From the wind-scraped ridges of the Carpathians to the salt tang of the Black Sea, Ukraine greets you with textures and tastes that insist on being touched and tasted.

In Kyiv’s Andriyivskyy Descent the air ripples with the clink of enamel, the soft rustle of embroidered linen, and the smell of fresh pastries wafting from street stalls; in Lviv, the aroma of roast coffee and chocolate curls through narrow cobblestone lanes.

These are places where craft is a language and every market stall tells a story through wood grain, stitch, and painted egg.

Walk a bazaar in Odesa’s Pryvoz, or stand before a hand-painted Petrykivka panel in a Dnipro workshop, and you quickly learn why travelers cart bags home: the objects themselves are memory, history and craft rolled into one.

Whether you’re drawn to hand-stitched vyshyvankas, amber from Polissya, or a tinny box of Lviv chocolate, these souvenirs will carry a piece of Ukraine with you.

Here’s what to buy in Ukraine to bring a piece of its spirit back home.

1. Vyshyvanka (Embroidered Shirt)

Why pick this up:
The vyshyvanka is a wearable map of regional identity; each pattern from Poltava, Hutsul, or Bukovyna carries symbolic motifs and centuries-old stitches. Wearing one connects you to village rites, wedding traditions, and the revival of Ukrainian folk pride.

What to look for:
Seek dense, even embroidery on linen or hemp with natural dyes; authentic pieces will show regional motifs (red-and-black Poltava, geometric Hutsul patterns). Ask whether it’s machine-stitched or hand-embroidered—handwork is pricier but uniquely detailed.

Price bracket (2025):
₴1,200–₴6,000

Where to find it:
Andriyivskyy Descent (Kyiv), Lviv Vernissage, artisan stalls in Chernihiv and Ivano-Frankivsk.

2. Pysanka (Hand-Painted Easter Egg)

Why pick this up:
Pysanky are miniature canvases of wax-resist art, each egg layered with ancestral symbols—sun, water, wheat—that tell regional tales. They’re fragile keepsakes that capture the ritual rhythm of spring and village workshops.

What to look for:
Choose eggs with fine, steady lines and multiple color layers; authentic pysanky use beeswax and dyes rather than paint. Prefer blown eggs (vacuumed) if you want a long-lasting souvenir.

Price bracket (2025):
₴150–₴1,500

Where to find it:
Pysanka markets in Lviv and Kyiv, artisan stalls at Andriyivskyy Descent, workshops in the Poltava and Vinnytsia regions.

3. Petrykivka Painted Boxes & Prints

Why pick this up:
Petrykivka painting—named after a village in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast—is a riot of floral ornamentation applied to boxes, panels, and postcards. These pieces are brightly optimistic and unmistakably Ukrainian.

What to look for:
Look for the characteristic dot-and-feather brushwork, hand-signed pieces, and items from artists registered in Petrykivka. Avoid mass-printed imitations that lack texture and brush stroke relief.

Price bracket (2025):
₴300–₴2,500

Where to find it:
Petrykivka village and workshops, folk art stalls at Lviv Vernissage and Kyiv’s folk markets.

4. Kosiv (Hutsul) Ceramics

Why pick this up:
Kosiv ceramics from the Carpathians mingle rustic forms with whimsical painted scenes and glazes; they’re functional art—plates, jugs, and tiles that speak of mountain kitchens. The pigments and motifs echo Hutsul legends and alpine life.

What to look for:
Choose pieces stamped “Kosiv” or purchased from Kosiv cooperatives, with rich lead-free glazes and hand-painted motifs. Check for kiln marks and unevenness that indicate handcraft.

Price bracket (2025):
₴200–₴2,000

Where to find it:
Kosiv workshops (Ivano-Frankivsk region), craft stalls in Lviv and Kyiv’s folk fairs.

5. Hand-Woven Carpathian Rugs & Blankets

Why pick this up:
Thick, tactile and woven with natural wool, Carpathian rugs and blankets carry Hutsul patterns—sharp geometrics and earthen palettes—that warm both body and room. They’re heirloom-quality items made for mountain winters.

What to look for:
Inspect tight, even weaves and natural wool with vegetable dyes. Ask about origin (Hutsul or Kosiv workshops) and repair history for vintage pieces.

Price bracket (2025):
₴1,500–₴10,000

Where to find it:
Craft villages across the Carpathians, Kosiv bazaars, artisan markets in Yaremche and Kolomyia.

6. Amber Jewelry (Ukrainian Amber)

Why pick this up:
Amber from the Polissya and Zhytomyr regions captures sunlight fossilized in resin; set into minimalist or folk-style mounts, it’s a warm, tactile reminder of the earth. Ukrainian amber has been traded for millennia and is prized for its natural inclusions.

What to look for:
Prefer larger pieces with visible tree resin inclusions and ask for purchase receipts from reputable stalls; be wary of resin imitations. Certified amber sellers in established markets offer tested pieces.

Price bracket (2025):
₴800–₴8,000

Where to find it:
Kyiv’s Andriyivskyy Descent, Lviv’s Vernissage, specialist jewelers and amber markets in Zhytomyr region.

7. Flavoured Horilka & Medovukha (Small-Batch Spirits)

Why pick this up:
Beyond mass-market vodka, Ukraine’s horilka comes infused with honey, pepper, or herbs; medovukha (honey mead) and cherry liqueurs showcase regional flavors. Small-batch bottles make lively edible souvenirs and gifts.

What to look for:
Buy sealed bottles with producer labels from licensed distilleries or reputable market stalls; small glass bottles are travel-friendly. Check alcohol limits and customs rules before packing.

Price bracket (2025):
₴150–₴1,200

Where to find it:
Lviv distilleries and craft shops, specialty liquor stores in Kyiv, Pryvoz Market in Odesa.

8. Kyiv Cake & Artisan Chocolates

Why pick this up:
The iconic Kyivsky Tort (Kyiv cake) is a praline-and-meringue bestseller that tastes of the city’s sweet history, while Lviv’s artisanal chocolatiers produce bean-to-bar bars and truffles with local coffee notes. Both travel well when packaged.

What to look for:
Choose factory-sealed Kyiv cake in official boxes or artisan chocolate with heat-stable packaging. For freshness, buy at airport shops or from bakery counters with production dates.

Price bracket (2025):
₴200–₴800

Where to find it:
Lviv Handmade Chocolate, Kyiv confectioneries, airport duty-free and major supermarkets.

9. Rushnyk (Ritual Embroidered Towel)

Why pick this up:
Rushnyky are long, embroidered towels used in weddings, home altars, and harvest rituals—ritual textiles rich with symbolic motifs and color. They make decorative wall hangings or heirloom table covers.

What to look for:
Seek linen or hemp fabric with dense, symbolic embroidery patterns; region-specific stitches (Poltava, Volyn) reveal origin. Hand-embroidered examples carry more cultural weight than factory reproductions.

Price bracket (2025):
₴400–₴3,000

Where to find it:
Folk markets in Kyiv, Lviv’s Rynok Square vendors, artisan workshops in rural craft centers.

10. Trypillian-Style Pottery & Replicas

Why pick this up:
Inspired by the ancient Trypillia (Trypillia) civilization, these clay pots and decorative pieces echo Neolithic motifs in modern ceramics and make striking display objects. They connect current craft to the region’s deep archaeological past.

What to look for:
Choose hand-thrown clay with painted geometric motifs and natural glazes; look for makers who explain the inspiration rather than mass-produced “antique” fakes. Small replicas are easier to ship.

Price bracket (2025):
₴250–₴2,000

Where to find it:
Museum shops (e.g., National Museum in Kyiv), folk-art fairs, pottery cooperatives near Trypillia sites.

11. Hand-Carved Woodenware & Toys

Why pick this up:
From salt cellars to whisks and nesting dolls with regional faces, Ukrainian woodcarving is warm and utilitarian—each piece sanded smooth, often finished with beeswax. They’re practical, lightweight, and rooted in woodland traditions.

What to look for:
Inspect dovetailing, smooth finishes, and signs of hand-tooling; prefer local hardwoods and natural finishes. Beware cheap, machine-made souvenirs that lack tool marks.

Price bracket (2025):
₴200–₴2,500

Where to find it:
Carpathian craft stalls, Kyiv’s Andriyivskyy Descent, Pryvoz Market (Odesa), weekend artisan bazaars.

Pro tip: Shop local cooperatives and ask to see the maker or workshop—stories are part of the souvenir! 🧭

Local Shopping Culture & Traditions

Market culture in Ukraine blends fixed marketplaces with open-air bazaars and weekend vernissages where artisans, farmers and traders converge.

Famous hubs like Kyiv’s Andriyivskyy Descent and Bessarabskiy Rynok, Lviv’s Market Square vernissages, and Odesa’s Pryvoz are places where craft, food and folklore overlap.

In regions such as the Carpathians, artisan villages (Kosiv, Yaremche) sustain wool-weaving and pottery traditions, while Dnipropetrovsk’s Petrykivka keeps its eponymous painting alive through family workshops.

Bargaining is common in open-air markets and among independent stalls but less so in museum shops and fixed retail stores.

Many Ukrainian craftsmen sell directly from ateliers on weekends or at seasonal fairs, and it’s customary to ask about origin, artisans will happily recount materials, dyes and the stories behind motifs.

How to Spot Genuine Local Souvenirs

Look for maker marks, provenance and materials: hand-embroidered vyshyvankas show irregular stitches and natural linen; Kosiv ceramics have kiln marks and hand-brushed patterns. Petrykivka work displays layered dot-and-stroke brushwork.

Ask where the item was made, authentic pieces often come from specific towns (Kosiv, Petrykivka village, Zhytomyr for amber). For food items, check production dates, sealed packaging and registered producer labels; for spirits, buy from licensed retailers and keep receipts for customs.

Avoid overly glossy, identically painted pieces and plastic-feeling “folk” items—mass-produced souvenirs often lack texture, kiln marks, or artist signatures.

Where to Shop in Ukraine

• Andriyivskyy Descent (Kyiv) and Bessarabskiy Rynok (Bessarabsky Market)
• Lviv Market Square vernissage and Lviv Handmade Chocolate outlets
• Pryvoz Market (Odesa) and Deribasivska pedestrian area
• Kosiv and Yaremche craft bazaars in the Carpathians
• Petrykivka village and museum shops (folk art)
• Museum gift shops (National Museum in Kyiv) and airport duty-free for packaged food and spirits

FAQs

Q: Are souvenirs in Ukraine expensive?
A: Prices vary widely—market stalls and regional craft fairs offer affordable finds, while hand-embroidered garments, antique rugs, or large amber pieces command higher prices. Expect bargains in open-air markets and premium pricing in museum shops.

Q: Is bargaining common in Ukraine?
A: Yes, especially in outdoor markets and with independent artisans; polite offers and friendly haggling are normal. Fixed-price shops, branded stores, and museum kiosks usually do not negotiate.

Q: How do I know if food or drink souvenirs will pass customs?
A: Check your destination’s import rules first; sealed, factory-packaged items (candies, Kyiv cake) are usually fine, while meats and dairy can be restricted. For alcohol, keep bottles sealed and within duty-free allowances.

Explore Ukraine’s markets and workshops—you’ll find souvenirs that carry story, craft, and the warmth of place, and the world of souvenirs awaits.

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!