Souvenirs From Ukraine – Buy Traditional Ukrainian Gifts
Let check some colorful souvenirs from Ukraine – buy traditional Ukrainian gifts in this post and go for a unique virtual shopping tour in Kiev / Kyiv. Ukraine – an ex-Soviet country which is known for many missiles, nuclear accident and many political movements, also has a wonderful folk art and Ukrainian traditional cultural handicrafts. You can also see Ukrainian culture in the lifestyle of Ukraine and some of their prominent cultural traditional skills which are passed from many generations till today. Ukraine boasts to present its intricate and colorful handicrafts, Ukrainian cultural handicrafts consisting of many bright colors, floral patterns, geometric designs which can be visible on Embroidery, Weaving, Ceramics, Pottery, Woodwork, Pysanka, and decorative painting. The geographical location plays an important in this country to produce many intricate crafts and therefore it is great to possess some gifts when you visit Ukraine. I have compiled a list of worth buying souvenirs from Ukraine – Kiev Souvenirs.
Best Places To Buy Souvenirs From Ukraine – Buy Traditional Ukrainian Gifts in Kiev / Kyiv
- Andriyivski Uzviz, a street in the center of Kyiv, is a popular tourist destination. It is known at Kyiv’s Montemarte. Here famous crafts are sold by numerous artisans, craftsmen, and creative sellers.
- Pirogovo Open-Air Museum
- Khyrschatk streek in kiev for modern and branded shopping.
List Of Must-Buy Souvenirs From Ukraine – Buy Traditional Ukrainian Gifts
UKRAINIAN MATRYOSHKA / BABUSHKA
Ukrainian Matryoshka is a famous and unique souvenir rather than a toy. These are handcrafted nesting dolls, depicting Ukrainian folk dress, and are designed for decoration, and not for play. Some Matryoshka dolls are known as Babushka (granny) dolls. They come in a nested set form which represents a set of wooden dolls of decreasing size, each placed inside the other. There are five or more in each set of figurines. Their shape is cylindrical, rounded at the top (head) and tapered towards the bottom and without any hands. Sometimes hands are shown by painting. The painting on wooden figurines is very intricate and elaborate and they all follow a certain theme. Mostly they depict common peasant girl theme, but some of them also depict fairy tale characters to the former Soviet leaders.
Price Range – Prices usually depend on the number and size of dolls in a set and the complexity of the pattern. The approximate price of one set starts from $5.
How to Carry – Easy to carry if bought small sized ones. But for big ones you need space. It should be packed with wraps and can be kept in check-in luggage. Unbreakable as it is wooden.
Best Place to Buy – Mostly many shops sell this as this is the most famous souvenir from Ukraine.
MOTANKY (RAG DOLLS)
Motanky is derived from the Ukrainian word – “motaty”. Motanky is usually made out of available scraps or left out fabric cutouts, threads, and wool or herbs as stuffing. Motanky is not only ornamental or decorative dolls but they are used to keep positive energy inside the home. These dolls symbolize the presence of the living forces in the form of the fertility of the soil, well being of home cattle and the continuation of a family. These traditional dolls initially were traditional made up of natural materials, and stitching was done without any knots and no cutting was done by scissors as they believe tying knots or cutting by scissors will bring ill fate. The stuffing in the doll usually used to be grass or herbs, like wild rosemary (a symbol of prosperity and good health). Motanky is one of the Ukrainian national culture symbols which represent a great countryside or folk culture. Modern dolls which look similar, you will not find this same herbal stuffing and also they are made by scissors.
Price Range – Prices usually depend on the size. The approximate price of one set starts from $15 for very small-sized stuff.
How to Carry – Easy to carry and very light in weight. Unbreakable as it is made from Fabric.
Best Place to Buy – Mostly many handicraft shops/galleries sell this as this is an iconic symbol of rural Ukraine. The best you can buy from Andriyivski Uzviz.
LVIV CHOCOLATES
Since medieval times, Lviv is famous for its art of making lovely confectionary. During the 19th century, Europe used to export handmade specialized chocolates, truffles, and sweets from Lviv. Until the present date, they are creating magical recipes by using those traditional methods in chocolate making. You can get Lviv chocolates here in Kiev/Kyiv too. Or if you are visiting Lviv then get it from there.
Price Range – Prices usually depend on the size of the box. The approximate price of one box starts from $20
How to Carry – Easy to carry and can be carried in hand luggage too.
Best Place to Buy – Lviv chocolate factory outlet at the end of Andriyivski Uzviz street or can be purchased from the original factory in Lviv.
UKRAINIAN CERAMICS / POTTERY WORK
Ceramics and Pottery works of Ukraine are well-known and not from today but fourth to fifth BC. Local souvenir street markets and even the handicraft galleries offer a wide choice of ceramics from various regions of Ukraine. Each region of Ukraine has a particular or distinct style of work with different colorful patterns. Like ceramics from the Kosiv district in Western Ukraine are known for their greenish and reddish-brown colors on a white background which involves the intricate images of birds, animals, and people. Ceramics from the village of Opishne are renowned for use of natural colors and intricate patterns on vases and plates, and generally featuring images of farm animals like sheep, bears, goats and, horses.
Price Range – Prices usually depend on the size. The approximate price of one set starts from $50
How to Carry – Difficult to carry and can be broken if not carried properly. So ask for proper packing if you buy them.
Best Place to Buy – Mostly many handicraft shops/galleries sell these works and the best you can buy from Andriyivski Uzviz.
PAINTED WOODEN BOXES
Uniquely hand-painted floral patterns on Ukrainian lacquered wood boxes which are made of birch wood is typical cultural handicrafts of Western Ukraine. Right from the cutting of birch wood leftover logs and then sculpting them into a box and then painting is done and that too all hands by professional artists. The colors used are oil colors. You can see brightly colored floral patterns or life scenes very intricately on wooden boxes of different sizes. They are a suitable gift for family and friends and also would serve as a good trinket box or jewelry box.
Price Range – Prices are not very high which starts from $5, depending on the size and complexity.
How to Carry – Easy to carry if small sized ones. Unbreakable as it is made up of wood.
Best Place to Buy – Mostly many handicraft shops/galleries sell these works and the best you can buy from Andriyivski Uzviz.
UKRAINIAN FOLK BLOUSES (VYSHYVANKA)
Embroidery plays a very important role in Ukrainian handicrafts and especially the embroidered blouses which depict the region of Ukraine as per the craftsmanship. These white or off-white blouses with colorful embroideries have both artistic and historic significance. Each region of the country has its own distinctive design which is reflected by geometric patterns, floral patterns, images of people, birds or animals. The most often color combinations are black and red, orange and brown, yellow and green, blue and white. Initially, the threads of embroidered were naturally dyed by barks of trees, flowers, and berries and many more things. The most unique embroidered stuff you can find is Reshetylivka’s work which is white on white. It looks very elegant and intricate. These embroidered works can now be seen in exclusive fashion shows or Parisian outlets.
Price Range – Prices start from $30, depending on the size and fabric of the blouse.
How to Carry – Easy to carry and can be worn too. It can be carried in hand luggage too.
Best Place to Buy – Mostly many handicraft shops/galleries sell these works and the best you can buy from Andriyivski Uzviz or at the official folk museum shop at Pirogovo Open Air Museum. It is also available at most clothing shops too.
PETRIKIVKA PAINTING (PETRIKOV PAINTING)
This is a decorative colorful painting and is prominently seen in the daily living of Ukrainian people and so it is considered as the most cultural painting. Petrikov painting – decorative or ornamental painting, founded in Dnipropetrovsk got the name from the village Petrikovka where it was founded. The artisans who are experts in Petrikov have very well-coordinated eye and hand movements and masters this art by painting without making drafts and also without using any measuring instrument. This intricately detailed work is made by using a thin brush and also with the flower stalk, wood chips, berries, and even actual flowers. When visiting Ukraine or Kiev / Kyiv, you can buy plates, spoons, mugs, caskets or other decor items adorned with Petrikivka Painting
Price Range – Prices usually depend on the size and complexity of the pattern. The approximate price of one set starts from $5 for very small-sized stuff.
How to Carry – Easy to carry if bought small sized ones. But for big ones you need space. It should be packed with wraps and can be kept in check-in luggage. Unbreakable if it is wooden.
Best Place to Buy – Mostly many shops sell this as this is the most colorful art pattern of Ukraine. The best you can buy from Andriyivski Uzviz street.
UKRAINIAN JEWELRY – BEADED, CARPATHIAN WOODEN BRACELETS & ENAMELED WORK
The Carpathian wooden bracelets or other jewelry are made by the artisans in the Carpathian mountain region near Lviv in western Ukraine.
Another famous and authentic thing to bring from Ukraine is a lightweight and multi-colored beaded necklace. This intricate, hand-made beaded jewelry which is made up of many small-sized beads into many strings sewn together has become very popular nowadays.
Price Range – Prices start from $10 for wooden ones and $15 for a beaded necklace.
How to Carry – Very easy to carry and can be worn too. It can be carried in hand luggage too.
Best Place to Buy – Mostly many handicraft shops/galleries sell these works and the best you can buy from Andriyivski Uzviz or at the official folk museum shop at Pirogovo Open Air Museum.
MODERN STYLE OF EMBROIDERY OR RIBBON WORK EMBROIDERED STUFF
Exclusive pieces of cloth adorned with hand-made embroidery, hem-stitching, ribbon embroidery, knitting, and cut-work. The standard collection includes tablecloths of different sizes, towels, tracks, chemises, blouses, shawls and scarves, postcards with embroidery, embroidered pictures, knitted tablecloths, napkins and collars. Each embroidery piece is unique and demonstrates the Ukrainian style of colorful and charming floral patterns or folk life.
Price Range – Prices start from $20 but depends on the type of article and complexity of work.
How to Carry – Very easy to carry and can be worn too. It can be carried in hand luggage too.
Best Place to Buy – Mostly many handicraft shops/galleries sell these works and the best you can buy from Andriyivski Uzviz or at the official folk museum shop at Pirogovo Open Air Museum.
“VINOK” – FLORAL WREATH
Ukraine is blessed with an enchanting floral landscape and so flowers play an important role in its handicrafts too. You must have seen floral patterns everywhere in embroidery, paintings, ceramics and wooden work too. Now go for a Vinok which is floral wreath. This is an integral part of the Ukranian national costume They are made up of colorful flowers with ribbons that form a stunning floral crown. Authentically the original Ukrainian wreath is made of 12 flowers: milfoil, cornflower, chamomile, cherry blossom, peony, chrysanthemums and others. But you can see many versions are now available with some modern twist and fusion with patterns. You can see many Ukrainian ladies wearing it too.
Price Range – Prices start from $5.
How to Carry – Very easy to carry and can be worn too. It can be carried in hand luggage too.
Best Place to Buy – Mostly many handicraft shops/galleries sell these works and the best you can buy from Andriyivski Uzviz or at the official folk museum shop at Pirogovo Open Air Museum.
RUSHNIK
A colorful ritual cloth embroidered by hand with symbols and cryptograms traditionally used in sacred rituals, religious services and ceremonial events. You can see table cloths or towels available with this work.
Price Range – Prices start from $25.
How to Carry – Very easy to carry. It can be carried in hand luggage too.
Best Place to Buy – Mostly many handicraft shops/galleries sell these works and the best you can buy from Andriyivski Uzviz.
COLORFUL UKRAINIAN PATTERNED SHAWLS/CAPES – PRINTED AND EMBROIDERED
You can purchase hand embroidered or printed capes or shawls with all colorful patterns inspired by folk art or ancient floral patterns.
Price Range – Prices start from $15.
How to Carry – Very easy to carry. It can be worn or carried in hand luggage too.
Best Place to Buy – Mostly many handicraft shops/galleries sell these works and the best you can buy from Andriyivski Uzviz.
HAND KNITTED WOOLEN SOCKS
Ukrainian patterns are hand knitted with colorful wool and are transformed into woolen socks. Perfect for gifting to adults or children. These woolen socks are beautiful and also represents the folk patterns of Ukraine.
Price Range – Prices start from $8.
How to Carry – Very easy to carry. It can be worn or carried in hand luggage too.
Best Place to Buy – Mostly many handicraft shops sell these works and the best you can buy from Andriyivski Uzviz.
Not only these items, but there are many colorful stuff you can purchase here to preserve as token of memory from your Ukraine visit. Stuff like household decor, kitchen stuff, wooden toys, diary covers, book marks, fridge magnets, colorful posters, hand printed T-shirts and many more things you can buy from street markets or folk museums in Kiev / Kyiv.
I hope you loved this virtual tour of Souvenirs From Ukraine – Buy Traditional Ukrainian Gifts and would love to listen your best thing to buy in Ukraine below in the comments.
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