Every time you go to a new place, you definitely want to bring something back to remember your trip. It is not a problem to get a souvenir. You just go downtown of a city where you can find plenty of spots to buy little "something". But if you wish to get something really authentic and special, you have to put some effort to find it. Ukraine has a variety of things it is famous for, you just have to know places where to get those "treasures" ))) To make your life easier, we will suggest you a list of authentic souvenirs from Ukraine which will always bring you warm memories about our country.

1. Easter egg (Pysanka) from Kosmach.

Where to buy? Kosmach, Ivano-Frankivsk region.

How much? 100-200 UAH

Pysanka is a Ukrainian Easter egg, decorated with traditional Ukrainian folk designs using a wax-resist (batik) method. But it is much more than that.  Ukrainians have been decorating eggs, creating these miniature jewels, for countless generations. There is a ritualistic element involved, magical thinking, a calling out to the gods and goddesses for health, fertility, love, and wealth. Every region has their special way of decorating eggs, but one of the most unique is pysanka from Kosmach. It stand out by complex and intricate design. Most of the times it is asymmetrical - central motifs are placed on the front and back of an egg. Kosmach pysanka differs in color as well. Traditionally it is made using gold, red and dark brown natural dyes. Since Kosmach village is located in the valley of the Carpathian mountains, far away from civilization, it managed to keep it uniqueness without the influence of the outer world. That's why if you are hunting for something very special, this is the place to go to.

If you would like to make pysanka with your own hands you can join our exploring western Ukraine tour and visit a workshop there.

2. Motanka Doll in Kyiv

Where to buy? Kyiv

How much? 100-300 UAH

Ukrainian Doll Motanka – handmade reeled or knotted doll.  It is one of the most ancient of Ukrainian handmade household items. Initially it was fashioned as a domestic symbol of fertility and procreation. Today  Motanka-doll is a  symbol of women’s wisdom and family bounds. Motanka is made by winding only, no needles, no seams. It has no face and keeps the warmth of people’s hands, love and care with which it’s made. Not by chance has motanka-doll no face. It is either faceless or there is a cross in the place of the face representing the solar sign, the symbol of the Sun. It is believed to be a symbol of well-being and a very strong charm. Elaborated, lavishly dressed doll represents the connection between old and young generations, the guarantee of prosperity, happy family life, and protection from evil forces. It is definitely a nice souvenir to have and make others wonder about it.

You also have a chance to make it yourself. Simply join our Kyiv City Tour and at the workshop we will teach you how to do it.

3. Lviv Chocolate

Where to buy? Lviv Handmade chocolate manufactory on 3 Serbska st. or 5 Sichovyh Striltsiv st.  In Kyiv on Khreshchatyk 21 or Andrijivskyy Descent 2B. In Odessa on Derybasivska st. 31.

How much? 8 UAH per candy

Lviv has always been able to work miracles. Since Medieval Times this city has been well known for its “delicious confectionery" . Lviv Chocolate Factory is the only of its kind in Ukraine. All chocolates are handmade with great care by the skilled artists. The factory uses the same traditional production technology of old times and that is exactly why they have managed to revive the magical recipes giving life to chocolates which again can travel around the world spreading the atmosphere of the beautiful city. Lviv chocolate melts in your mouth giving you that desirable feeling of satisfaction. Anyone who receives it as a gift will be extremely pleased.

If you got tempted, you can taste the sweets during our Lviv City Tour.

4. Hand-woven woolen blankets from Yavoriv

Where to buy? Yavoriv village Ivano-Frankivsk region

How much? 500-650 UAH

Hand woven woolen blanket is called lizhnyk. To make it craftsman uses wool from sheep that were raised in the high Carpathian mountain pastures, and natural dyes. Firstly, wool is washed and dried, combed by the special comb, and as a result a fluffy ball like a cloud is formed. The combed wool is easily twisted into threads, and lizhnyks are made out of them, mainly on the homemade looms. It is very difficult to resist buying this soft cuddly cover for yourself or as a gift. It's not only beautiful, but also helps to better microclimate in the city apartments and maintains temperature and humidity inside. It  is also  famous for its healthful properties in treating radiculitis and colds. Just wrap yourself up in the blanket and sheep'  wool will do its work. Believe it or not, lizhnyk is considered to attract good forces into your dwelling. So make sure not to forget this unique present on your way back home.

5. Crimean tatar ceramics

Where to buy? @ shop.rustemskibin.com

How much? 20-50$

Crimean Tatar ceramics is one of the kind. It is best represented in the works of Rustem Skibin who is a brilliant master of pottery and ceramics. Based on traditional forms and ornaments of Crimean Tatars,  he created his own recognizable style of painting the ceramics with colour enamel. Symbols and signs that he uses in his ornaments reflect positive energy and remind us about sense of being which is continuation of life on earth. The character design is the allegorical language of the soul, imaginative perception of the people. Selection and combination of colors is a direct reflection of the Crimean lush nature of the local landscape. Rustem's works are in great demand both in Ukraine and abroad. His plates and tiles will always serve as a beautiful addition to your dwelling interior.

6. Poltava Honey

Where to buy? Poltava

How much? 80 UAH per liter

Poltava region is considered to be a cradle of Ukrainian culture with its songs, language and traditions.  It is  also one of the ecologically cleanest regions in Ukraine. In addition to picturesque nature, Poltava became a perfect spot  for bee farming. Poltava honey is one of the most popular in Ukraine and abroad. It stands out by its unique flavour (mixture of buckwheat, herbs and prairie flowers) and unforgettable aroma. Once you taste it, you will always go for more.

7. Natural cosmetics "Yara" from Kosiv

Where to buy? Kosiv, Ivano-Frankivsk region or on the site yaranaturals.com

How much? 23-300 UAH

Every female would be glad to have a piece of organic cosmetics for a very affordable price. "Yara Naturals" will meet all your expectations. You will be amazed by quality of lipbalms and body creams, by awesome aroma of soaps and body oils. What makes "Yara" cosmetics so special:

• Only natural products: your skin deserves the best of what nature can offer without the harm of chemicals
• Hand-crafted with love: each soap or moisturizer oil is hand-made, with love and care
• Made fresh:  cosmetics has short expiration date, as it uses only natural preservatives

8. Cheese from Selysjka Cheesefactory

Where to buy? Nyzhnje Selyshche village, Zakarpattja region

How much? 300-400 per kilo

All the cheese lovers will really appreciate a gift from Nyzhnjie Selyshche cheese factory where cheese is made by Swiss technology (10 liters of milk is needed to make 1 kg of cheese). These cheeses are made from Transcarpathian ecologically clean milk, without preservatives and additives. There are three types of cheeses, which are distinguished from each other on the basis of its maturation period: Khust, Narcissus of the Carpathians, Selys´kyi. It would be a nice addition to your meal or simply enjoy a slice of it with a glass of chilled wine.

You can also taste this cheese during one of our Carpathian Tours.

9. Hutsul zgarda

Where to buy? Kosiv, Ivano-Frankivsk region.

How much? 40-60$

What kind of meaning is hidden behind such an unusual name "zgarda"? It is a necklace  with brass crosses or coins needled on the brass thread. Crosses are  handcrafted out of brass by embossing. This jewelry has the elements of ancient pre-Christian culture where the source of ornamentation was ancient Slavic solar cult. A symbol of sun was an emblem of wealth and prosperity. Zgardy were first gifted to girls at the age of six, usually for their birthday or name day. Every next year another set of identical crosses would be given to her and placed on each side of the first one. Over time, the number of amulets grew and decorations would overlay in several rows. These kinds of necklaces served primarily as protective amulets. Nowadays it is a very unique and rare gift. If you are lucky to get one, be sure , you own something special.

10. Vyshyvanka (Embroidered shirt)

Where to buy? Kosiv (local market); Lviv , 8 Lesja Ukrajinka st.

How much? 300$ - 1000$

Ukrainian vyshyvanka is not only a national symbol of our country but also a real piece of art. The story of vyshyvanka goes back centuries, but no one knows exactly when the first one appeared. It is a traditional item of clothing, usually a shirt or a blouse, made from linen and decorated with embroidered patterns. Ukrainian vyshyvanka has long played the role of a talisman against the dark forces. It was believed that the embroidery on the chest protects the human soul from destruction, decay and dying. Embroidery on the shoulders, especially in menswear, empower and defend against enemies. Besides being good clothes, vyshyvanka is also in high trends now. Both Ukrainian designers and world famous couturier use elements of  embroidery in their collections. So be sure, by wearing this "old tradition" shirt, you will be in trend without any doubts.

11. Poltava whistler (svystunetsj)

Where to buy?  Opishnja village, Poltava region

How much? 100-200 UAH

If by any chance you forgot to buy something for your little one on your way back home, Poltava svystunetsj will be a perfect gift for your kid. Made out of clay, it is ecologically clean. Usually the whistlers are made in the shape of domestic animals or funny characters. Besides, it is painted in nice colors with natural dye. To top it all, if you blow it, it whistles. Just imagine how much fun your child would have by playing with this cool Ukrainian toy.

If you like any of the souvenirs but cannot make it to the place to buy it, you can always contact us and we will order it for you!