Astana mixes modern architecture with traditional Kazakh craft and food. Shopping here ranges from indoor markets to small design shops, so you can find both handcrafted goods and locally made food items.

This guide covers souvenirs you’ll find around the city, not a single street or store. It focuses on things that travel well, how to check quality, and simple packing tips.

1. Felt coasters or small shyrdak patches

• Why it’s worth buying: Felt pieces show Central Asian textile skills and durable stitching. They carry traditional patterns that tell regional stories.
• Where to look: open-air markets often have a selection of small felt goods.
• Price range: $8–$45
• How to spot a good one: Check for tight, even stitching and natural wool that feels firm, not crumbly.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Flatten between two books and wrap in clothing to protect the felt.

2. Embroidered skullcap (tubeteika)

• Why it’s worth buying: These caps use local embroidery styles that reflect ethnic motifs and color choices. They are wearable and compact for travel.
• Where to look: central markets sell a variety of traditional headwear.
• Price range: $6–$30
• How to spot a good one: Look for even embroidery, secure lining, and natural fabric rather than cheap polyester.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Stuff with socks to keep shape and place in a cushioned bag pocket.

3. Silver or silver-plated jewelry with local motifs

• Why it’s worth buying: Small silver pieces are lightweight and show local metalworking designs. They make practical keepsakes that can be worn daily.
• Where to look: galleries that feature craft-makers stock handmade jewelry.
• Price range: $20–$120
• How to spot a good one: Inspect solder points and clasps; real silver will have a subtle hallmark or weight.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap in soft fabric and keep in carry-on to avoid crushing.

4. Small leather cardholder or wallet

• Why it’s worth buying: Local leather goods often use thick hides and simple construction that last. A slim cardholder is useful and compact.
• Where to look: independent shops usually carry well-made leather accessories.
• Price range: $15–$70
• How to spot a good one: Check edge finishing and tight stitching; smell and flexibility indicate genuine leather.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Place in outer compartment of your bag to avoid crushing in luggage.

5. Ikat-patterned silk or cotton scarf

• Why it’s worth buying: Ikat patterns are common in regional textiles and translate well to scarves. They add color without taking much space.
• Where to look: independent shops that focus on textiles offer a range of scarves.
• Price range: $12–$80
• How to spot a good one: Examine pattern clarity on both sides and feel the weave for smoothness.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Roll the scarf to prevent creases and tuck into a shoe or small pouch.

6. Ceramic piala (small tea cup) or bowl

• Why it’s worth buying: Handcrafted ceramics suit local tea culture and make useful kitchen mementos. Small pieces are often kiln-fired with local glazes.
• Where to look: galleries and craft stalls carry individual handmade ceramics.
• Price range: $10–$60
• How to spot a good one: Look for even glaze, no hairline cracks, and a flat base that doesn’t wobble.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap in clothing and place in the center of checked bags, padded on all sides.

7. Local honey jars

• Why it’s worth buying: Regional honey reflects local flora and is a practical edible gift. Sealed jars travel better than loose sweets.
• Where to look: food halls offer packaged regional honey.
• Price range: $6–$30
• How to spot a good one: Prefer clear labels with harvest region and a sealed lid; avoid cloudy, suspect packaging.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Put jars in a sealed plastic bag and wrap with clothing in checked luggage.

8. Packaged herbal tea blends

• Why it’s worth buying: Tea blends highlight local herbs and are shelf-stable souvenirs. They’re simple to share with friends back home.
• Where to look: food halls stock boxed or sealed tea blends.
• Price range: $4–$25
• How to spot a good one: Check for clear ingredient lists and airtight packaging for freshness.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep in carry-on to avoid temperature changes and leaks in checked baggage.

9. Dried fruit and nut mixes

• Why it’s worth buying: Dried fruits and nuts are widely produced and make a tidy edible souvenir. They keep well when properly packaged.
• Where to look: markets sell sealed packets of dried fruit and nuts.
• Price range: $5–$20
• How to spot a good one: Pick vacuum-sealed or tightly sealed bags with recent packaging dates.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Use resealable bags and place in the center of your luggage to protect from crushing.

10. Postcards, prints, or local stationery

• Why it’s worth buying: Printed items showcase local designers and are flat, inexpensive mementos. They’re easy to frame at home if desired.
• Where to look: co-ops of designers and artist collectives sell prints and stationery.
• Price range: $2–$30
• How to spot a good one: Look for quality paper, clear printing, and artist credit on the back.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Slide prints into a stiff folder or poster tube to avoid bends.

11. Woven market tote or small textile bag

• Why it’s worth buying: Lightweight woven bags are useful for shopping and show traditional weaving techniques. They fold up small for travel.
• Where to look: co-ops that promote local artisans often carry woven bags.
• Price range: $8–$40
• How to spot a good one: Inspect seams and handles for reinforced stitching and consistent weave.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Fold flat and tuck inside larger luggage pockets to save space.

12. Small carved wooden horse or animal figure

• Why it’s worth buying: Wood carvings reflect local motifs like the horse and are small decorative pieces. They’re meaningful without being fragile.
• Where to look: central markets typically offer an assortment of wood carvings.
• Price range: $5–$35
• How to spot a good one: Check smoothness of carving, absence of splinters, and even varnish or finish.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap in soft clothing and place near the center of checked luggage.

Quick buying tips for Astana

• Carry small bills; many market stalls prefer cash but cards work at larger shops.
• Bargaining is common at open-air stalls; start 20–30% lower than first price.
• Wrap fragile ceramics in clothing and carry them in your hand luggage.
• Many shops can ship items home; ask about price and reliable packaging.
• Look for ‘made locally’ labels, artisan signatures, or visible tool marks on goods.
• Pack liquids and spreads in checked luggage if rules permit, otherwise buy sealed.

Where to shop in Astana

Shopping is spread across public markets, modern shopping complexes, and cultural sites. For souvenirs, visit markets for food and textiles, museums for curated items, and design collectives for printed goods.

• Green Market (Zeleny Bazaar) for packaged foods, dried fruit, and spices sold by weight.
• Nurzhol Boulevard and the Bayterek area for postcard sellers and small souvenir stalls.
• Khan Shatyr and large shopping centers for contemporary design stores and leather goods.
• Museum shops at national museums for books, well-made replicas, and cultural items.
• Seasonal craft fairs in city squares where local artisans sell textiles and jewelry.
• Riverside promenades on both banks for independent galleries and craft pop-ups.
• Local artist co-ops and creative hubs for prints, stationery, and small design objects.

What to skip (common tourist traps)

• Cheap mass-produced trinkets with no maker information; they lack lasting value.
• Items labeled vaguely as “traditional” without clear materials or origin noted.
• Overly polished ‘silver’ that is base metal plated, which tarnishes quickly.
• Fragile ceramics sold without proper padding or a return policy for damage.
• Large textile pieces marketed as handmade but with machine stitching and synthetic fibers.
• Packaged foods without ingredient lists or clear packaging dates; freshness is uncertain.

If you only buy three things

Felt coaster or small shyrdak patch — compact, affordable, and distinctly Central Asian.
Packaged herbal tea blend — lightweight, shelf-stable, and easy to share.
Postcards or a local print — inexpensive, flat, and shows local design sensibility.

FAQ

1. What is Astana known for making?
   Astana is a hub for modern design and also a marketplace for Kazakh crafts. You’ll find textiles, metalwork, and contemporary design objects around the city.

2. What are the best edible souvenirs from Astana?
   Honey, sealed herbal tea blends, and dried fruit or nut mixes are reliable choices. They travel well and represent local flavors.

3. Are souvenirs expensive in Astana?
   Prices vary widely: markets tend to be affordable while galleries and design shops charge more. Haggling at markets can lower prices for non-fixed goods.

4. What is the easiest souvenir to pack from Astana?
   Postcards or small prints are the simplest to carry and won’t break during travel. They also fit in a backpack or carry-on without special packing.

5. How do I know if something is truly local?
   Ask where it was made and who made it, and request visible maker marks or signatures. Genuine items usually show tool marks, natural materials, and clear labeling.

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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