Authentic Souvenirs

In case you are into conventional souvenirs but would like to have an artistic touch to them, visit Andriivskyi descent (also known as Andriivskyi Uzviz) in Kyiv or Vernisazh Art Market in Lviv. These places offer the biggest variety of traditional Ukrainian souvenirs. Andriivskyi descent is often referred to as the Montmartre of Kyiv and Vernisazh market in Lviv is famous for its impressive selection of unique and vintage traditional Ukrainian embroidered blouses and towels. These spots are always full of artists and craftsmen selling paintings, decor, glass and ceramic objects, as well as modern artsy Ukrainian souvenirs. Bohemian atmosphere reigns here. Numerous artistic salons, galleries, and art-cafes around these places reinforce this aura.

Travel Map

For those who are seriously into traveling, a scratch map of Ukraine could be a neat gift idea. Travel Map invented and designed by Ukrainian couple has gained massive popularity not only in Ukraine but in other countries in the world. Scratch map is fun way to record your travel adventures. With a Ukraine map poster you can document your own travel journey around the country - scratch off the regions of Ukraine you’ve visited and embark on your own adventure. You can order Travel Map at the on-line shop or buy it in Bookshop Є («Ye») in different cities in Ukraine.

Nalyvka

Homemade liqueurs («nalyvka») and digestifs («nastoyanka») also became a popular idea for gifts to bring back home from Lviv. These traditional strong drinks are very popular in Western Ukraine. They are believed to be stomach-settling miracles after a heavy meal because of the soothing properties of their herbal mixtures. They are sweet, intensely flavored, and often served chilled to be sipped slowly. For tourists’ needs nalyvkas and nastoyankas are sold in gift bottles and wrappings in various restaurants. For instance, Drunk Cherry bar in Kyiv and Lviv specializes on cherry nastoyanka, which is a timeless classic in Western Ukraine.

Coffee and Chocolate

One of the most delicious souvenir options can be easily found in Lviv Coffee Mine, also known as Kopalnia Kavy, and Lviv Handmade Chocolate. The first sells a decent selection of coffees, including unique Lviv blends. Gifts are sold in stylish wrappings. As for Lviv Handmade Chocolate, the name speaks for itself. Here you will find handmade chocolate sweets, which are sold by piece so you can pick one or two of any kind you want and even create your own set, which will be nicely and stylishly wrapped. Both spots can be found in major Ukrainian cities.

Illustrated Guidebooks

Osnovy publishing house has another option for a useful souvenir to bring back home from Ukraine. The series of English language guidebooks is a unique combination of text and visual content. «Awesome Lviv», «Awesome Kyiv» and «Awesome Ukraine» guidebooks are the perfect present for your foreign friends - one can find the most peculiar, lesser-known and off the beaten track places to visit during the trip to Ukraine. These guidebooks aim to popularize the most interesting and fascinating aspects of Ukrainian travel experience. You can find them at major bookstores in Kyiv and Lviv, as well as order them online at the Osnovy Publishing House web page.

Ukrainian Fashion Items

Ukrainian influence in the world of fashion has been increasing in the recent years. Apart from the traditional motifs on vyshyvankas, contemporary fashion brands offer comfortable and stylish additions to the wardrobe. The best place to shop for clothes is Vsi. Svoi store on Khreshchatyk Street in Kyiv: it has trendy knitted accessories, hand embroidered garbs, shoes and clothes for all seasons from the local brands.
Photo source: shutterstock.com, unsplash.com, UliUlia, Osnovy Facebook pages. All images belong to their rightful authors.