Traveling to a new city or a country is always connected to carrying a piece of it back to your homeland. Traveling is always a fun activity, especially when it comes to purchasing interesting and local souvenirs. These souvenirs act as a physical memory of the place. That is why souvenirs are so important. And when you are visiting Romania, the best thing you will carry back home along with the photographs are the Romanian souvenirs. There are plenty of things that act as a souvenir while shopping here. It could be a special ingredient item or traditionally inspired merchandise, you will have plenty of options to choose from. If you are wondering what we are hinting at, then check out this guide for what to buy in Romania for your family and friends.
1. Painted Easter eggs
Easter is among the top religious holidays, especially in Romania. And during this holiday, Romanian women from several districts paint eggs by using a unique technique, combinations, colors, and patterns of natural elements merged with traditional folk motifs. These eggs are consumable after being broken in two pairs, following the Easter ritual. It also takes forever to prepare these souvenir eggs after emptying them to create a beautiful canvas.
2. Romanian wine
A very appreciated commodity, Romanian wine is famous not just in the country but around the world, too. Their ancestors, Dacians, who are known for preparing honey, are also famous for their winemaking process and production. If you want one for yourself, head to one of the wine shops in Old Town, where you can taste and buy however many wine bottles as you wish. The popular ones among these wines are the red/dry red wines. White wines are also equally popular.
3. Dracula merchandise
Romania is equal to Dracula. And that means taking home a souvenir that represents Dracula. You could fear him, love him, or even hate him, but you will be able to proudly display Dracula merchandise or souvenirs after your time in Romania. If you love the idea of seeing him in your home, then pick up a Dracula merchandise on your way back. The merchandise includes statues, refrigerator magnets, posters, fangs, and even the Dracula collection of wine bottles.
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4. Traditional Romanian blouse
The Romanian traditional blouse or famously known as “ie” is certainly one of the most important souvenirs one can take from the country. This item caters to both men and women. This blouse, which originated from the ancestral times, is embroidered by using different signs that represent a unique feature or wish of the Romanian women. The designs used have been an inspiration for famous designers including Jean-Paul Gaultier, Tom Ford, and Yves Saint-Laurent among others. This practical souvenir can either be worn or stored in the souvenir box.
5. Wooden carved items
A decorative souvenir to take home are all the wooden carved items that represent an old craft in Romanian culture. The items are carved in decorative motifs and depict a certain story to the person who is using it. Along with being extremely religious, the people of Romania are also very superstitious. These carvings are said to bring in good luck, prosperity, health, well-being, and all the other good things. So bring home all the good things that define these wood crafted items from Romania. Some of the items include spoons, plates, mugs, and showpieces.
6. Horezu ceramics
Although money can’t buy happiness, money can surely buy some or a lot of mementos. And Horezu ceramics fit the bill just right. This item is a simple and ultimate raw beauty, crafted by experienced hands, passed down over generations for thousands of years. These ceramics are made using traditional techniques and come with distinct patterns that include geometrical designs and motifs of animals, plants, and sea creatures. Browse through an array of these Horezu ceramics displayed on Olari Street of Horezu in Valcea County. And this souvenir also falls under UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
7. Romanian traditional veil
The cold season approaches every year. And it sure seems like a practical decision to purchase a traditional Romanian veil from Bucharest for your future needs. The women in Romania once used these veils to cover their heads to display their social status. The symbols and the colors used on the veils are crafted carefully, which also tells a story of the person who is wearing it. Today, these veils are merely used to cover the neck during winters.
8. Romanian honey
Romanians love making honey and it is been practiced for over 2,000 years. Dacians, the ancestors, were very renowned beekeepers and makers of honey. Romania is also one of the most important producers of honey in the world. Visitors will be spoilt for choice for the honey one can purchase. Each honey comes with its benefits for the human body. Some of the honey types are linden honey, poly flora honey, and acacia honey. These honey are prepared using natural and traditional methods and flavors.
9. Green walnut jam
A traditional gourmet specialty, the green walnut jam is the ultimate Romanian jam. They are made using fresh green walnuts and are a definite must-have for people with a strong sweet tooth. These walnuts are picked in June and takes many hours of preparation, marination, and boiling in a step-by-step process. And these jams are usually prepared by the matriarchs of the family who take pride in their recipes. So, bring home one, two, or many green walnut jams. This will be a tasty souvenir you would be carrying to your homeland.
10. Romanian tuica
When in Romania, do as the Romanians. What Romanians like to drink before lunch or dinner is their homemade plum brandy, Romanian tuica. This drink is prepared by using plums but additional flavors are also used such as cherries, peaches, apples, grapes, etc. And to this day, Romanians are still making these drinks rather than purchasing at the store. You can buy the small bottles available from the supermarkets or souvenir shops, but the traditional, authentic drink can only be found at the Romanian local market where people sell their homemade drinks.
11. Beaded Jewelry
When traveling to Romania make it a point to find a great selection of souvenirs and a great option is Romanian beaded jewelry. What makes it unique is that it’s made by local artisans and is commonly found in various markets. The most unique ones come in bracelets, necklaces, and earrings among others and can be found in the Village Museum at District 1 Bucharest and Bucharest Old Town.
12. Oltenia Carpet and Rugs
A great piece of home decor is the Oltenia carpet and rug which poses a variety of prominent patterns weaved by local “kilim” weaving artists. Oltenia’s designs are said to be vegetal and make use of a lot of geometric shapes and motifs. Common designs include stylized leaves, fir branches, tulips, and trees on rugs and carpets. These are very common in a Romanian home as it very much celebrates the heritage and artistry of the Romanian people.
13. Glass Painted Icons
A religious relic but also a great design piece that can also be a unique souvenir to bring home to friends and family are the famous glass painted icons. Glass paintings are common around Romanian, which can be found in churches, and are uniquely hand-painted on with outlines and lettering keenly observed on the glass panel by local artists. Common paintings include images of fauna, flora, and fashion to name a few quirky feats.
Bring home a Romanian souvenir
Shopping for souvenirs is always a fun activity. When in Romania, be sure to know exactly what to look for to take a piece of the country back home with you. Make sure to arrange for extra storage space to pack all the souvenirs.
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