Yerevan makes a good place to shop if you want items with craft traditions and strong local flavors. Shops, markets, and small galleries in many parts of the city sell things made by Armenian artisans or produced from local crops.

This guide covers souvenirs you can find across Yerevan, not a single street or store. It focuses on items that travel well, how to judge quality, and ways to avoid mass-produced tourist goods.

1. Churchkhela

• Why it’s worth buying: A traditional snack of nuts threaded on string and coated in thick grape must. It keeps well and shows a flavor local to the region.
• Where to look: markets
• Price range: $3–$10
• How to spot a good one: The shell should be glossy and flexible, with whole nuts visible through the coating.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap in wax paper and put into a resealable bag to limit sticky residue.

2. Dried apricots

• Why it’s worth buying: Armenia’s apricots are known for firm texture and concentrated flavor. They’re practical gifts and last weeks if stored properly.
• Where to look: food halls
• Price range: $5–$20
• How to spot a good one: Choose plump pieces without excessive sugar crystals or artificial shine.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Seal in airtight bags and tuck between clothes to protect them.

3. Narsharab (pomegranate molasses)

• Why it’s worth buying: This thick pomegranate concentrate adds a distinctive sweet‑tart flavor to many dishes. A little goes a long way in cooking at home.
• Where to look: independent shops
• Price range: $4–$15
• How to spot a good one: Short ingredient lists and a deep, glossy color signal fewer additives.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Place the bottle in a plastic bag and wrap in clothing or bubble wrap.

4. Local honey

• Why it’s worth buying: Many Armenian beekeepers sell single‑flower or high‑altitude honeys with different aromas. Jars are useful and commonly produced nearby.
• Where to look: co-ops
• Price range: $6–$25
• How to spot a good one: Look for floral origin or region on the label and natural crystallization patterns.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep small jars upright in carry-on with padding around them.

5. Small kilim (coasters or wall hangings)

• Why it’s worth buying: Handwoven pieces show traditional patterns and are much smaller than full rugs. They preserve craft techniques in a compact form.
• Where to look: independent shops
• Price range: $10–$60
• How to spot a good one: Tight weave, clear fringe finishes, and consistent knotting indicate better work.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Roll gently with clothing inside for cushioning and to avoid creases.

6. Hand‑painted ceramics

• Why it’s worth buying: Local potters make bowls and plates with regional motifs and visible brushwork. Small pieces are both useful and decorative.
• Where to look: small galleries
• Price range: $12–$45
• How to spot a good one: Hand-painted irregularities and a maker’s mark on the base signal authenticity.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap each piece in soft clothing and carry fragile items in your hand luggage.

7. Filigree silver jewelry

• Why it’s worth buying: Delicate filigree and engraved pieces reflect long metalwork traditions in Armenia. Jewelry pieces are compact and meaningful.
• Where to look: open‑air markets
• Price range: $15–$120
• How to spot a good one: Check for a small hallmark and inspect filigree for clean, solid joins.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Store in a small jewelry pouch inside your carry-on to prevent tangling.

8. Leather cardholder or coin purse

• Why it’s worth buying: Small leather goods are practical and often hand-finished in local workshops. They age well and suit everyday use.
• Where to look: artisan co-ops
• Price range: $8–$40
• How to spot a good one: Look for even stitching, edge finishing, and leather that smells like real hide.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Lay flat between folded shirts to keep shape and avoid creasing.

9. Artist prints and posters

• Why it’s worth buying: Local artists produce prints that capture city scenes and motifs at affordable prices. They’re easy to frame at home.
• Where to look: contemporary galleries
• Price range: $5–$40
• How to spot a good one: Signed editions, thicker paper, and edition numbers suggest higher quality.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Carry flat in a poster tube or slide between two pieces of cardboard.

10. Small hammered copper items (spoons, trivet)

• Why it’s worth buying: Hand‑hammered copper pieces show traditional metalwork and make practical kitchen gifts. Small items are lighter to transport.
• Where to look: food halls
• Price range: $10–$70
• How to spot a good one: Even hammer marks and a smooth interior finish mean careful workmanship.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap in clothes and place in the middle of your suitcase to avoid dents.

11. Embroidered textiles (table runner or napkins)

• Why it’s worth buying: Embroidery uses local patterns and natural threads, offering a useful piece of textile craft. Small linens pack better than larger textiles.
• Where to look: galleries and museum shops
• Price range: $15–$80
• How to spot a good one: Check stitch regularity and natural fiber content on labels for durability.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Fold with tissue between layers to prevent snagging on zippers.

12. Small bottled Armenian brandy (miniature)

• Why it’s worth buying: Armenia has a long brandy tradition, and mini bottles are a compact way to bring a taste home. They make a straightforward gift for spirits fans.
• Where to look: independent boutiques
• Price range: $12–$50
• How to spot a good one: Look for age statements or producer information and intact seals.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Consider shipping larger bottles or place minis in checked luggage well wrapped.

Quick buying tips for Yerevan

• Carry some cash; smaller vendors may prefer drams or small dollar amounts.
• Use cards at formal shops, but markets often expect cash-only payments.
• Try gentle haggling in open markets, but keep offers reasonable and polite.
• Fragile items travel better in your carry-on with clothes as padding.
• Ask for “made locally” labels, maker names, or workshop addresses as proof.
• Pack food and liquids in sealed bags, and follow airline liquid rules exactly.

Where to shop in Yerevan

Shopping is spread across the center with a mix of open markets, museum shops, and pedestrian avenues. Different areas concentrate food items, crafts, or contemporary design, so visit more than one place to compare quality.

• Vernissage open‑air market — outdoor stalls with traditional crafts, textiles, and some antiques.
• Republic Square area — museum shops and souvenir stalls near major cultural buildings.
• Northern Avenue and nearby streets — contemporary boutiques and galleries selling design objects.
• Cascade and museum shops — small galleries and art prints linked to museums and cultural centers.
• Central market halls — food stalls, spices, dried fruits, and small copperware sellers.
• Seasonal fairs and street markets — occasional craft fairs where artisans sell directly to visitors.

What to skip (common tourist traps)

• Cheap plastic trinkets labeled “handmade” that are mass-produced and flake easily.
• Unmarked jars of preserves without ingredient lists or producer names — quality unclear.
• Overly glossy “antique” items at high prices without provenance.
• Very low-priced textiles with loose stitching and synthetic fibers instead of natural threads.
• Jewelry without hallmarks or testing that claims to be solid silver.
• High-pressure sellers insisting on extras; honest vendors allow time to decide.

If you only buy three things

Churchkhela — compact, locally flavored, and easy to share with friends.
Small kilim coaster — carries traditional weaving in a size that fits luggage.
A jar of honey — useful, regional flavor with clear origin labeling.

FAQ

What is Yerevan known for making?
Yerevan is a center for Armenian crafts, including textiles, metalwork, and jewelry. The city also hosts many small producers of food items like dried fruits and preserves.

What are the best edible souvenirs from Yerevan?
Dried apricots, churchkhela, pomegranate molasses, and local honey are reliable choices. They travel relatively well and show regional tastes.

Are souvenirs expensive in Yerevan?
Prices vary widely; small food items and prints are affordable, while handcrafted textiles and silver cost more. Expect to pay more for clearly labeled maker pieces or museum-quality work.

What is the easiest souvenir to pack from Yerevan?
Prints and posters, or small textiles like coasters, are the simplest to pack and protect. Both are light and fit into carry-on luggage easily.

How do I know if something is truly local?
Look for maker names, workshop addresses, material labels, and visible handwork like uneven brushstrokes or stitching. Ask where it was made and request any producer information available.

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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