From the rose-scented dawns of the Valley of Roses to the smoky wooden eaves of a Rila monastery, Bulgaria is a tapestry of scent, stitch and song.

Sofia’s pavement cafés pour strong coffee beside Ottoman-era mosques, Plovdiv’s Roman theatre hums with summer concerts, and the Black Sea’s salt air mixes with the heady perfumes of Kazanlak’s distilleries – everywhere, local craft and flavor are written into the landscape.

Whether you’re hunting handcrafted keepsakes or edible gifts to remind you of Balkan kitchens, these Bulgarian souvenirs capture the country’s textures and tastes. Here’s what to buy in Bulgaria to bring a piece of its rich traditions home with you, Bulgarian souvenirs that really tell a story.

1. Bulgarian Rose Oil (Rosa Damascena)

Why pick this up: Walking through the Rose Valley in May and June is unforgettable — petals crushed underfoot release a warm, honeyed scent. Bulgarian rose oil is world-famous and a tiny bottle holds the concentrated essence of those fields.
What to look for: Distilled in Kazanlak or Karlovo and labeled “bulgarian rosa damascena otto” or “absolute.” Pure otto is extremely concentrated; many tourists opt for rose water or creams if they want a gentler, more affordable souvenir.
Price bracket (2025): 20–400 лв. (rose water and creams 20–80 лв; pure 1 ml otto 150–400 лв)
Where to find it: Rose Valley towns (Kazanlak, Karlovo), Sofia markets (Women’s Market), and artisanal shops in Plovdiv.

2. Lavender Products from the Thracian Plain

Why pick this up: Fields of lavender around Kalofer and the Thracian plain perfume the summer air and make for calming sachets and oils that last for months.
What to look for: Dried lavender sachets, essential oils (look for 100% Lavandula angustifolia), and hand-made soaps scented with lavender.
Price bracket (2025): 5–80 лв.
Where to find it: Farmers’ markets, roadside stalls near Kalofer and Kazanlak, and craft shops in Bansko and Plovdiv’s Old Town.

3. Rakia (Fruit Brandy)

Why pick this up: Rakia is the Balkan toast — fruity, warming and steeped in hospitality. A bottle makes a spirited gift and a taste of Bulgarian celebrations.
What to look for: Grape, plum (slivova), quince, or berry rakia. Look for small-batch or labelled distilleries from the Struma or Danubian regions for the best character.
Price bracket (2025): 10–150 лв. (commercial bottles 10–40 лв; artisanal casks 40–150 лв)
Where to find it: Liqueur shops in Sofia and Plovdiv, wineries in Melnik and the Thracian plain, and specialty spirits stores.

4. Bulgarian Wine (Melnik, Mavrud, Rubin)

Why pick this up: Bulgaria’s winemaking goes back to Thracian times; recent vintages are getting serious attention for bold reds and crisp whites.
What to look for: Melnik reds from the Pirin region, Mavrud from the Thracian plain, or modern blends labeled from the Danubian Plain and Black Sea vineyards.
Price bracket (2025): 12–80 лв.
Where to find it: Wine shops in Sofia and Plovdiv, vineyards in Melnik, and duty-free shops at major airports.

5. Chiprovtsi Carpets and Kilims

Why pick this up: Chiprovtsi’s flat-woven rugs carry centuries of tribal motifs — geometric, richly colored and handcrafted on traditional looms.
What to look for: Hand-woven, natural-dyed wool pieces with the characteristic red, indigo and cream patterns. Ask for a certificate of origin for antiques.
Price bracket (2025): 100–2,500 лв. (small runners to large antique carpets)
Where to find it: Chiprovtsi workshops, Ethnographic museums’ gift shops, and artisan stalls in Sofia and Plovdiv.

6. Traditional Embroidered Shirt (Nosia / Riza)

Why pick this up: A hand-embroidered shirt carries regional motifs — Koprivshtitsa’s bold patterns differ from those of the Rhodope Mountains — and makes a wearable piece of folk art.
What to look for: Natural linen or cotton base with hand embroidery (cross-stitch, triple stitch), preferably from recognized craftspersons in Koprivshtitsa or Tryavna.
Price bracket (2025): 40–600 лв.
Where to find it: Folk craft shops in Koprivshtitsa, Tryavna woodworking workshops, and souvenir shops around the Rila Monastery.

7. Kukeri Masks and Miniatures

Why pick this up: Kukeri masks (from the winter rituals in Pernik and throughout the interior) are flamboyant, a little wild and full of folklore — perfect for a dramatic keepsake.
What to look for: Hand-carved wooden masks or small replicas painted and dressed with real fur and bells. Smaller sizes are easier to pack.
Price bracket (2025): 15–500 лв.
Where to find it: Craft markets in Pernik (during the festival), workshops in the Rhodopes, and folk-art stalls in Plovdiv.

8. Handcrafted Pottery and Ceramics (Tryavna, Kalofer)

Why pick this up: Bulgarian pottery is rustic and practical — mugs, plates and jugs decorated with floral and geometric motifs that echo traditional life.
What to look for: Hand-thrown pieces with natural glazes and local motifs; try the blue-and-white ceramics or earthenware from Tryavna.
Price bracket (2025): 10–200 лв.
Where to find it: Tryavna craft cooperatives, Etar open-air museum near Gabrovo, and artisan shops in Sofia and Veliko Tarnovo.

9. Honey, Lyutenitsa and Preserves

Why pick this up: Bulgarian honey (acacia and wildflower) is legendary, and jars of lyutenitsa (pepper-tomato spread) are a savory, shelf-stable taste of home-cooked Bulgaria.
What to look for: Single-origin acacia honey, traditionally jarred lyutenitsa with simple ingredient lists, and fruit preserves from local producers.
Price bracket (2025): 5–40 лв.
Where to find it: Farmers’ markets (Sofia’s Women’s Market, Plovdiv), roadside stands in rural regions, and specialty food shops.

10. Silver Filigree and Traditional Jewelry

Why pick this up: Delicate silver filigree necklaces, bracelets and earrings make elegant mementos and often incorporate traditional Bulgarian motifs.
What to look for: Hallmarked silver (.925), filigree work from Tryavna or Samokov, and pieces that use local semi-precious stones like garnet.
Price bracket (2025): 30–600 лв.
Where to find it: Jewelry workshops in Sofia and Plovdiv, craft shops in Tryavna, and markets surrounding historic monasteries.

Travel tip: When packing Bulgarian souvenirs, leave room for fragile ceramics and keep liquids like rose oil and rakia in checked luggage or sealed pouches — and don’t forget to ask sellers about provenance so you’re buying genuine Bulgarian souvenirs. ✈️

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!