In case you are more into conventional souvenirs but would like to have a bit of artistic touch to them visit Andriyivsky Uzviz (also known as Andriyivsky descent). This street is a kind of open air gift shop. It is often referred to as the Montmartre of Kyiv. This street is always full of artists and craftsmen selling pictures, decorations, glass and ceramic objects, as well as artsy Kyiv souvenirs. Bohemian atmosphere reigns here. The numerous artistic salons, galleries, and art-cafes on the street reinforce this aura.
Photo: shutterstock.com
For those who are seriously into traveling, a scratch map of the world could be a genius gift idea. Travel Map, invented and designed by Ukrainian couple, is constantly gaining its popularity not only in Ukraine but in other countries. Scratch map is fun way to record your travel adventures. With a world map poster you can document your own travel journey. It serves as a great conversation starter in your home, office, or wherever you are. Scratch off the countries you’ve visited and embark on your own adventure. You can order Travel Map at the on-line shop or buy it in Knyharnya «Ye» («Ye» Bookshop») in Kyiv downtown.
Photo: Travel Map Facebook Page
If you are looking for a cool gift for a kid, check out «Kotopotam» atelier, which turns children’s drawings into toys. In case your child has an imaginary friend and a drawing of it, Kotopotam will make a real cool toy out of it. The team of this gift shop tries to recreate the drawings in the most accurate way, just as they are pictured by kids on paper. That requires a lot of creativity and skills, however all the works are of an exceptionally high quality and look almost exactly as on the picture. «Kotopotam» atelier is accepting orders through their Facebook page.
Photo: Kotopotam Facebook Page
«Osnovy» publishing house has another option for a useful souvenir to bring back home from Kyiv. This series of awesome English language guidebooks is something absolutely special - a unique combination of text and visual content. "Awesome Ukraine", “Awesome Kyiv" and "Awesome Lviv" guidebooks are a perfect present for your foreign friends and guests. Here you can find most peculiar, less known and off the beaten track places you can visit during your next trip to Ukraine. These guidebooks aim to popularize the most interesting and fascinating aspects of Ukrainian travel experience. Available at major bookstores of Kyiv.
Photo: Osnovy Facebook Page
Coloring books are a thing now. «Interesting Kyiv» is a unique coloring book for adults and children full of incredibly detailed and unique architectural illustrations. This coloring book will bring back all the good memories from visiting Kyiv most popular and romantic places during your trip.
Photo: pinterest.com
Orner Shop in Kyiv can easily take the stress from looking for perfect gifts and souvenirs for your friends and family away. Check out Orner Shop web page first, not to loose your head at the shop from impressive selection of cool articles from hipster mugs and plates, sets of tableware with super cute designs and custom made napkins to artsy sets of chocolates. Orner Shop’s designs with whimsical and cute (and by cute we mean super cute) animals will want you to race to their store (12, Bazhova street) right away to stock up on perfect gifts and souvenirs.
Ukrainian influence in the world of fashion has been sorting for the last two years. Ukrainian brands have fully arrived in our closets and Ukrainian ethnic motives are the trendiest thing you can add to your wardrobe. Check out some interesting and hot-right-now Ukrainian brands (like Dyvoo or Lyarkarka by Loyanich) and gift stores in the downtown that will refresh your casual wardrobe and will make an interesting and trendy gift to bring back home. Choose from big variety of hip sweatshirts and hoodies, trendy knitted accessories, hand embroidered garbs and super fun socks at new Ukrainian-brands-only store «Vsi.Svoi» (27, Khryshchatyk street, Kyiv).
Read: Top-3 Shops of Ukrainian Brands in Kyiv
Photo: Lyarkarka by Loyanich sweatshirt
To avoid getting something you can throw away in a few months, we’ve rounded up a list of some authentic items and gift stores you should visit and buy real things when abroad.
