Among the popular Russian souvenirs for foreigners, probably all possible foreign stereotypes about our country are collected. Actually, these images became stereotypes precisely because they were too often presented to foreign guests as Russian folk exotica. These are nesting dolls, and all sorts of Gzhel and Khokhloma in various designs, and vodka, and a hat with earflaps. Now a good present for a foreigner should be:
- Original. The present should surprise the guest from abroad and reveal something new to him. Self-development, knowledge of the world and fresh impressions are trends in mass culture.
- Useful and pleasant. The souvenir should be a source of positive impressions and joy. And if it’s also practical or simply delicious, it’s doubly good.
- Simple and clear. The gift should generally fit into the guest’s picture of the world and meet universal human values and needs. This way you can't go wrong.
You can focus on what Russia was associated with in a particular country quite recently. In France, for example, just a century ago Sergei Diaghilev’s “Russian Seasons” thundered. Mongolia still uses Cyrillic writing, and this can also be played on. Numerous peoples of the Russian Federation can suggest an original idea.
It’s not difficult to add national flavor; for this it is not at all necessary to use old, banal techniques. Some gifts generally speak for themselves, for example, samples of space nutrition in tubes - as a symbol of Russia’s high position in space exploration. The symbolism of the Olympic Games - Soviet or modern - is also quite universal.
It is important to understand that many things that make up the everyday life of Russians will be unusual for a person from the USA, Asia and even Western Europe - truly exotic. At the same time, they will create a positive image of the country. There is a large selection - both souvenirs and ordinary goods from shopping centers or online stores. Below we have collected the main options.
Visiting emigrants
We’ll tell you separately about gifts for emigrants who miss their homeland. They usually yearn for the simplest food. condensed milk , grilled milk or “Bird’s milk” and ordinary buckwheat in their suitcase (green buckwheat is most often sold abroad, but the dark cereal we are used to is difficult to find). One of my friends from Canada specifically went to a Russian store tens of kilometers from her town to buy ordinary marshmallows - she doesn’t like marshmallows.
For those who travel
You can give felt boots
,
fur hat with earflaps
,
sheepskin coat
.
Hand-knitted items
are also suitable .
It will be given more as a symbol than as clothing, but it will still be nice. It is worth noting that these things are used and valued by Russians to this day. Soviet faceted glasses with cup holders
used on trains will also be appreciated by travelers.
Space nutrition
will become truly exotic : a foreigner will open the lid and try borscht or jelly from a tube.
For those who like to relax
Russian vodka
will serve as an excellent gift, and will complement it with
caviar
, both red and black,
Astrakhan herring
, rare
sturgeon
, Baikal
omul
.
It is impossible not to mention strong kvass
or
mead
, which will delight you with their tartness, unusualness and originality of taste.
For supporters of a healthy lifestyle, herbal teas
and
fees
,
tinctures
.
Natural cosmetics
, pine and fir
oil
,
pine nuts
,
mumiyo
.
What is better not to give to a foreigner?
First of all, you need to imagine the cultural environment of the person for whom you are preparing a gift. If for the USA, Europe and Canada there are almost no restrictions, then guests from Asia, Africa and even Latin America may not be happy with some ideas due to traditions, prejudices and religion. Among the forbidden Russian souvenirs for foreigners, we will highlight three general points.
- The first is the banal ideas listed at the very beginning of the article, which became the basis for foreign stereotypes about Russia. Resolutely refuse immediately from nesting dolls, balalaikas and other things in the same style. You should be careful with vodka: now not everyone will be happy with strong alcoholic drinks, and besides, there are religious restrictions.
- The second is ideological cliches. But it’s easy to go too far here.
- Third, something aggressive, militaristic, like models of weapons and military equipment. In general, things related to peaceful life and friendship are definitely better. An exception is that Russian gifts of this type are appropriate for foreign military personnel only as attributes of their professional activities.
And, of course, you shouldn’t give some primitive souvenir bought cheaply at the nearest stall - after all, the right gift helps to establish mutual understanding, both human and business contacts. The point, however, is not the cost: the main thing is to think through the idea, taking into account the purpose of the foreigner’s visit and the nature of the joint activity. For example, it is logical for a business partner in food production to give some Russian food as a gift.
Linden barrel with honey
Fragrant, viscous linden or buckwheat honey, packed in a beautiful solid wood barrel, will disappear in the bellies of foreigners in the blink of an eye.
How can you resist the divine aroma of delicious honey made in the best Russian traditions?!
Clothes and accessories
This is the best option after eating. The most practical, useful things for everyday use will constantly remind a foreigner of Russia, so he will certainly appreciate such a gift, and only positively. Here are some options on the topic:
- woolen hats, socks, mittens, sweaters - best hand-knitted at home from grandmothers in the markets, Orenburg down scarves and shawls, knitted tablecloths and napkins;
- elements of national costumes of different peoples of Russia: kosovorotki, kokoshniks, scarves, shoes and headdresses of the peoples of Siberia and the Far North, embroidery, felt boots;
- linen and cotton textiles, clothing in general, tablecloths, bed linen made from any natural fabrics, but linen is especially valued - it is smooth and soft;
- various jewelry and samples, for example, Ural gems, items made of gold washed in Siberia, retro-style watches, pots with small minerals.
This category includes gifts for foreigners that are useful in everyday life and households. These are, for example, wooden and wicker dishes, stylized as ancient Russian utensils. Or the attributes of bath culture - brooms, sets of gels and essential oils, mittens and washcloths.
Presents from Bulgaria
Tourists are offered to purchase traditional Bulgarian slippers as a gift. They are called "terlitsy". They are made from wool. Bulgarian slippers are very bright and colorful.
Useful souvenirs
In this slightly conditional group we will collect all the other gift ideas that foreigners can bring home from Russia. All of these are items that are useful in the household, practical, that a person will encounter regularly in the most ordinary circumstances. Examples:
- perfumes originally from the Soviet Union, such as “Red Moscow” perfume, local Russian cosmetics, tar soaps, gels, shampoos, loofah sponges, mumiyo;
- Tula - and not only Tula samovars - are very beautiful, although, of course, heating water in them is much more troublesome than in a kettle, faceted retro glasses in patterned cup holders;
- Russian porcelain - it has a centuries-old history and its own technological and artistic traditions, dishes with folk painting, for example Zhostovo;
- all kinds of trinkets, birch bark tueskas, turned salt and pepper shakers, amulets in the form of brownies, embroidered kitchen oven mitts or even a real stove pot.
House amulets, for example, go perfectly with rustic style and the modern trend towards naturalness and environmental friendliness, as, by the way, do cast iron stoves. A foreigner from Europe will certainly appreciate such a gift and will warmly remember his trip to Russia.
For art lovers
You will like Russian folk crafts made using the Gzhel, Khokhloma, Zhostovo painting, enamel and Palekh miniature techniques. These are painted wooden spoons
,
plates
,
sets
,
cutting boards
,
porcelain products
.
Lots of other household utensils. And again, a matryoshka
,
a Dymkovo toy
,
a wooden carved toy
set in motion will find their place on the shelf or become fun for a child.
Dymkovo young lady
Real works of art made of birch bark, amber, and malachite will delight the eye. Paintings by domestic artists
They will make you think and contemplate the beautiful creations for a long time.
Note that such gifts are not always affordable for the giver. Film connoisseurs will appreciate films that have become classics and are dubbed in English
. For example: “Moscow doesn’t believe in tears” or “The irony of fate or enjoy your steam.” And that’s not all that can be given to a foreigner as a souvenir.
Intellectual gifts
Sauerkraut, Zhostovo tray or knitted socks are wonderful gifts. But nothing compares to spiritual food, especially if the guest is a figure of art, culture or science. We present options for intellectual Russian souvenirs for foreigners:
- printed publications: good books, collected works, art albums, geographical atlases, gift editions, second-hand book rarities and magazines;
- special souvenir postcards with photographs of what this or that city is famous for, calendars, plans of the city in which the foreign guest was, valuable posters;
- theater tickets - even in provincial Russian cities there are opera and ballet theaters, not to mention the famous Bolshoi, Mariinsky, Mikhailovsky, MAMT;
- records, cassettes and discs with songs in Russian: ancient, Soviet or even modern, for example, recordings by Alexander Vertinsky or Nadezhda Plevitskaya.
A good souvenir is decorative items depicting state, regional, city or local symbols, for example, a panel with the coat of arms of the province that was on the site of this region. Some guests will be interested in a Russian language dictionary. Of course, this is far from the most popular souvenir, but the individual approach has not been canceled.
For those who are interested in hunting
Suitable souvenir weapons
,
army items
,
commander's watches
.
The skins of
bear, wolf, sable, hare,
fox fur
(red or silver brown) are also a good gift. It should be remembered that compliance with the rules for the export of hunting trophies will protect you from problems with the law.
Dragoon saber
Natural sweets
In Europe today it is fashionable to promote a healthy lifestyle, so many foreigners will appreciate natural sweets from Russia.
Belevskaya marshmallow
This product is already sold in souvenir shops - the marshmallow has become so popular. Custard with apple, lingonberry or cranberry - foreigners like it. They don't even have analogues.
Honey
The most famous is Bashkir. Today it can be found on store shelves in many European countries, the USA and even Japan. Isn't this a sign that foreigners will be pleased to receive a jar of honey from Russia as a gift? Not necessarily Bashkir - you can buy others. Linden, buckwheat, acacia, chestnut, mountain - bring any. Our country is truly famous for this product.
Extreme
Like the sauna with steam room and broom
(birch, coniferous, etc.) and with
diving into an ice hole
.
The real test will be washing with tar soap
, which is produced only in Russia.
Its peculiarity is the strong, pungent smell of birch tar. You can feel the Russian extreme with the help of off-road jeeping
or
a course on survival
in the wild. But this is for foreigners who came to visit Russia and who need a gift.
Sundress
AND? Although almost no one wears traditional Russian sundresses, the gift may come in handy for photo shoots or costume parties.
For music lovers
Balalaika
is a native Russian instrument and is part of the Russian folk orchestra, so it is suitable for both music lovers and professional musicians.
Flutes
,
spoons
,
bells
,
bells
,
Russian bagpipes
can also complement this wonderful three-stringed instrument.
Discs with our folk and classical music
are in demand all over the world.
This is interesting
: read what to give a friend for her birthday according to her hobbies.
