- A wealth of culture and tradition
- What food and drinks to bring from Russia
- Folk craft
Russia still remains a country of mystery for many. Usually souvenirs from here are associated with nesting dolls, vodka, bears and felt boots. And what to bring from Russia in order to go beyond the usual clichés and surprise friends and loved ones?
A wealth of culture and tradition
Russia is a multinational country with a different way of life and culture of the peoples inhabiting it. Everyday life, national crafts and traditions of arts and crafts in its different corners can be completely different.
Surely the most recognizable and expected gift will be the matryoshka doll. And the more dolls there are, the better. Now you can buy souvenirs painted not only in the traditional Russian style, but also quite original figurines depicting celebrities, heroes of films and animated films.
Shawls and shawls are also frequent and useful gifts. Depending on the edge where they were made, they can be completely different. For example, the famous Pavloposad shawls are distinguished by traditional ornaments and colors.
Orenburg shawls, knitted from goat down, are famous for their elegance and delicate weaving. The real product easily passes through the wedding ring. Despite the fact that the shawls are very thin, this does not at all affect their warming qualities. Always appropriate and versatile gifts can be: honey (especially if presented in a gift barrel); Pine nuts; herbal teas; sweets (gingerbread, drying, bagels, chocolate and condensed milk); jam; homemade pickles. Caviar evokes a constant delight. However, you need to choose it very carefully and carefully look at the expiration dates.
What food and drinks to bring from Russia
The most famous alcoholic drink is, of course, vodka. Therefore, as a presentation from Russia, it would be quite appropriate. In company stores you can buy a beautiful original bottle in a gift box. Another drink unusual for a foreigner will be kvass.
Gingerbread will become a souvenir for those with a sweet tooth. Now, in almost any grocery store or souvenir shop, you can buy this confection of any size and shape, with or without a pattern on the glaze, stuffed with fruits, boiled condensed milk, butter cream and chocolate. A chocolate postcard will also become an original sweet gift. Almost all confectionery factories now produce a variety of edible souvenirs.
Honey will be a useful and tasty gift. You can buy several different varieties in beautiful packages. You can surprise with a present by giving a honeycomb. Maybe not everyone will like their taste, but they will definitely be of interest.
Folk craft
Russian craftsmen have long been considered skillful woodcarvers. Therefore, as a gift, you can safely purchase: wooden boxes decorated with paintings or carvings; kitchen utensils (spoons, plates, cups, cutting boards); accessories (hairpins, earrings, bracelets); birch bark products. Weaving craft in Russia also has a long history, so scarves and shawls with traditional ornaments, knitted items and hats, woven panels and rugs are almost always popular.
Ceramic products are a separate conversation. Depending on the region, the dishes can be completely different. It all depends on the method of firing products, painting technology, traditional colors:
- Petrikov painting (bright floral ornament in red and yellow tones);
- gzhel (white and blue colors);
- Gorodets painting (bright juicy shades, lush bouquets of flowers, images of everyday scenes);
- khokhloma is the most recognizable and popular type of painting.
One of the oldest types of folk crafts in Russia is the manufacture of toys. Wood or clay are considered traditional materials of manufacture. In any gift shop you can always find a huge number of small figurines, figurines of animals and people.
Products made of natural stone will become an original gift. The flight of creative imagination of stone-cutting masters is endless. In themed or souvenir shops, you can always buy jewelry, small cups and glasses, carvings, chess, and decor items.
Felt boots are always delighted as a souvenir. It is not at all necessary to buy life-size felt shoes. There is always a miniature pair of boots on sale in a variety of colors and patterns.
Magnets, key rings and T-shirts with images of the main landmarks or symbols of the country: the Kremlin, bears, balalaika, St. Basil's Cathedral, images of masterpieces of wooden architecture will always be appropriate and exactly associated with Russia souvenirs.
