What to bring from Belarus: ideas of interesting gifts and souvenirs | Guides Club

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Traveling abroad is not only about visiting the sights, beautiful views, entertainment and getting to know local dishes. An important part of the holiday is the choice of souvenirs, and preferably those that are not found anywhere else. These keepsake purchases will revive the impressions of the trip and help you share joy with your loved ones. There are many options that you can bring from Belarus as a gift. Delicious sweets, beautiful clothes, natural cosmetics and other things are made here with excellent value for money. We tell you what souvenirs are being brought from Belarus and what they are interesting for.

Chocolate and other sweets

There are several large confectionery factories in Belarus. The oldest of them appeared back in tsarist times, it is more than 100 years old. Thanks to many years of tradition and high competition, sweets, chocolates, cookies, cakes and all other confectionery products are really delicious.

Due to the very wide assortment, it is not easy to decide which sweets to bring from Belarus. What kind of sweets you will not find here! There is a grill according to the Soviet recipe, bird’s milk, sweets with liqueur and other classics. You can also find something unusual. For example, sweets with blueberries or currants. There is natural marmalade, including with filling. Berry jam, different types of jam and honey will be a good gift from the trip. Let’s list what else delicious you can bring:

• Chocolate. You can find any kind of chocolate bars and bars. There is factory-made black, milk, white chocolate, often already packed for a gift. Some varieties are produced according to a recipe developed in the Soviet years. If you are interested in unusual flavors and combinations, look for them in handmade tiles. Craft chocolate with raisins, candied fruits, nuts and even pepper is sold in confectionery and souvenir shops.
• Marshmallows and marshmallows. The history of the oldest confectionery factory in Belarus began with the production of natural apple marshmallows. This sweetness is so delicious that it is still being produced. Marshmallows in Belarus are delicate, soft, with a slight sourness. Natural ingredients: apples, sugar and egg whites. There are no harmful additives, so this is a good dessert for children and those who think about health. Marshmallows and marshmallows are found with different additives: nuts, coconut, apple marmalade and even sea buckthorn. Bring a box or two with you and it will be a great gift.
• Halva. Delicious halva was learned in Belarus in the Soviet years, and it remains popular to this day. Oriental sweetness is made from sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, peanuts with added sugar. You can buy traditional halva, or you can buy bars in chocolate glaze, with the addition of coconut, with vanilla flavor. Halva is stored for a long time and is easily transported. Due to its high nutrient content, it belongs to healthy sweets.
• Sweet cranberries. Cranberries in powdered sugar are made in Belarus using a patented technology. At the same time, the berry remains whole and fresh. It retains its beneficial properties and acidity, which is softened by the sweet shell. This is a good snack for tea and coffee or dessert after a meal. Cranberries are sold in the sweets departments and near the cash register in supermarkets. There are simple cranberries in powdered sugar, there are with additives: mint, cocoa, various spices. It is convenient to buy the lightest hundred-gram packages from different sizes, but a lot at once to make gifts for all friends.

Cheeses and other dairy products

Belarusian producers know a lot not only about sweets. There are many factories that produce dairy drinks, cottage cheese, yoghurts and hundreds of types of cheese. If you choose what you can bring from the products, pay attention to them. You can buy soft fresh cheeses or aged hard ones. They are prepared using foreign technologies on European equipment. When the recipe was being developed, foreign tasters were also invited. Therefore, you can safely buy mozzarella, mascarpone, cheese with mold and other famous varieties, you will surely like them.

In addition to classic cheeses, you can buy something unusual, for example, fenugreek cheese. There are also processed, smoked, cottage cheese cheeses — the variety is very great. Just remember that cheese does not tolerate long transportation, especially fresh. For gifts, it is better to choose a vacuum packaging and buy a thermos bag. But even in such conditions, it is not worth transporting the product for more than 12 hours. Smoked cheeses are best tolerated on the road.

What else do tourists bring from dairy products? Of course, the famous Belarusian condensed milk. It contains no preservatives or palm oil — only natural ingredients. Many brands are produced according to GOST, that is, they comply with standards developed back in the USSR. This condensed milk is guaranteed to be delicious and natural. But you can also try something new. For example, condensed milk flavored with ice cream or cream liqueur.

Belarusian kvass

There is a lot of delicious food in Belarus, but do not forget about drinks. This country is one of the first in terms of production and consumption of kvass. According to statistics, every resident drinks more than 6.5 liters per year. Kvass is preferred here by natural fermentation, without chemical additives. The drink contains vitamins and trace elements.

The main center for the production of kvass is the city of Lida in the Grodno region. It was in Lida that they began to produce a drink on a production scale for the first time. This happened in 1920, and the main consumers of kvass were soldiers of the Red Army. In 2006, the automated production of live fermented bread kvass was launched. The original recipe is still preserved, but dozens of new varieties have also appeared — permanent and limited edition. Fans of kvass can try unusual flavors with apple, lemon or orange juice, pear, dogwood, cranberry, mint, cinnamon.

LIDBEER Beer and Kvass Festival is held annually in Lida. Now it has grown so much that it attracts tens of thousands of guests. However, similar festivals are held in other cities that are trying to challenge the primacy of Lida. And yet it is Lida kvass that remains the most popular. As a unique gift from Belarus, you can bring not only a factory, but also a homemade drink. They are prepared in small batches in restaurants with national cuisine and in farmsteads. In addition to kvass, pay attention to berry fruit drinks. They are made from cranberries, cranberries, cloudberries or currants, often with the addition of other berries.

Cosmetics

In the 90s, cosmetics production began to develop rapidly in Belarus, and some brands have managed to gain international recognition over the years. Good cosmetics are among those things that are brought as a gift from Belarus, because at a comparable price it is difficult to find something of the same high quality. Cosmetics are made from natural ingredients, a significant part of the raw materials are purchased from the best European and Asian suppliers. Serious manufacturers have their own laboratories for constant quality control and frequent updating of the assortment. State certification is also required.

The choice is extremely wide. The stores have lines for young girls, middle-aged women, as well as for mature and demanding skin. Many products are packaged in beautiful jars that can be given immediately. Decorative means are equally diverse: mascara, lipsticks, silky blush, foundation creams. It’s worth looking at, and you’ll probably want to buy something. You can bring shampoo, hair dye, sunscreen, professional products for hairdressers, beauty or massage parlors from Belarus. There are cosmetics for men as well. For particularly sensitive skin, there are pharmacy lines that do not contain perfumes and other allergic components at all.

The Slutsk Belt

What souvenirs can be brought from Belarus as a gift to share the beauty of the traditions and customs of this country? Take a closer look at the individual elements of the national costume. First of all, the Slutsk belts are one of the symbols of the Belarusian national culture. Such belts complemented the men’s costume of the nobility in the XVIII and XIX centuries. At first they were imported from Persia and the Ottoman Empire, so the patterns on them were oriental. But since the middle of the XVIII century, Slutsk has opened its own production. And with it came national ornaments — with daisies, cornflowers, forget-me-nots, maple and oak leaves. Later, other factories were opened, but Slutskaya remained the largest and most famous.

The Slutsky belt was beautiful on both sides, and the patterns and colors were not repeated. Some belts were up to 50 cm wide. They were folded in half, and there could be two different designs on each side. Such belts were called quadrilateral. For special occasions, a side was provided, embroidered in red and gold. For everyday wear, green or silver colors were welcome. There could even be a black side in case of mourning.

The production of Slutsk belts was very long and painstaking. In addition, it required physical strength, so all the masters were men. In a year, a couple of such craftsmen could produce at most six belts, and there were several dozen craftsmen in total. The training of weavers took about seven years, so it was impossible to find new ones quickly. And we also needed artists who came up with patterns. The belts were embroidered with gold, silver and silk threads. One item could contain half a kilo of gold or even more. Needless to say, how expensive were these accessories? They have become an indicator of noble birth and wealth. Sometimes Slutsk belts were solemnly presented as a reward for special merits, and the cost of this gift was comparable to an annual officer’s salary.

At the time of the heyday of fashion for Slutsk belts, they were so popular that they began to do something similar in other cities, including Moscow and Lyon. But when the territory that previously belonged to the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth became part of the Russian Empire, this fashion gradually faded away. The craftsmen created the church decoration for some time, then the factories closed. The belts have become collectibles and are now kept in museums and private collections around the world. In Belarus, you can buy a factory replica of such a belt. These are amazingly beautiful products that are pleasant to hold in your hands and look at. You can fit them into your wardrobe, but now it’s not men who do it, but women.

Other types of national clothing and accessories

Slutsk belts are not the only interesting detail of the Belarusian national costume. There are other good souvenir ideas as a gift or for yourself. What is especially pleasant is that these may be unusual items suitable for everyday use.

• Felt hats and felt boots. If gold—embroidered belts are an elegant accessory, then things made of felt are purely practical. But that makes them no less necessary. In severe frost, shoes and a headdress from Belarusian felters will be most welcome. The largest selection of classic and patterned felt boots is presented at the factory in Smilovichi near Minsk. But they are also available in souvenir shops and large shopping malls.
• Straw chaplet. Another traditional headdress worth bringing from Belarus is a hat woven from straw bundles. It is lightweight, breathable and beautiful, while it protects well from rain and sun. In the past, peasants wore such hats. Now you can wear it even at home in the country, even on a fashionable embankment. There are men’s capes with a simple design, there are women’s with ribbons and other decor.
• Embroidery. Traditional Belarusian embroidery is a shirt or sundress made of white linen or cotton, decorated with bright red embroidery. Such clothes were worn on special occasions, and embroidered patterns were considered charms. But you can buy something more modern. For example, a T-shirt or sweatshirt with a red embroidery print.

Home textiles

What can I bring as a gift from Belarus so that I definitely like this thing and it will last for more than one year? You can’t go wrong if you prefer Belarusian textiles. It produces beautiful and durable things made of jacquard, silk, wool, cotton and linen fabrics.

Many leave Belarus with a set of bed linen or even with several. They are presented in an incredible assortment of drawings and fabrics, and there are gift options. A good gift is tablecloths and napkins, which create a festive atmosphere for the arrival of guests. They come in all sizes and shapes, plain and patterned. You can buy a tablecloth that is 100% made of linen or cotton. You can prefer a practical blended fabric. Another classic textile gift is a cotton or linen towel. Perhaps you will like curtains, a blanket or a cozy blanket.

Linen products

Among the variety of Belarusian textiles, linen items are worth mentioning separately. Flax is called northern cotton, and it has been grown on the territory of Belarus for a long time. Blue flax flowers have even become part of the national coat of arms. What should I bring from Belarus made of linen? Household items are most often chosen — tablecloths and napkins, bed linen, towels, bath robes and bathrobes. Linen fabrics vary in thickness and texture. Towels and bathrobes can be rough and textured to the touch or softer. You can choose a simple design or exquisite patterns. In any case, these are natural and wear-resistant items with hypoallergenic properties.

Since linen absorbs moisture well and allows air to pass through, it makes comfortable to wear clothes. It is especially good in summer, it protects against overheating. Feel free to choose summer skirts, blouses, dresses, trousers, shirts. A men’s suit is also a great purchase. Linen bags and purses are also on sale.

Leather Accessories

If you choose a gift for a man, you can bring him a belt or a wallet made of genuine leather. Leather products by Belarusian designers are usually simple, without unnecessary details. But they are soundly made and comfortable — what a city dweller in a hurry needs for every day. And the price for such quality is very pleasant.

You can also find something more original or even luxurious: an expensive photo album, an exclusive handbag, an elegant bracelet. There are unusual bags and backpacks made of leather with wooden fittings, they look very interesting. Such things are made by hand from Belarusian leather of good workmanship, sometimes in a single copy. It is better to look for them in mini-boutiques that are in large shopping centers.

Souvenirs made of golden straw

The already mentioned straw cap is not the only thing that can be brought from Belarus to Russia. Golden straw has always been appreciated here and was able to handle it. It is believed that this material stores the light and warmth of the sun, and therefore brings well-being to the house. For example, a traditional amulet in the form of a spider with a web was made of straw, so that he would catch all the bad things in his nets all year round. A year later, this amulet was burned along with the accumulated negative energy and a new one was hung from the ceiling. In addition to amulets, a variety of things were made from straw, up to iconostases.

Straw souvenirs are sold in many shops or wherever they are made. One of these places is the Dudutka Museum of Ancient Folk Crafts. From there, you can bring a straw-woven bird figurine, a painting, a jewelry box, a candy bowl or a hair band. Straw products are light, but fragile, so they need to be transported carefully.

Crystal and glass

The most famous Belarusian factory for the production of crystal and glass products appeared more than a hundred years ago. This is the Neman glass factory, which opened in 1883. He produces exquisite things of excellent quality. A crystal decanter or vase, a set of wine glasses, candlesticks — all these are excellent souvenirs from Belarus.

Equally beautiful is the Neman glass, which is exported to many countries, including Europe and North America. The assortment of the Neman plant includes plates and cups separately and in sets, sets for alcoholic beverages, vases for sweets, elegant decorative figurines. Neman glass can be white and colored, transparent and matte, smooth and with embossed patterns. Products with floral ornaments or geometric patterns are very beautiful. Only good packaging is needed, because both glass and crystal items are quite fragile.

Ceramics and porcelain

Belarus has always had its own ceramics masters who made pottery, animal figurines, and musical instruments out of clay. All this is preserved even now, and each master adheres to his own technology of modeling and decorating. In ceramic Belarusian dishes, you can cook local dishes or, for example, store milk so that it stays fresh for a long time. But clay figurines are more often bought as souvenirs. Mozyr bears are especially popular, but you can choose other animals and birds that are revered in Belarus. These are bison, beavers, larks, storks. You can buy decorative bells, whistles or candlesticks. For example, candlesticks in the form of clay houses are sold in the Trinity suburb in Minsk. They will remind you of the architecture of the old Minsk quarter and add comfort on a winter evening.

In addition to ceramics, Belarusian porcelain deserves attention. It is made at the Dobrush Porcelain Factory, which opened in the late 1970s. The assortment includes ordinary tableware separately and in sets, decorative plates with paintings and souvenir figurines that are of collector’s value. Belarusian porcelain is inexpensive and durable, it is a good gift or purchase for yourself.

Souvenirs made of wood

More than 40% of Belarus is covered by forests. Wood is one of the most common materials here for making anything. Among the souvenirs that can be brought from Belarus as a gift, there are not only cutting boards, painted spoons and carved caskets. These can be, for example, unusual handmade stationery. You just can’t help but like a notebook or a diary with an ornate wooden cover.

To decorate the house, you can buy souvenir plates made of wood with the image of Minsk or famous sights of the country. A good gift is a wooden doll, a figurine of a bison or a bird. If you want something original, take a closer look at musical instruments from simple whistles and rattles to traditional gusli and balalaika. And if you travel by car, why not buy a beautiful bedside table or a handmade coffee table.

Toys

Cute toys are sold in every souvenir shop. Among them there are factory-made soft bunnies, kittens or dogs that will please the child. There are also handmade dolls that will decorate the house or add to the collection. The unique dolls, which are not sold anywhere else, are dressed in a national costume, usually made of linen. Some of them have inscriptions like “Welcome to Minsk”. If you put such a doll in a prominent place at home, it will immediately be clear where it comes from. You can search for original products with high artistic value.

What else can I bring from Belarus?

The assortment in Belarusian souvenir shops is wide, and it is impossible to tell about all the interesting things. It’s better to see them for yourself. But let’s briefly list a few more ideas of what to buy from gifts in Belarus.

• Woven souvenirs. The vine is almost as popular in Belarus as the tree. In the past, even fences, house walls, cots and other furniture were woven from it. Now you can pick up a picnic basket made using ancient technology, a tray, a bread box, planters or, for example, souvenir bast shoes. Due to the complex weaving technique and the combination of different types of vines, the products can look very unusual.
• Gems. Exhibitions and fairs of gem products are regularly held in large cities. The masters present their best creations — very different and at the same time accessible. Jewelry is mainly made of semi-precious stones and silver. Gem fairs are also organized in Russia, but other craftsmen work in Belarus with their own techniques and designs. There are unique things here.
• A beard care kit. If there is a man with a beard in your environment, you can give him a royal gift. The set includes brushes and combs for beard and mustache, natural care oils and balms that facilitate combing. It is a pleasure to use them, and a beard with such care will quickly become a man’s main decoration. He will appreciate such a sign of attention.
• Paintings by Belarusian artists. If you love art, choose watercolors and works in other techniques by famous and not so famous Belarusian masters. As a rule, they depict famous landmarks, although there are other stories. It is not necessary to bring home a large painting, there are stationery and postcards with reproductions. They are inexpensive, so you can give them to all your friends.

Many types of souvenirs are sold almost everywhere, especially if you are interested in groceries or home textiles. If you have planned in advance what to bring, it is better to go to the company store, where there is the largest selection. This applies to confectionery shops, linen, crystal and porcelain products. The easiest way to find them is in the central department stores of Minsk, and for edible gifts you can go to the Komarovsky market. There may not be branded and souvenir shops in other places. But if you visit the most famous tourist attractions, then there will be no problems finding gifts.

An experienced guide will help you bring the best souvenirs from Belarus. He will advise you on places to shop and tell you the prices. Guided travel has other advantages. You can find the person you need at the Guides Club. Choose a suitable tour on our website and book it online. Do not delay the decision for a long time, because places are quickly running out.

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