In this article, we want to know the souvenirs and handicrafts of Russia along with the shopping centers. Russia is the largest country on the planet and one of the most important cradles of history and art in the world. The architecture of its buildings is so beautiful and amazing that it dazzles the eyes of every viewer. When you travel to Russia, you will be amazed to see its cultural, historical, artistic and natural attractions. But aside from these, the main concern of every tourist is to buy souvenirs and handicrafts of that region. Handicrafts are one of the best souvenirs that tourists can take back to their country. Russia is one of the countries that is considered a rich country in terms of handicrafts.
People who travel to Russia as tourists buy handicrafts from special stores and take different souvenirs to their country.
Buying Russian handicrafts
Before introducing Russian souvenirs, you need to know some points. Among the Russian products, there are fake products that are sold at a much lower price. So be careful not to buy fake souvenirs.
Remember that the best souvenirs of Russia are linen, handicrafts, woolen shawls, and rhinestones. In Russia, books, historical manuscripts and old precious objects are also found. If you love antiques, you have to pay taxes to the Russian government and get a license to buy these products.
Joustov’s tray
Sini Zhustov has depicted Russian art in the true sense. A metal tray that has stunning designs and colors in its heart. For the first time, this tray was designed and produced in the 19th century in the village of Jostovo. Tasteful artists draw the designs of this tray by hand and make the designs shiny and transparent with black seed oil, which catches your eye.
Traditional balalaika instrument
This Russian instrument is a type of three-stringed instrument that has a large triangular body and a long handle. Of course, the Russian three strings have differences with the Iranian three strings. For example, when playing, three strings should be used at the same time. From the music played from this instrument, a sound with the harmony of la and lala can be heard, that’s why they named it balalaika. This Russian souvenir is a great option for people who love traditional instruments.
Russian Dymkovo toys 
These special toys made of clay are unique to Russia. These types of toys are usually made in the shape of animals. Dimukovo toys are traditionally made by Russian women. These toys are symbols and souvenirs of Dimokuvo village, and different types of these dolls are available in this village.
In previous centuries, these types of toys were used in religious ceremonies and ceremonies, as well as for various ceremonies in the field of agriculture. In other words, these types of toys were used as a sacred object in various ceremonies. But with the passage of time, the belief in the sanctity or magical power of Dimoku’s toys has decreased and nowadays they are only considered as a doll for children to play with. Dimokovo toy is one of the most famous souvenirs in Russia.
Matryoshka doll
This doll is considered one of the most famous handicrafts in Russia. The design of this doll is such that a smaller sized doll is placed inside the main doll. Both dolls have the same shape and appearance and the only difference is the different size of the two dolls. Matryoshka doll is one of the most interesting handicrafts in Russia as a souvenir.
Kholkhom dishes
In Russia, they make wooden dishes that are golden in color. These dishes are called Kholkhom. The designs and colors used on these dishes are a symbol of Russian culture. To make these dishes, the designers draw on them and put them in the oven. This is why these dishes are golden. The symbols designed on these dishes are usually branches, red raspberry seeds and flowers.
Traditional cookies of Tula city
If you are looking for a delicious souvenir, the best option is cookies from Tula city. The main ingredients used in these cookies are honey, cinnamon powder, ginger and milk, which has a delicious and memorable taste. This delicious dish dates back to the 17th century. According to most tourists, the best souvenirs of Russia are these cookies.
samovar
A samovar is a unique Russian device that is still mostly used for boiling and serving tea. Traditionally, you might be interested to know that samovar is also a superstition in Russia. The more expensive and well-maintained a samovar was, the more successful its owner was. There are different types of samovars, which are available in charcoal and electric types with different materials such as tin, brass, Warsaw, silver. Eli Gosht suggests you to buy electric devices if your goal is to buy a souvenir for a housewife, Russian samovars. It is one of the best options. Samavars are one of the Russian souvenirs that are considered expensive and you have to pay a significant fee.
Shawls by Paolo Posad| Russian handicrafts
Pavlo Posad shawl is one of the most popular handicrafts of Russia, which can be seen in any souvenir shop or in the open air booth. While traveling to Moscow and other cities, you may see many young Russian girls and women wearing this shawl, which is a shawl with large and colorful floral designs, especially in the cold season.
Valenki boots
Valenki or felt boot is a type of clog, which is more than 1500 years old and the purpose of its construction was to walk on ice and snow in the winter season, and in its traditional form, this clog is entirely made by hand and made of wool, but today in Russia You may see the industrial version of this boot made with industrial chemicals in shops that are sold as souvenirs.
Pysanka _
Another Russian handicraft that dates back several centuries is pysanka. This type of handicraft is made using eggs and is specific to Slavic people. Traditional and old designs are used to design Pisanka. Wax resistant design method is used in the design of Pisanka.
The designs on Pisanka are not paintings, but are written on them using beeswax. Pysanka is a Russian word meaning to write. The reason is the use of beeswax to write and create a pattern on the egg. In other words, pisanka refers to all kinds of eggs that can be used as decoration by creating a writing design on them.
In many European countries, Pysanka is used in the celebration of Easter. In addition to being one of the Russian handicrafts, pysanka is also used as a symbol and sacred agent. In the past years and of course now, some Russian people believe that pysanka has a spiritual power and prevents evil spirits from entering the house.
Russian lacquer boxes
Another famous and popular handicraft in Russia is lacquered miniature painted boxes, which are usually used as a place for jewelry, which are available in Russia with many designs and patterns, and it has been one of the popular and popular souvenirs of women.
The cities of Palekh and Feduskino make these boxes and cover them with varnish.
Faberge eggs
Royal eggs are the best choice. A unique symbol that whenever you look at it, it will take you to the world of majestic Russian tsars and queens.
Just as the colored egg is the symbol of Haftsin table, most of the Russian people also give each other chocolate eggs and colored and oiled eggs on Easter. But the story of Russian royal eggs has a romantic story, and maybe for this reason, they are considered as the most popular gifts and souvenirs in Russia.
The original designs of these eggs are very expensive, and today similar examples are also produced, which do not lack the beauty of the original ones.
Charming ornaments
All kinds of ornaments made of china, silver, etc. are produced in Russia. You can buy rings, bracelets, hair clips and necklace pendants here. You can buy pets in Russia with almost any taste and you will not find similar markets in the world. The city of Rostov is the main center of making these objects and their handiwork is very famous along with paintings that usually have flowers inside.
Russians have the largest amber mines in the world, and they use this precious stone to make beautiful ornaments and jewelry, and they are included in the list of the best Russian souvenirs. 90% of the world’s amber stones are mined in Kaliningrad, located in Russia. They believe that amber is the tears of the sun. The name amber reminds many of a color similar to a part of collected sunlight or hardened honey, but in reality its color varies from white to black with red streaks. Russian artists love amber and make all kinds of ornaments, all kinds of Russian souvenirs, chess and all kinds of interior decoration with them.
Russian caviar
Of course, Iran has the best caviar in the world, but you can also find excellent caviar in Russia. This caviar belongs to Suruga elephant fish. You can get this caviar in Russian supermarkets depending on the type, size and price.
Birch tree products
Boxes with beautiful and amazing designs are another Russian souvenir that you can take as a souvenir for your loved ones. These boxes are made of birch bark and beautiful patterns are engraved on them. Actually, the designs on these boxes are grid-shaped.
By choosing these boxes as souvenirs, you mark two with one arrow. Because you are offering a gift that is beautiful and has many uses. It should be noted that other products such as photo frames, hairpins, etc. are produced from the bark of this tree, which are very suitable as souvenirs.
Gzhel pottery
In the tradition of Russia, Gezhel pottery is 200 years old and is produced in the village of Gezhel. Clay pots are available in beautiful shapes and designs. The main characteristic of these dishes is its white and blue color, which is very striking.
valenki (felt boots)
These boots are very old, so that 1500 years ago these boots were made for walking in the snow, and until today they are produced and consumed in large quantities and are considered one of the most popular souvenirs in Russia. In the traditional type, pure wool is used to make them, while in factories they add other materials to it.
Although the feet are well warmed in these shoes, they may get wet. Therefore, you should wear rubber shoes when using these balconies. It is interesting to know that a talented artist named Lusha has made a one millimeter-sized volcano that you should see with a magnifying glass. You can also visit these small boots when you buy Valkani as a souvenir of Russia.
Faberge eggs
According to many, Fabergé eggs are the most beautiful souvenirs of Russia. Original eggs are very expensive, that’s why similar and cheap samples are also produced, which are no less beautiful. The designs on these eggs are very attractive, so it can be a good souvenir for your loved ones.
Amber
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Amber is a precious golden and orange stone, which was actually the sap of trees that turned into stone after being placed under water for fifty years. If you look carefully at these stones, you will see different types of insects inside them.
According to Russian people, this stone can increase human energy and remove negative frequencies from a person. Amber is one of the purest souvenirs of Russia, which cannot be found anywhere in the world. Amber is used in jewelry such as rings, earrings, necklaces, etc.
It is interesting to know that in the distant past, a room was built for the King of Prussia, whose door and wall were made of amber and gold, but nothing remained of it during the Second World War. Until now, the Amber Room was the eighth place in the list of great wonders of the world.
Green marble
Modified by CombineZP
Green marble is another valuable and precious stone found in Russia. Green marble is also called malachite. Green marble is one of the most popular souvenirs in Russia, which is used in jewelry, decorative boxes, and even cufflinks. If you want to take a meaningful souvenir for your loved ones, have the green marble.
Palekh and Fedoskino boxes
These beautiful, colorful and shiny boxes are made in the village of Palekh and Fidoskino. These paper boxes, which are resistant with black lacquer, are very suitable for storing jewelry. Usually, the designs engraved on these boxes tell about Russian legends, which are very beautiful and attractive.
Krasnaya Moskva perfume
Krasnaya Moscow perfume is also known as Red Moscow. You can buy this perfume for your wife, mother or sister. This fragrant and intoxicating perfume was produced in 1913 by a French perfumer named Henri Brucar. At that time, this perfume was made only for the mother of Nicholas the 11th. In the ingredients of this perfume, extracts of wild flowers, jasmine, rose, and bergamot are used, which has an extremely pleasant scent.
Kazakovo metal crafts
Kazakovo is a village in the Volga region of Russia. The artists of this region are the creators of one of the most beautiful handicrafts in Russia. For more than 80 years, this industry has been popular in the village of Kazaku. But unfortunately, nowadays, due to lack of attention, these types of handicrafts are becoming extinct. If supported, the artists of this area have the ability to create various metal works of art that will definitely be welcomed by tourists.
Shopping centers for Russian handicrafts and souvenirs
in Moscow and St. Petersburg
Petrovka Street
Petrouska Street is one of the best streets in Moscow where you can buy souvenirs from its shops. To find this street, just find the north side of the Bolshoi Theater Hall. There are wonderful boutiques and shopping centers on this street, by going to them you can access the best souvenirs of Moscow and come back empty-handed.
Bolshoi St., next to Petrogard
This street gathers most of the brand boutiques, gold and jewelry shops, expensive fabrics and home appliances together. This street is located between “Sportionaya” and “Petrogradskaya” metro stations. There are also many shops on this street that sell expensive Russian works of art.
Arbat St
You should go to Arbat Street to buy the best Russian souvenirs. You can walk in this beautiful street and browse its shops. Buy whatever you want and take souvenirs for your loved ones. Arbat Street is the connecting road between Arbatskaya Square and Smolenskaya Square.
Izmailovo market
If you are looking for precious and old objects, works of art and handicrafts, fur hats, chess boards, wooden dishes, pottery, etc. to buy souvenirs, Izmailovo market is the best option for you. Apart from the shops, there are peddlers selling handicrafts in this market, whose products you can buy with a 10% discount.
Nevsky St
Any brand that respects itself should have a branch on this street. You can see many galleries in Noski Building No. 44, which are gathered in one building with high density. If you want to shop, Nevsky Prospekt is the heart of St. Petersburg’s shopping malls.
Leningrad House Trading (DLT)
This large shopping mall located near Nevsky Prospekt has always been a base for shopping fashionable clothes in St. Petersburg. There you can find foreign luxury brands and some pure Russian brands. This shopping center is located at 21/23, Bolshaya Konyushennaya street.
Cheap shopping centers of St. Petersburg Russian handicrafts and souvenir
The large shopping malls located on Nevsky Street are suitable for those who have a large budget and are looking for expensive purchases. But there are other shopping centers that are relatively more economical and are more useful for those who do not intend to pay exorbitant fees for their purchases. Below we have introduced two of the most popular shopping centers in St. Petersburg that are located near the Moskovsky train station.
Galleria shopping center
The largest and busiest shopping center in St. Petersburg is near the Vostonia metro station. This five-floor shopping center is full of shoes, clothes and other accessories. All famous western brands are present in this store, whether they are a little expensive or those that have more reasonable prices. The higher the floors, the lower the prices.
“Stockman” stores and “Noski Shopping Center”
This is another shopping center in St. Petersburg, which consists of two large stores. There is a grocery store on the ground floor and the top floor is dedicated to home appliances. Between these two floors, there are floors where you can buy clothes with expensive and moderate prices.
Gastini market
In this market, you can buy almost anything you want. From brand clothes to cheap pots. Souvenirs are also available in this market. The passageways of this bazaar are architectural works of the 18th century. This market is one of the oldest commercial centers and markets of St. Petersburg.
Sadovaya St
There are many cheap shops here. From clothing stores and jewelry stores to handicrafts and home appliances. Near the Spasskaya and Sadovaya metro stations, there are two of St. Petersburg’s cheap shopping centers, “Senaya” and “Pik”, where clothes, jewelry and various accessories are sold.
In addition, the legendary food market “Senvi” and Apraxin market are located on this street. This street is one of the other shopping centers of St. Petersburg, which has an important position.
Apraskin market
This legendary market has existed since the 18th century. Here you can buy everything with your change! Including clothes, home appliances, electrical appliances and antiques. In this market, good goods are sold alongside damaged or stolen second-hand goods.
In the past, the authorities tried to close it many times, but the hot market of sales and purchases always prevented them from succeeding. This market is very colorful and beautiful, but it is not safe at all, because you have to always be careful of pickpockets. It is also known as one of St. Petersburg’s liveliest shopping centers.
Elisievski shop
It is one of the oldest and most famous stores in St. Petersburg, which specializes in selling only kitchen utensils. Of course, it is better not to buy anything from this store because the prices are unreasonably expensive. But it’s definitely worth walking through its shelves and enjoying its luxurious early modern decor. This store is located at No. 59 Nevsky St.
Where to buy souvenirs? | Russian souvenirs and handicrafts
Apart from the souvenir shops that exist in the museums and Nevsky Street, it is better to pay attention to the local bazaars to buy souvenirs.
Bazarche near the “Savior in blood” church (or Savior in blood)
One of the sights of St. Petersburg is a market that has a view of the famous St. Petersburg Cathedral and is a good place for shopping. In this bazaar you can buy traditional souvenirs such as matryoshka dolls, samovar, antiques and handicrafts. Prices are high, but feel free to haggle and lower them.
Imperial China Factory
The legendary Imperial China Factory is located in St. Petersburg, and that’s why you can buy its products directly from its stores without going to the fringe markets. The design of this ancient factory is so elegant that it reminds you of the past Homayon era of St. Petersburg. It is better to buy your products from the direct stores of the factory, which are located on Nevsky Street. That is, from buildings number 60, 92 and 160 in Gastini market.
The price of a glass and saucer set starts from 800 rubles, a teapot from 1,200 rubles, statues from 300 rubles and complete sets from 7,500 rubles.
Flea market near Udelnaya metro station
This market is one of the largest hawker markets in the world. In this market, you can buy goods from the era of the Soviet Union and the 90s, although there are also antiques. There are various goods in this market, including samovar, kitchen utensils, clothes, books, dolls and handmade accessories. Vendors sell their wares in temporary booths or even on the ground. There’s a lot of junk here, but if you get to the market early (best time is between 9 and 11 am) and have a little knowledge of what you’re looking for, you can find some good stuff.
Sellers usually start leaving the market at 3 pm and the market is empty by 5 pm. This market is only active on weekends. These items that we have introduced may not be officially from St. Petersburg shopping centers, but you can be sure that they are the right place to shop.
How to reach this market? Go to Udelnaya metro station, then cross the tracks. Then turn right and walk for five minutes. Don’t rush and buy from the first vendor you see. It is better to go a little further, because behind the kiosks there are vendors without stands who sell their goods at very low prices. Be careful of pickpockets and if you want to take a picture of someone, be sure to ask their permission first.
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