One of the most delightful ways to carry a piece of a country you are visiting is to bring souvenirs and gifts for your family and friends. Armenia with its rich history and culture definitely offers some unique gift ideas. Tourists can find a variety of Armenian souvenirs in the local markets.
From the bustling streets of Yerevan to the tranquil monasteries in the mountains, Armenia leaves unforgettable memories that tourists want to take back home. When it comes to souvenirs, travelers often go to the Vernissage where they can find everything from traditional clothes to handmade chess and musical instruments.
You can impress your foodie friends with a box of dried fruits, chocolate with dried apricots, or a collection of dried herbs and herbal teas. A bottle of Armenian wine or brandy is also a perfect gift.
The experienced guides of Levon Travel are always happy to share tips about the best and most affordable souvenir stores. So, here are some souvenir ideas that you can bring home to surprise your loved ones.
Chess and Backgammon
You probably heard that chess is extremely popular in Armenia. The men’s chess team has won three Olympiads and chess is included in the school curriculum. Therefore, it is no surprise that you can see a variety of handmade chess boards when walking in Vernissage, the most famous souvenir market in Yerevan. Armenians have a deep-rooted passion for chess, and you can feel it in each handmade chess set that stands out by its design and attention to detail.
Backgammon is a board game that is extremely popular in Armenia. You would hardly find any yard without old men playing backgammon. It’s a game of strategy and skill and is an extremely popular pastime in Armenia. Just as in the case of chess, tourists can find beautiful boards with intricate carvings and different colors. It’s not simply taking a souvenir but a piece of Armenia’s culture and a reminder of the locals’ passion for games.
Silver Jewelry
From traditional earrings to brooches, Armenian silver jewelry is a great gift that can also be used in daily life. If you are looking for a unique piece, jewelry featuring Armenian ornaments and symbols is the best choice. These pieces tell stories of a country’s cultural heritage.
Luckily there is a great choice to match all budgets. You can either find some great pieces at Vernissage Market and small shops downtown or simply find some beautiful silver earrings or bracelets in Instagram stores. You will be surprised to see that they are very affordable. For example, the price for a ring may range from $10-30. Ethnic silver jewelry has been recently very popular in Armenia with many women wearing it in daily life and during weddings.
Carpets
If you want to bring a more expensive souvenir that will also decorate your home, choose an Armenian rug. With its vibrant colors and unique ornaments, they narrate the stories of Armenian history and tradition. The country has a great carpet-waving tradition. Made of natural wool, the Armenian carpets have always had tremendous cultural significance.
Tourists interested in carpet weaving can book master classes to see how the rugs are made. Megerian Carpet Armenia is a unique factory and carpet museum where one can see a variety of local handmade rugs and buy a piece of any size and color. Here you can also book a visit to the restaurant to enjoy traditional Armenian dishes surrounded by the best examples of Armenian carpets. Bringing an Armenian carpet home not only adds a touch of elegance to your living space but also carries with it the spirit of Armenia.
Food
A journey to Armenia is incomplete without enjoying delicious local food, especially fresh fruits, vegetables, a variety of herbs, and herbal tea. The good news is that you can bring some of the flavor back home as souvenirs. The first thing that comes to mind is dried fruits, a true symbol of Armenia.
Dried apricots, pears, peaches, figs, and cherries to name a few. There are organic dried fruits without sugar or any preservatives. The locals also make sweets using dried fruits in sugar syrup and different nuts. There are also delightful fruit snacks like soar lavash, a thin fruit roll-up. For sweet tooth, there are plenty of chocolate brands that make handmade chocolate boxes with dried fruit and nuts.
Armenians traditionally use dried herbs when cooking that would add rich flavor to any dish. You can also find aromatic herbal teas, like wild mint or thyme tea, or organic pomegranate flower tea.
Wine and Brandy
Those who once visited wine bars on Saryan Street are familiar with Armenia’s vibrantly developing wine culture and centuries-old wine traditions. In addition to typical wines from grapes, Armenian winemakers are also producing pomegranate wine that can be a great gift. There is a wide choice of local red and white wines in almost every supermarket, or you can buy a bottle or two when visiting one of the local wineries.
Of course, there is also brandy that is a true embodiment of Armenia. What makes Armenian brandy unique? It utilizes indigenous grape varieties and matures in oak barrels which gives it unforgettable flavor. When visiting a brandy factory, you can select an aged brandy that would be a perfect souvenir to bring home.