenir. What’s great about buying these is that you can simply tuck it away on your carry on. They usually come in silver, and have golden and green drops of fossilized tree resins that will greatly remind you of Russia.
These are also great gifts for loved ones and can even serve as heirloom jewelry if you just take good care of it well.
10. Bogorodskoe Wooden Toys
Russians are fond of creating artwork out of wood, and the Bogorodskoe wooden toys are among their best masterpieces. They are great souvenirs for your little ones.
These are tiny string and ball toys that come with sliding mechanisms which cause the bears to grab for honey or the peasants to chop firewood. These are very whimsical toys that your kids will certainly love.
So as you can see, there are plenty souvenirs that you can take home with you from Russia. When you get to the country, you will realize that there are indeed a lot of interesting things that can make great souvenirs, which your friends and family will certainly love.