Tbilisi is a city where old craft traditions meet lively street markets. Shopping here can turn up useful pantry items, small artworks, and well-made handcrafts that tell a bit about Georgia’s history.

This guide covers souvenirs you can find around the city, not one single shop. It focuses on items that travel well, ways to check quality, and how to avoid lightweight tourist mass production.

1. Churchkhela

• Why it’s worth buying: A chewy nut-and-grape snack made into strings; it lasts well without refrigeration. It gives a direct taste of Georgia’s fruit-and-nut confection tradition.
• Where to look: vendors and stalls in open-air markets or food sections of markets.
• Price range: $3–$12
• How to spot a good one: Nuts should be whole and the coating evenly colored, not sticky or moldy.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Pack between layers of clothing to cushion and avoid crushing.

2. Utskho Suneli (blue fenugreek) and spice mixes

• Why it’s worth buying: This local spice blend brings an unmistakable warm, slightly bitter flavor to stews and beans. A small jar transforms home cooking with an authentic Georgian profile.
• Where to look: central covered markets and spice stalls within markets.
• Price range: $4–$15
• How to spot a good one: Fresh aroma and a label or seller explanation of ingredients indicate freshness.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Place jars in resealable plastic and surround with soft items in your luggage.

3. Adjika (jarred hot paste)

• Why it’s worth buying: A concentrated hot condiment, great for meats, bread, and soups; it has a strong regional identity. A small jar goes a long way in recipes back home.
• Where to look: packaged foods aisles of food halls or markets.
• Price range: $3–$10
• How to spot a good one: Short ingredient list and visible oil separation are signs of traditional preparation.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Leave a little headroom in the jar and seal with tape for travel.

4. Small bottle of chacha

• Why it’s worth buying: Georgia’s grape brandy has a sharp, fruity profile unlike many other brandies. Mini bottles let you sample without hauling full cases.
• Where to look: licensed counters inside food halls or covered markets.
• Price range: $8–$30
• How to spot a good one: Pick smaller producer labels or bottles with a stated origin rather than plain, unbranded samples.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap bottles in clothing and carry them in checked luggage with cushioning, or ship them.

5. Hand-painted ceramic cup or small plate

• Why it’s worth buying: Local ceramics often echo traditional patterns and are useful at home. Small pieces serve as display or everyday tableware.
• Where to look: independent shops and artisan galleries.
• Price range: $10–$50
• How to spot a good one: Even glaze with no hairline cracks and a stable base shows good firing.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Bubble-wrap fragile pottery or place inside a hard-sided container in checked baggage.

6. Handwoven wool scarf

• Why it’s worth buying: Wool scarves carry local patterns and practical warmth, useful across seasons. Many are made from regional wool and last several winters.
• Where to look: craft co-ops and independent textile shops.
• Price range: $15–$70
• How to spot a good one: Tight, even weave and natural dyes hold color and resist pilling.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Roll scarves to save space and avoid creasing.

7. Filigree silver jewelry

• Why it’s worth buying: Delicate metalwork is a long-standing craft with distinctive Georgian motifs. Small pieces fit easily in a suitcase or carry-on.
• Where to look: galleries and selected independent shops.
• Price range: $20–$150
• How to spot a good one: Look for clean solder joints and consistent, fine wirework without loose parts.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Store jewelry in soft pouches and keep with you in a carry-on.

8. Leather coin purse or small wallet

• Why it’s worth buying: Tbilisi leather goods can be both practical and compact for everyday use. Small items show craftsmanship without taking much space.
• Where to look: markets and independent leather shops.
• Price range: $10–$45
• How to spot a good one: Check stitching along seams and feel for a supple, not plasticky, finish.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Tuck inside shoes or soft items to prevent pressure damage.

9. Art prints and posters by local artists

• Why it’s worth buying: Prints provide a portable piece of local visual culture without the cost of originals. They frame easily and make straightforward gifts.
• Where to look: galleries and independent design shops.
• Price range: $8–$60
• How to spot a good one: Crisp printing, signed editions, or artist contact details suggest authenticity.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Carry flat art in a rigid folder or tube to avoid creases.

10. Natural soaps and skincare with local ingredients

• Why it’s worth buying: Products often use grape seed oil, honey, or herbal extracts found nearby. They make small, practical gifts and are easy to sample.
• Where to look: co-ops and food halls with local vendor sections.
• Price range: $5–$25
• How to spot a good one: Short ingredient lists and clear labeling show fewer fillers and better quality.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Put bars in a sealed bag to prevent scent transfer to clothing.

11. Hand-carved wooden utensils

• Why it’s worth buying: Kitchen spoons and ladles with carved handles reflect local motifs and are useful daily. They are lightweight and sturdy when well made.
• Where to look: craft stalls in markets and artisan co-ops.
• Price range: $6–$30
• How to spot a good one: Smooth surfaces without splinters and a solid finish mean longer life.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap wooden items in textiles to protect edges and save space.

12. Loose-leaf Georgian black tea

• Why it’s worth buying: Georgia produces distinct black teas suited to the local palate and home brewing. Tea is compact and keeps well for months.
• Where to look: spice counters in markets and food halls.
• Price range: $4–$15
• How to spot a good one: Look for whole leaves and a fragrant aroma, not dusty fragments.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Seal tea in airtight bags to preserve aroma and avoid spills.

Quick buying tips for Tbilisi

• Carry small bills and coins; some stalls prefer cash over cards.
• Ask politely about prices; light bargaining is sometimes acceptable at markets.
• Wrap ceramics and glass in clothing; fragile items travel best in carry-on.
• Many shops offer shipping for ceramics and large textiles; ask before purchase.
• Look for ‘made locally’ tags, artisan signatures, or workshop addresses on labels.
• Liquids and opened food must follow airline rules; seal jars and declare liquids.

Where to shop in Tbilisi

Shopping is spread across historic streets, market halls, and cultural districts, so plan a few stops. Look for central markets for food items, galleries for art, and co-ops for artisan-made crafts.

• Old Tbilisi historic district — small galleries and craft stalls selling jewelry and textiles.
• Dry Bridge Market (antique market area) — secondhand items, folk curios, and vintage postcards.
• Dezerter Bazaar (central food market) — spices, teas, nuts, and packaged condiments.
• Museum shops near cultural centers — books, quality prints, and well-made design objects.
• Covered food halls and market pavilions — jarred condiments, olive oils, and local preserves.
• Weekend craft fairs and riverfront markets — seasonal handmade goods and woodwork.
• Cultural streets and galleries on the main avenue — contemporary prints, ceramics, and small artworks.

What to skip (common tourist traps)

• Mass-produced trinkets sold near major sights; low price usually means poor materials.
• Unlabeled “antique-looking” pieces without provenance; they may be recent reproductions.
• Cheap imitation jewelry stamped as silver; markings alone do not guarantee metal quality.
• Large rugs or heavy textiles from souvenir stalls; often lower-grade fibers and hard to transport.
• Bottles with unclear alcohol labeling; avoid unsealed spirits that won’t pass airline rules.
• Packaged foods without ingredient lists or dates; they can spoil or be lower quality.

If you only buy three things

Churchkhela — compact, long-lasting, and a clear taste of Georgia.
A small hand-painted ceramic cup — useful, decorative, and clearly local.
Utskho suneli spice blend — tiny jar, big effect in cooking.

FAQ

1. What is Tbilisi known for making?
   Tbilisi is known for a mix of traditional crafts: textiles, metalwork, and ceramics. The city also supports contemporary designers making prints, jewelry, and small home objects.

2. What are the best edible souvenirs from Tbilisi?
   Packable edible picks include churchkhela, spice blends like utskho suneli, jarred adjika, and loose-leaf teas. Small bottles of chacha are common, but remember airline rules for liquids.

3. Are souvenirs expensive in Tbilisi?
   Prices vary widely; markets offer lower-cost goods while galleries and museums sell higher-end items. Quality and provenance will raise prices, so compare a few vendors before buying.

4. What is the easiest souvenir to pack from Tbilisi?
   Spices, tea, and small art prints are the easiest to carry and rarely break in luggage. They take little space and travel well in carry-on or checked bags.

5. How do I know if something is truly local?
   Check for artisan names, workshop addresses, or “made locally” labels and ask where it was made. Sellers who describe materials and techniques usually indicate genuine local production.

Tip: Save your receipts, and keep fragile items in your carry-on.

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!

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