Armenian souvenirs are strongly connected with local traditions: winemaking, jewelry/jewelry and gastronomy. Each of them reflects the history, culture and philosophy of Armenia. In any region of the country, you can find unique gifts that correspond to the local way of life. In this article, we will tell you what memorable gifts you can bring from Armenia to please friends and family, and, perhaps, yourself.
Wine
Volcanic soil and sunny weather 300 days a year favorably contribute to the appearance of grape varieties with an amazing taste spectrum. In Armenia you can find wine for every taste/for all tastes/for any taste: rich and bright or light and soft. We recommend you to take authentic Armenian wines from such regions as Areni, Akhtanak, Khatun, Voskeat, Hindogny. Be sure to embark on a real wine journey/wine trip along the most wine street in Yerevan (Saryan Street), and in numerous wine bars and shops you will choose your ideal bottle of unique Armenian wine.
Brandy
The reference/real/unique/exclusive Armenian brandy is one of the main symbols of the country. In Soviet times, this drink had legendary fame and was exported to all the Union republics. Armenian brandy is appreciated for its surprisingly soft taste. Yerevan Brandy Factory is still working, so you can bring brandy from Armenia as a souvenir to all lovers of this drink. Brandy is produced in bottles of different volumes, so you can always buy a mini version that is convenient for transportation.
Jewelry
Local jewelry is another feature of the country. Today, there are many local brands on the market that produce original gold and silver jewelry with ethnic motifs. Rings, bracelets, earrings and chains are presented in a wide variety of options and price categories, therefore everyone will be able to find something to their liking.
Souvenirs with national symbols
Armenian patterns/ornaments and symbols reflect the culture of the country in a special way. In souvenir shops you can easily find magnets, bags, T-shirts and postcards with the image of pomegranates, apricots, the sacred Mount Ararat or taraz (national patterns/ornaments). Also there you can find shawls and paintings with the works of legendary Armenian artists of the 20th century. As a souvenir from Armenia, you can also bring duduk, handmade mini khachkars, amulets with Armenian letters, and natural stones that are mined here.
Carpets
If you decide to bring a really “big reminder” as a souvenir from Armenia, then choose a carpet. The Armenian carpet is one of the important objects of Armenian culture. Exquisite ornaments in tandem with a harmonious combination of warm shades create a real work of art. This is a valuable gift that will be a pride for its owner. You can find Armenian carpet in a variety of designs and sizes at the Vernissage market or in specialized stores.
Dried fruits
One of the gastronomic traditions in Armenia is the drying of various fruits and berries in order to remember the taste of summer on cold winter evenings. Souvenir shops and supermarkets offer a variety of gift packages with dried plums, apricots, peaches, apples and persimmons. In addition, sweet and sour pastilles from various fruits are common in Armenia, as well as sharon (sweet sujuh) and alan (fruits stuffed with chopped nuts). All this can be found in the colorful GUM market, where friendly and hospitable sellers will give you an opportunity to taste dried fruits before buying to choose what you like.
Cheese
Armenian cheeses are famous for their bright taste and flavor. Hard and spicy chanah, soft and fragrant lori, curled into stretchable threads of chechil, as well as fatty and appetizing motal – each of them has its own special/unique taste. Today, hard cheeses are also produced in Armenia, among them you can find such original tastes as walnut or brandy – the perfect accompaniment to a glass of red or white wine. You can buy good cheese in any supermarket, at the market or directly from farmers. Before you go shopping, we recommend that you take a tour of the cheese factory with a beautiful tasting.
