When I travel, I love to bring home something typical from a country that I can also enjoy and use at home – a way to remind me of my travels. And of course, I sometimes even bring gifts home for family and friends (although mostly only if I see something particular that makes me think of them!). Rather than buy mass-produced souvenirs like T-shirts, I like to find a typical local souvenir. Here are ten travel tips for shopping for local souvenirs in various parts of Europe. Share your shopping guide and get the chance to draw more attention to your account. Buy instagram likes and increase your social media visibility.
10 Tips for Shopping for Local Souvenirs in Europe
Knitwear shop in Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland
Croatia
If you are after some unique jewellery then a trip to Croatia might be just the thing – Neha wrote a great post about the many boutique jewellery stores in Dubrovnik. They are often run by families who have been making Croatian-style jewellery for generations. You might also want to take a shopping trip to Groznjan, where Neha says there is also excellent jewellery to be found, along with locally-produced artworks and wine.
10 Tips for Shopping for Local Souvenirs in Europe
Dubrovnik jewellery by neha
Our articcles on things to do in Croatia.
Germany
One of my favourite times of year in Germany is Christmas, when the Christmas markets in small towns like Bad Wimpfen fill with traditional stalls selling lots of Christmas-themed items, with my particular favourites being the many kinds of Christmas tree decorations. If your trip doesn’t coincide with the Christmas market season then I also love exploring the Käthe Wohlfahrt store all year round, home to beautiful Christmas decorations – there are about half a dozen Käthe Wohlfahrt shops across Germany, though I recommend Heidelberg.
10 Tips for Shopping for Local Souvenirs in Europe
Käthe Wohlfahrt in Rothenburg o. d. Tauber by LenDog64
Our articles on what to do in Germany.
Netherlands
You don’t have to bring back wooden clogs if you go to the Netherlands! While you may just opt for some delicious local cheese like me, another option is Delft blue pottery, the famous pottery created in the town of Delft. You do need to watch out that it’s the real thing (or, if that doesn’t bother you, pay less for a reproduction – it’s still lovely stuff!).
10 Tips for Shopping for Local Souvenirs in Europe
Delftware by arwa
Our articles on things to do in Holland.
Turkey
There is plenty of shopping to be done in Istanbul but Inka shared a special find with us – a small boutique under the Muhlisbey Hotel, full of traditional Turkish textiles so you can buy clothes (and caftans), embroidered pieces, pillow cases and other objects.
10 Tips for Shopping for Local Souvenirs in Europe
Istanbul shopping by Inka Piegsa-quischotte
Our articles on things to do in Turkey.
Belgium
I would have picked Belgian chocolates as a great souvenir but this traditional Belgian lace looks fantastic too (and longer-lasting than chocolate!). As with the Delft pottery, you can either buy the original handmade version for a premium price or a more mass-produced (but still lovely) version – just be careful not to pay the high price for the non-original.
10 Tips for Shopping for Local Souvenirs in Europe
Belgian lace by arwa
Our articles for things to do in Belgium.
Russia
I found Russia to be a fantastic place to collect traditional crafts that weren’t crazily expensive. Of course you can buy a set of matryoshka dolls (and I did!), but I also came home with decorative boxes of various traditional styles, both engraved wooden and lacquer and with some really interesting hand-painted designs, often reflecting traditional Russian folktales.
10 Tips for Shopping for Local Souvenirs in Europe
Russian lacquer box by simonsterg
Our articles on things to do in Russia.
Estonia
On my most recent trip to Estonia, I took my mother and she was quickly smitten with the Estonian-style linen. She took home some place mats and tablecloths but there were all kinds of products available, both in specialist shops and in the street market stalls.
10 Tips for Shopping for Local Souvenirs in Europe
Tallinn market stalls by assorted stuff
Our articles for what to do in Estonia.
France
What could be more French than some wine or champagne? Whether you tour some vineyards or just spend some time browsing in a shop, you or whoever is lucky enough to receive a souvenir wine gift from you will be able to spend some quality time enjoying wine or champagne from one of its main sources.
10 Tips for Shopping for Local Souvenirs in Europe
Tasting Dom Perignon by Megan Mallen
Our articles on what to do in France
Switzerland
I’ve spent a lot of time in Switzerland visiting relatives and the number one souvenir I take home with me is always chocolate! The Swiss really do have a way with chocolate and buying some locally-made high-quality chocolate there is far cheaper for me than getting it at home. It’s also, understandably, a popular souvenir gift to your loved ones at home. I always go for a lesser-known local chocolate brand rather than the more globally-known ones.
10 Tips for Shopping for Local Souvenirs in Europe
Shelves of Swiss chocolate by Dr Flemming
Our articles on things to do in Switzerland.
Italy
Or, to be more particular than Italy, just Venice – a city of course famous for its glassworks. On the islands of Burano and Murano you will come across dozens of glass makers and a huge range of glass products, and although they are a typical tourist souvenir there are some really gorgeous (and at the same time, often practical) glass souvenirs to take home with you. I still wear a glass pendant bought for me by a friend in Venice many years ago
Your Tips for Shopping in Europe
Have you got a favorite souvenir that you bought in Europe? Tell us about it in the comments
