What is a journey without a memento, and what will you tell your friends, family, or colleagues when they ask for one? No destination doesn’t have something unique to offer, and Ukraine is no exception. This country, which is the largest in Europe (aside from Russia, which is bounded by two continents), has a great heritage and multicultural diversity. This attribute is evident in the region’s Hutsul festivities, Crimean Tatar café owners, Hungarian-speaking taxi drivers, Poltava’s Gogolesque farmers, and much more. Due to this variety, there are lots of things to buy around, many of which are antique pieces or peculiar to a set of locals or tribe. To narrow down your search on what to buy in Ukraine, check out this comprehensive list:
1. Poltava honey
The Poltava region, set in the central part of the country, is famous for its vibrant traditions, language, songs, and bee farming. The area has an abundance of nature, and it’s one of the most ecologically clean places in the country. It’s also known for its unique Poltava honey, made up of prairie flowers, herbs, buckwheat, and honey. It is best enjoyed with savory dishes, drinks, cakes, and gingerbread. This location appreciates its bee-farming heritage and even holds regular fests of many forms to celebrate honey. Don’t leave this country without trying out the exceptional taste of Poltava honey.
2. Petrikivka painting
Petrikivka painting is a local decorative art that is popular in Ukraine, most notably the central region. Its history dates back to the 18th century, and it was believed to possess magical power within its beautiful ornament to protect against unhappiness and evil. The painting is made of bright curves, vibrant colors, and strange-looking embellishments that will make you fall in love with it at first sight. It was included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013. Preserve your beautiful memories of this lovely country by accenting the interior of your home with charming artwork.
3. Lviv chocolate
Heard of Lviv and its intriguing sagas? This city has changed its flag many times, and this UNESCO World Heritage Site is also famous for its tasty confectionery since ancient times. It has a renowned Lviv Chocolate Factory, which produces delicious chocolate handmade by professionals. What’s more interesting about this cholate is that it’s made with the same recipes as in old times. Ones a Lviv chocolate touches your lips, it melts, revealing all its mix of exceptional ingredients. For sure every lover of chocolate will appreciate this treat for a gift.
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4. Vyshyvanka (Embroidered shirt)
The vyshyvanka is a traditional piece of clothing with eye-catching embroidery designs. These patterns have been used on shirts and blouses in this region for centuries, and it has a supernatural belief around it. It is said that the decorations on the chest protect the human soul from death, and those on the shoulders protect against enemies. Aside from these myths, the vyshyvanka is becoming popular among fashion designers, both in Ukraine and around the globe. As traditional as this shirt may seem, wearing it is a way of tapping into the country’s history while keeping up with the trends.
5. Hutsul zgarda (Necklace)
The Hutsul zgarda is a rare necklace made with brass, which is adorned with coins and has its origin from a pre-Christian culture. The iconic piece has elements of the Slavic solar cult, with the sun’s symbol representing prosperity and wealth for the owner. Initially, these pieces of jewelry were given to girls as gifts when they reached the age of six, and then in subsequent years. Today, these amulets are rare gifts, given to loved ones to protect them against harm. Show your friends how special they are by gifting them these unusual necklaces—and don’t forget to keep one for yourself as well.
6. Easter egg (Pysanka) from Kosmach
Pysanka or Easter egg is a piece of jewel, usually made by designing eggs with dark brownish, reddish, and golden natural dyes. The designs are made using a batik or wax-resist technique and have been around for many generations. Every region has its distinctive designs, but that of Kosmach, a village set in the Carpathian valley, is the most outstanding. The location is far away from modern civilization, making the designs authentic without any external influences. This is why getting one from Kosmach will reward you with a rare find worth cherishing.
7. Cheese from Selysjka Cheesefactory
You may have tasted countless flavors of cheese, but not the best, made by Nyzhnjie Selyshche Cheesefactory. The place makes its dairy products by using Swiss technology, rich Transcarpathian milk, and without additives or preservatives. It is a pure delight made with a proportion of 2.6 gallons (10 liters) of milk to 2.2 pounds (1 kilogram) of cheese. Buy it as a surprise package for your cheese-lover friends, but first, try its heavenly taste with a chilled glass of wine.
8. Yara natural cosmetics from Kosiv
Winter is coming...! Prepearing gifts. #yaranatural #kosiv #naturalsoap #Carpathians Carpathians #gifts #madeinukraine...
Posted by Yara Naturals on Thursday, 13 October 2016
Give your skin and that of your family an exceptional treatment with body oils, soaps, creams, and lip balms made by Yara Naturals. Its products are made from organic materials and are pocket-friendly. They are handmade with no added chemical preservatives. The only downside is that they have a short expiration period since they are made purely from organic ingredients. With their guaranteed moisturizing and healing effects on your body, these cosmetics are indeed worth taking home.
9. Horilka (Traditional drink)
There is one other thing Ukrainians are known for—strong spirits and alcohol. Their drinking culture, as well as methods of producing only high-quality spirits, has become refined over the centuries, and one popular alcoholic beverage is the horilka, which is translated as “to burn.” This drink is recognized as the purest spirit on the planet, made only with a solution of water and pure alcohol. Also, it is a popular drink that is served in festivals and other celebrations in the country. Have a close spirit-lover? This gift will be much appreciated if appropriately consumed. It is best enjoyed chilled, but not too cold, around 46.4 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius)—less, and it loses its taste.
10. Motanka dolls
Motanka dolls are handmade, knotted or reeled, faceless dolls that have been around in Ukrainian homes since ancient times. Each one is made purely by winding, without seams or needles, and either has a cross as the face or it’s without a face. It is believed that the face of the doll will reflect its soul, which can be harmful or good, so it’s less risky to leave it faceless. Every piece is made of natural materials, including seeds, dry leaves, wood, or hay, and designed with eye-catching embroidery and traditional ornaments. These dolls are popular wedding and holiday gifts and would make great souvenirs too.
Immortalize great memories
The choices of what to buy in Ukraine are numerous because of the multicultural nature of the nation. It has a rich culture, heritage, and history, which increases its popularity among travelers from all over the world. Make sure to take some of these items home, and immortalize your great memories.
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