Ultimate Golden Ring & Volga Souvenir Guide

From time immemorial pottery and ceramics have been highly popular in Uglich.

Thus, bringing home a bird or animal-shaped handmade clay whistle is a great idea. Souvenir shops in the old part of Uglich offer a wide range of clay goods as well as various wood-carved things, the second most popular art activity of the city.

Balalaikas and engraved jewelry boxes will make charming gifts to bring home from Russia.

Gift stores of Yaroslavl offer souvenir-hunters many objects depicting the city’s mighty mascot - the fierce brown bear. Get a clay bell with a Yaroslavl bear for good luck!

Among other crafts worth of notice are exquisite gzhel porcelain items. Each object is designed manually with white and blue enamel, making no two cups, plates, or figures the same. These Russian art souvenirs can be purchased in shops like “Mir Gzhely”.

The number one thing to get in the open-air museum of Kizhi, a real jewel of Russian wooden architecture, is handmade natural soap.

Soap is produced here in accordance with an age-old recipe with different organic plant oils as main ingredients. Some of the best-selling soaps are those with white clay and therapeutic mud.

Petite Suzdal is another hot-spot for souvenir-hunting. The most unique things at best prices are sold on the Market Square and in its numerous bazaars, located a bit away from central tourist attractions.

Among the things that are worth mentioning are valenki boots for winter made of natural wool and embellished with dazzling embroidery, and of course a mini-version of the national summer footwear - a pair of lapti shoes made of thatch or birchbark.

Don’t forget to try local medovukha, a special alcohol drink made of honey.

Mandrogi is the hub of genuine Russian masterpieces and craftwork. The village was founded by the country’s best artisans, thus authentic crafts and best Russian souvenirs can be found here.

As such, purchase stunning platki shawls with incredible flower designs after witnessing the process of their creation in the weaver’s loom hut.

Guilloche table napkins, bead woven canvases, lace-made neckpieces, and handkerchiefs are also available in the on-site gift shops

Absolutely unmissable Russian souvenirs to bring home are decorative wooden cookery, adorned with traditional wood-painted fancy red, black and gold khohloma ornaments. Spoons, cutting boards, cups, bowls and even jewelry are a must-buy.

Vladimir is best known for its fine crystal, created by centuries-old traditions. The best quality crystal and objects from local glass can be found in the gift shop of the Embroidery Museum as well as in Vladimir’s Old Town.

The most popular things on sale are numerous decorative elements such as statues and candlesticks, crystal jewelry, exclusive feather-shaped crystal pens, and of course fancy vases, drinking glasses, plates, and bowls.

Birthplace and home of Russia’s best-recognized symbol, Sergiev Posad is the very place to shop for matryoshka dolls.

The famous "layered" dolls, symbolizing hierarchy and the importance of family, were mass-produced here during Soviet times, so if you wish to learn more about them visit the Toy Museum.

As for shopping, matryoshkas are a great idea of what to bring home from Russia. The local market near the Trinity Monastery offers a wide selection of them in different designs and sizes.

Once an important trade hub on the Volga River, Kostroma offers the broadest and finest selection of pure linen goods.

Anything from tablecloths and napkins to exclusive handmade dolls and clothes made of high-quality light natural fabric are on sale in gift stores, which are easily found in the central part of the city as well as in the Kostroma Museum of Linen.

When buying souvenirs during your Moscow - St. Petersburg river cruise or Golden Ring tours in Russia you get something more than just a reminder of your unforgettable adventure, you get a piece of the country's rich culture and art, that will decorate any home and fill any heart with warmth.