You won’t have room in your suitcase for all the Russian souvenirs you’ll bring home from your travels. So carry an extra bag along—these Russian souvenirs are items you’ll cherish for years to come.
See the full Photo Gallery of Russian Souvenirs
1. Matryoshka Dolls
Kerry Kubilius © 2007, licensed to About.comThese dolls, also known as Russian nesting dolls, are a favorite Russian souvenir. They come in the traditional styles—girls with flowered dresses and headscarves—or more whimsical designs (from Communist leaders to the Simpsons). The more intricately painted and the more dolls nested, the higher the price.
2. Lacquer Boxes
Kerry Kubilius © 2007, licensed to About.comLacquer boxes are special Russian souvenirs. If you can find a good price on one of good quality, don’t hesitate to snap it up. These boxes go for hundreds of dollars in the States, and the Russians are hardly ignorant of this fact. 10 years ago, it was possible to find a mid-sized box for about 30 USD. Now the prices have skyrocketed—but they’re still less expensive than they are anywhere else.
3. Communist-Era Military Souvenirs
Kerry Kubilius © 2007, licensed to About.comThese, too, used to be less expensive, but they are unique Russian souvenirs that tourists can purchase cheaply. You can find Soviet Army hats, pins, and even full uniforms in some markets.
4. Fur Hats
The quintessential Russian fashion souvenir is the fur shapka, or hat. You’ve seen them in movies and on Russian political figures in newspapers. While the least expensive ones are made of rabbit fur, it’s possible to find them in all kinds of fur according to how much you want to spend. You can even find these Russian hats made for children.5. Birchbark Souvenirs
Kerry Kubilius © 2007, licensed to About.comBirchbark is used all over Russia—from Karelia to Tomsk—in decorative folk crafts. Boxes, hairpins, picture frames, or plates fashioned from birchbark vary in intricacy of design and cost. These beautiful creations have delicate lace-like detail that belies birchbark’s resiliency.
6. Gzhel Ceramics
Kerry Kubilius © 2007, licensed to About.comThe most common Gzhel ceramics are of a blue-and-white floral design. Tea sets, bowls, and other kitchen ware feature these traditional designs. Great as gifts, or perfect for a decorative grouping in your home, these Russian souvenirs are certain to become family heirlooms.
7. Amber Jewelry
Amber jewelry is a souvenir from Russia that is easy to tuck away on your carry-on. Commonly set in silver, these golden or green drops of fossilized tree resin are reminders of Russia that you can wear. These can also become cherished heirloom pieces of you know how to take care of your amber jewelry.8. Khokhloma Souvenirs
Kerry Kubilius © 2007, licensed to About.comThis gorgeous folk art is often scoffed at as being too common for the discerning tourist, but the typical red, gold, and black floral and berry designs date back hundreds of years. These symbolic colors were originally used for religious purposes. The designs on Khokhloma bowls, spoons, or other objects are hardly ordinary—it’s possible to find ones that rival even Gzhel ceramic designs!
9. Bogorodskoe Wooden Toys
Kerry Kubilius © 2007, licensed to About.comThese carved wooden toys are the perfect Russian souvenirs for children. Small string-and-ball or sliding mechanisms cause bears to grab for honey or peasants to chop firewood. Sweetly whimsical, bogorodskoe wooden toys tell stories from Russian fairytales and delight even adults who play with them.
