From the bustling bazaars of Tehran to the tile-glazed tranquility of Isfahan’s Naqsh-e Jahan, Iran smells of rosewater, saffron, and warm spices. Sunlight slips through carved wooden windows in Yazd, turquoise flashes in the markets of Neyshabur, and the rhythm of hammer on metal rings out in Isfahan’s copper souks — a country where craft and history are woven into everyday objects.

Whether you’re hunting for hand-knotted carpets in Tabriz or boxes of saffron in Mashhad, here’s what to buy in Iran to bring home unforgettable Iranian souvenirs that tell the story of its cities and makers.

1. Persian Carpet

Why pick this up: A hand-knotted Persian carpet is a usable map of Iran’s regions — Tabriz’s detailed medallions, Kashan’s floral fields, and Qom’s fine weaving each carry centuries of pattern and pride.
What to look for: Knots per sq. cm (higher = finer), natural dyes, signed weaver or village label; inspect the back for evenness and a clean fringe.
Price bracket (2025): از 2,000,000 تا 50,000,000 تومان (small prayer rugs to large room-size pieces)
Where to find it: Grand Bazaar of Tabriz, Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, carpet shops in Kashan and Qom.

2. Saffron (Zafaran)

Why pick this up: Iran grows the world’s most prized saffron — a tiny, perfumed thread that instantly lifts rice, stews, and desserts with floral, honeyed heat.
What to look for: Deep red stigmas with little yellow; buy vacuum-sealed small packages (1–10 g) and ask about grade (sargol is premium).
Price bracket (2025): حدود 100,000 تا 1,200,000 تومان برای 1–10 گرم
Where to find it: Bazaars in Mashhad, Tehran, and Shiraz; specialty spice stalls and packaged producers in Khorasan.

3. Neyshabur Turquoise Jewelry

Why pick this up: Neyshabur turquoise is world-famous for its intense robin’s-egg blues; set in silver, it makes striking rings, beads, and pendants with an unmistakably Persian look.
What to look for: Even color, minimal matrix unless intentionally included; ask for provenance (Neyshabur) and hallmarked silver.
Price bracket (2025): از 500,000 تا 10,000,000 تومان (depending on stone size and craftsmanship)
Where to find it: Gem and jewelry shops in Mashhad, Tehran’s bazaars, Neyshabur gemstone dealers.

4. Pistachios from Rafsanjan

Why pick this up: Iranian pistachios are crunchy, buttery, and aromatic — Rafsanjan nuts are a culinary calling card and perfect for snacking or gifting.
What to look for: Freshly packed, uniform shelled size (Ahmad Aghaei and Fandoghi varieties), no rancid smell.
Price bracket (2025): حدود 250,000 تا 600,000 تومان برای 1 کیلوگرم
Where to find it: Local markets nationwide, specialty nut shops in Kerman and Rafsanjan; airport duty-free for sealed boxes.

5. Golab (Rosewater) and Rose Products from Kashan

Why pick this up: Kashan’s rosewater has a bright, floral clarity used in desserts, perfumes, and skincare — a fragrant souvenir of Persian gardens.
What to look for: Pure distillation (not synthetic), labeled Golab Kashan, small glass bottles for longevity.
Price bracket (2025): حدود 150,000 تا 700,000 تومان برای بطری‌های 250–500 میلی‌لیتری
Where to find it: Kashan’s rosewater distilleries and bazaar stalls, Tehran specialty shops.

6. Persian Miniature Paintings & Calligraphy

Why pick this up: Tiny, luminous scenes and flowing scripts capture Iran’s storytelling tradition — perfect framed or as part of a private collection.
What to look for: Natural pigments, signed miniaturist or workshop, provenance if antique; ask about mounted vs. loose paper.
Price bracket (2025): از 1,000,000 تا 20,000,000 تومان (studio pieces to antique folios)
Where to find it: Art shops around Isfahan, Shiraz (close to Hafez and Saadi shrines), Tehran galleries in Darband and Tajrish.

7. Termeh and Qalamkar Textiles

Why pick this up: Termeh (Yazd’s handwoven silk brocade) and qalamkar (block-printed cottons) are quintessential Iranian textiles — sumptuous, patterned pieces for home or dress.
What to look for: Fine weave in Termeh, precise hand-blocking in qalamkar, natural fibers, seller credits the workshop.
Price bracket (2025): از 700,000 تا 25,000,000 تومان (table runners, shawls, full panels)
Where to find it: Yazd for Termeh, Kashan and Isfahan for qalamkar workshops and bazaars.

8. Hammered Copperware (Sofreh and Kitchenware)

Why pick this up: Brightly chased trays, samovars, and bowls are both decorative and functional — Isfahan’s metalwork is a tactile souvenir of traditional craft.
What to look for: Solid weight, even hammering, quality soldering; choose pieces with protective lacquer if you don’t want patina.
Price bracket (2025): حدود 500,000 تا 5,000,000 تومان بسته به سایز و تزئین
Where to find it: Copper workshops around Isfahan’s bazaar, Tehran’s Zarbaf streets.

9. Minakari (Enamel Work) and Glassware

Why pick this up: Vivid enamel on metal and delicate glass blown in the Kashan and Isfahan traditions make bright tableware and decorative plates.
What to look for: Smooth enamel without cracks, vivid cobalt and turquoise hues, signed artisan or workshop tag.
Price bracket (2025): از 700,000 تا 8,000,000 تومان
Where to find it: Isfahan’s Naqsh-e Jahan bazaars, Kashan artisan studios, Tehran handicraft shops.

10. Gaz, Sohan, and Other Regional Sweets

Why pick this up: Gaz (Isfahan nougat made with pistachio and rosewater), Sohan (crisp saffron brittle from Qom), and baklava-style pastries are edible glimpses of regional flavor.
What to look for: Freshness date, sealed boxes, authentic regional labeling (Gaz-e Isfahani, Sohan-e Qomi).
Price bracket (2025): حدود 150,000 تا 800,000 تومان برای بسته‌های هدیه بسته به نوع و وزن
Where to find it: Confectioners in Isfahan, Qom, Tehran’s confectionery lane near the Grand Bazaar, airport duty-free.

Happy shopping — keep receipts for customs and pack fragile items padded and upright. Bring home these stories inside your suitcase and let them spark conversations about Iranian culture and craft. Iranian souvenirs await — enjoy the hunt and the hospitality 🌹

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!