Late-summer light over the Berezina wetlands, the smell of fresh rye bread in a Minsk bakery, the clack of a folk band at Vitebsk’s market — Belarus greets you with quiet, tactile traditions. From linen grown in the fields of Hrodna to embroidered rushnyky hung in small-town churches, the country’s heritage is stitched into objects you can touch and bring home.

A country I’ve always wanted to visit but unfortunately never did 😩. I’ve compiled this list using careful research. Hope you find it useful!

1. Belarusian Linen (tablecloths, towels, shirts)

Why pick this up: Flax has been a staple here for centuries; Belarusian linen is cool, durable, and softens beautifully with use. A linen tablecloth or towel feels like a slice of countryside light and is eminently useful back home.
What to look for: Tight, even weave and natural undyed linen for longevity; hand-embroidered accents (especially from Vitebsk or Hrodna) add local character. Ask if the linen is 100% flax.
Price bracket (2025): 20–250 BYN (napkins/towels 20–60 BYN; full tablecloths 80–250 BYN)
Where to find it: Komarovsky Market in Minsk, craft shops in Hrodna, boutique linen stores around Vitebsk and at weekend regional markets.

2. Embroidered Rushnyk and Vyshyvanka (ritual towels & shirts)

Why pick this up: Rushnyky (embroidered ritual towels) and vyshyvanka shirts carry motifs tied to Belarusian rites — weddings, baptisms, seasonal festivals — and make striking wall art or heirloom garments.
What to look for: Traditional red-and-black geometric patterns or regional color palettes; hand-stitching beats machine work for authenticity. Look for motifs specific to Polotsk, Brest, or central Belarus.
Price bracket (2025): 30–350 BYN (small rushnyk 30–80 BYN; hand-embroidered shirts 120–350 BYN)
Where to find it: Folk craft stalls during Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk, the National Art Museum of Belarus shop, and artisan stores in Minsk’s Old Town.

3. Slutsk Sash (Slutsk belt replica)

Why pick this up: The historic Slutsk sashes are silk brocades once worn by nobility; modern reproductions nod to that opulent weaving tradition and make dramatic scarves or wall hangings.
What to look for: Dense brocade patterns, silk or silk-blend fabric, and clear Slutsk-style motifs (gold or multicolor threads). For wearable pieces, check length and weight.
Price bracket (2025): 150–1,200 BYN (simple replicas 150–400 BYN; museum-quality reproductions 600–1,200 BYN)
Where to find it: Slutsk artisan shops, museum gift stores (Slutsk Museum), select craft boutiques in Minsk.

4. Birch Bark Crafts (beresta boxes, shoes, containers)

Why pick this up: Birch bark is a traditional, lightweight material used across Belarus for practical and decorative objects — boxes, coasters, and small containers make durable, earthy gifts.
What to look for: Smooth finishing, tight seams, and natural birch grain; some boxes are decorated with pyrography (burned designs).
Price bracket (2025): 10–300 BYN (small boxes 10–40 BYN; larger decorated pieces 80–300 BYN)
Where to find it: Regional craft fairs, souvenir stalls in Polotsk and Nesvizh, and specialty shops in Minsk.

5. Straw Weaving and Holiday Ornaments

Why pick this up: Fine straw weaving (solomka craft) produces delicate ornaments, wreaths, and household decorations born from rural Belarusian craft traditions — perfect for seasonal décor.
What to look for: Intricate geometric shapes, tight braiding, and pieces that feel springy rather than brittle. Choose items sealed or treated for longevity.
Price bracket (2025): 5–80 BYN (small ornaments 5–20 BYN; larger wall pieces 40–80 BYN)
Where to find it: Folk markets in Grodno and Brest regions, cultural centers during festivals, and Minsk souvenir shops.

6. Wood Carvings and Kitchenware (spoons, bowls, toys)

Why pick this up: Hand-carved wooden spoons, bowls, and toys are quintessentially Belarusian — practical, warm, and often finished with traditional painting or simple carving.
What to look for: Smooth, splinter-free surfaces; locally sourced woods like birch or linden; painted motifs in Belarusian folk style for a colorful touch.
Price bracket (2025): 10–120 BYN (single spoons 10–30 BYN; decorative sets 50–120 BYN)
Where to find it: Komarovsky Market, artisan corners in Minsk, and small workshops around rural towns.

7. Krambambula (traditional Belarusian honey-spice liqueur)

Why pick this up: Krambambula is a centuries-old Belarusian spirit made with honey and spices — sweet, warming, and steeped in local tavern history. It’s a taste of Belarus in a bottle.
What to look for: Bottles labeled “krambambula” (or local small-batch producers); darker, spiced versions are fuller-flavored. Check alcohol content and packaging for export suitability.
Price bracket (2025): 12–70 BYN per bottle (standard 0.5–0.7 L bottles around 20–40 BYN)
Where to find it: Liquor stores in Minsk, duty-free at Minsk National Airport (MSQ), and regional producers in Brest and Grodno.

8. Kommunarka & Spartak Chocolates (Belarusian confections)

Why pick this up: Belarus has a proud confectionery tradition — Kommunarka and Spartak chocolates are beloved locally and make easy, crowd-pleasing gifts that travel well.
What to look for: Assorted boxes, chocolate bars with local fillings (hazelnut, caramel), and vintage-style packaging from factory shops for an authentic touch.
Price bracket (2025): 4–50 BYN (small bars 4–8 BYN; gift boxes 15–50 BYN)
Where to find it: Kommunarka factory store in Minsk, supermarkets, Komarovsky Market, and souvenir shops.

9. Local Honey, Pollen & Bee Cosmetics

Why pick this up: Belarusian beekeepers produce varietal honeys (linden, buckwheat, forest) and propolis-based balms — earthy, floral, and excellent as edible gifts or natural skincare.
What to look for: Labeled floral source, minimal processing (raw or creamed honey), and sealed jars from trusted growers. Small propolis creams and soaps are great for packing.
Price bracket (2025): 8–120 BYN (jars 8–60 BYN; specialty cosmetics 15–120 BYN)
Where to find it: Farmers’ markets (notably Komarovsky Market), apiary shops in rural districts, and organic stores in Minsk.

10. Folk Art Prints, Ceramics & Vitebsk Artist Goods

Why pick this up: From Vitebsk’s art scene (think Chagall’s legacy) to hand-thrown ceramics, prints and pottery capture Belarus’s visual culture — perfect for framing or everyday use.
What to look for: Signed prints, locally made glazes, and ceramics fired in small studios; limited-run pieces from Vitebsk festivals are especially meaningful.
Price bracket (2025): 10–300 BYN (prints 10–60 BYN; ceramics 30–300 BYN)
Where to find it: Vitebsk galleries and stalls during Slavianski Bazaar, the National Art Museum in Minsk, independent galleries in the Old Town.

Final Tip: Haggle gently at markets (Komarovsky is the best place to practice) and always ask for a small paper bag or box for fragile items — Belarusian souvenirs hold stories, so pack them well. ✈️

Let me know in the comments if you have any other top “what to buy” ideas!

About the Author 

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!