Russian souvenirs
What do you know about traditional souvenirs from Russia? Most probably you've heard of Russian nesting doll (it's called 'mastryoshka' in Russian), but not many visitors to our country can remember other traditional crafts. During your Moscow tour you'll be able to see beautiful Palekh and Fedoskino wooden boxes, bright shawls from Pavlovsky Posad, elegant amber jewelry, funny felt boots and numerous other souvenirs.
This section represents the history of the main Russian crafts. You'll have an idea of what to look for during your trip to the country and learn the story of the Russian folk art. Your Moscow tour guide will help you to find the perfect gift from Russia. A very famous place to buy souvenirs is the Izmailovo market, which offers the largest selection of items of decorative and applied art, fine art, and folk handicrafts.
If you're not into shopping souvenirs it might be a good idea to buy something traditional you can eat or drink, and we'll give you some tips on what food or drink could be a good present to your friends.
Matryoshka is the best known and most popular Russian souvenir. It is a set of painted wooden dolls of decreasing sizes one hidden inside another. The number of nested figures usually varies from three to ten, but in some rare cases can reach 50 and even more. Traditional matryoshka doll represents a woman dressed in a Russian peasant dress wearing a scarf on her head.read more
Amber is a common name for fossilized tree resin known since ancient time for its natural beauty and magic qualities.
90 % of all amber in ther world comes from Kalinigrad region in the west of Russia. During your tour to Moscow or St Petersburg you’ll have a great opportunity to get an elegant piece of jewelry with amber.read more
Pavlovo Posad is a small town not far from Moscow known all over Russia for its shawls and scarves factory. The factory has been in town since the end of the 18th century but its production is in great demand up to now. The shawls usually feature bright floral pattern. read more
Khokhloma is a traditional Russian craft originated in the 17th century in the area of Nizhniy Novgorod. It’s the style of painting on wooden tableware and furniture. Khokhloma style can be recognized for its red and gold flower pattern on a dark background. read more
Lacquer boxes are among the most beautiful crafts of Russia in the 20th century. They are made of unusual material; it’s not wood as it seems to be but papier-mâché. The boxes feature miniature paintings, the themes range from Russian landscapes to Fairy tales.read more
Gzhel is a style of Russian ceramics which originates from the village of Gzhel not far from Moscow. The pottery feature distinctive blue designs on white background. The range of Gzhel production is very diverse, among most popular items are tea and coffee services, clocks, lamps.read more
Valenki or Russian felt boots used to be very popular footwear in winter. They’re not so widespread today in big cities but are still common in the countryside. Valenki are among the warmest footwear that can be used in severe winters, today valenki are usually worn by little kids.read more
Birch bark crafts have been popular in Russia since ancient times.During your tour of Moscow you can get numerous boxes, jewelry, baskets made of birch bark.read more
Bogorodsk toys are wooden carved figures of animals, birds and people doing various tasks such as pecking chicken, bears chopping the wood or hare playing musical instruments. These toys are excellent educational material for the kids and will be a lot of fun for the whole family.read more
During your Moscow tour practically in every gift shop you will certainly find a lot of souvenirs, reminding of Soviet period of Russian history. Famous writer Maxim Gorky said “Without knowing the past, it's impossible to understand the true meaning of the present and the aims of the future”. Your Moscow tour guide invites you to dive into the depth of Soviet history to learn more about some curious things that you can buy while visiting Russia.read more
During your Moscow Tour don't miss the chance to enjoy different sorts of confectionery, chocolate and sweets. Firstly you should pay attention to ring-shaped rolls called baranki and soushki, pastila and filled chocolates. Let your Moscow tour guide introduce you to the most delicious Russian sweets and pastries, you can't find in any other country.
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Rostov enamels today are very popular in Russia. During your tour around the country you can find beautiful earrings, brooches, necklaces, boxes with miniature paintings on enamel. This art is popular since the 17th century. read more
Even if you are in Russia for the first time during your Moscow tour you probably heard something about Russian vodka. How comes this strong alcohol drink became an integral part of the Russian life? Let's get acquainted with the history of vodka with the help of your Moscow tour guide and learn some interesting facts about Russian vodka.read more
Ushanka or shapka ushanka is a traditional Russian fur hat. It has ear flaps that might be tied at the chin to protect ears and neck from the cold or fixed at the back of the head. It is known in the west sometimes as simply ‘shapka” (which actually means “hat’ in Russian) and its name ‘ushanka’ derives from the Russian word ushi (“ears”).read more
Budenovka is a hat used as the uniform of the Soviet troops from 1918 until 1940. Nobody wears it now but it became an iconic image from the Russian Сivil war.read more
Willing to get a Faberge egg? The cost of such a lovely souvenir can be around 10-20 millions USD. Does it sound a bit pricey? You might go for a much cheaper option and get a replica.read more
Orenburg down shawls may become a great souvenir for women, who appreciate handmade things.This type shawl originated in the Orenburg area about 250 years ago. The shawls are made of a special blend of silk and thin goat fiber.
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Beautiful metal trays painted with mixed garden and wild flowers come from a small village Zhostovo.Nowadays Zhostovo trays still produced in Mytishchi Area are considered a great present that keeps the warmth of craftsmen hands a peace of mysterious Russian soul.read more
This metal container, traditionally used for heating water during the tea ceremony, is often mentioned in our literature, songs and folklore. read more
