Those coming to Ukraine and not fond of the traditional souvenir options like a t-shirt, a postcard or a fridge magnet, should not worry. Kyiv offers multiple choices of the traditional gifts to remember the visit by.
Pysanky (Ukrainian traditional Easter eggs)
Pysanky, or the painted Easter eggs, is an ancient Ukrainian symbol, and has been considered a sign of sun, love and life. These eggs are intricately decorated with a wide range of patterns and colors, and, made of ceramics, glass and wood, are actually available all-year-round. The price ranges from Hr 120 to Hr 3,500, depending on the size, material and work.
Where to find it:
Mrii Marii. 30 Andriyivski Uzviz St. 11 a. m. — 8 p. m. +38098 014 8174, +38044 463 7655
Folkmart. 13/2 Khreshchatyk St. 10 a. m. — 9 p. m. +38044 227 5377; 6 Velyka Vasylkivska St. 10 a. m. — 9 p. m. +38044 229 7847
Souvenir market. Andriyivski Uzviz Street. 10 a. m. — 8 p. m.
Ceramics
Local souvenir markets have a wide range of ceramics, from different regions of Ukraine, including ceramic tea sets, plates, flower vases and mugs. While the use of greenish and reddish brown color with the images of birds, animals and people is common for the pottery from the western Ukraine, items made in Opishne village in Poltavska Oblast, eastern Ukraine, are known for their natural colors, with images of animals.
Where to find it:
Mrii Marii. Andriyivski Uzviz. 11 a. m. — 8 p. m. +38098 014 8174, +38044 463 7655
Folkmart. 13/2 Khreshchatyk St. 10 a. m. — 9 p. m. +38044 227 5377; 6 Velyka Vasylkivska St. 10 a. m. — 9 p. m. +38044 229 7847
Narodniy Dim Ukraine. 4 Prorizna St. Mon-Fri, 8:30 a. m. — 8 p. m. Sat- Sun, 9 a. m. —8 p. m. +38099 641 3495
Drinks and spirits
Horilka is a traditional Ukrainian beverage, basically a Ukrainian analogue to vodka, containing about 40% alcohol. The drink is usually distilled from grain, potatoes, honey or sugar beet, accompanied with other ingredients such as wheat, honey, mint, birch buds or even milk. Top horilka labels include Nemiroff and Hetman. Price ranges from Hr 35 to Hr 150. Another Ukrainian specialty is nastoyanka, a strong alcoholic drink prepared from different fruits and berries that usually costs up to Hr 170 per bottle.
Where to find it:
Nalyvky Zi Lvova (Liquors from Lviv). 40 Budivelnykiv St. 10 a. m. — 10 p. m. +38067 633 8723
Drunk Cherry. 21 Khrehschatyk Street. Mon-Thur, 4 p. m. — 2 a. m., Fri- Sun, 3 p. m. — 3 a. m. +38066 364 0732
Check the supermarkets of the big chains like Velyka Kyshenya, Silpo, Billa, and more.
Petrykivka painting
This folk painting has originated in the small town of Petrykivka in Dnipropetrovska Oblast. These paintings are dominated by floral patterns and different brush strokes. These traditional ornaments can be found on plates, candle stands, pysankas, clocks, spoons, mugs and many other goods. Also, this painting technique is protected by UNESCO.
Where to find it:
Folkmart. 13/2 Khreshchatyk St. 10 a. m. — 9 p. m. +38044 227 5377; 6 Velyka Vasylkivska St. 10 a. m. — 9 p. m. +38044 229 7847
Souvenir market. Andriyivski Uzviz Street. 10 a. m. — 8 p. m.
Mrii Marii. 30 Andriyivski Uzviz St. 11 a. m. — 8 p. m. +38098 014 8174, +38044 463 7655
Narodniy Dim Ukraine. 4 Prorizna St. Mon-Fri, 8:30 a. m. — 8 p. m. Sat- Sun, 9 a. m.-8 p. m. +38099 641 3495
Sopilka
Ukrainian musical instrument sopilka is a 30–40 centimeters long, traditionally wooden flute that usually has 6–10 finger holes. Nowadays sopilka is made of a variety of materials like wood, metal and even plastic. The instrument has also made a comeback to the local art stage, and a lot of Ukrainian bands are using it to recreate traditional western Ukrainian music.
Folkmart. 13/2 Khreshchatyk St. 10 a. m. — 9 p. m. +38044 227 5377; 6 Velyka Vasylkivska St. 10 a. m. — 9 p. m. +38044 229 7847
Narodniy Dim Ukraine. 4 Prorizna St. Mon-Fri, 8:30 a. m. — 8 p. m. Sat- Sun, 9 a. m.-8 p. m. +38099 641 3495
Souvenir market. Andriyivski Uzviz Street. 10 a. m. — 8 p. m.
Carpathian bracelets and beaded necklace
The Carpathian wooden bracelets are made by the artisans in the Carpathian mountain region in the western Ukraine. Made from Ukrainian wood, these bracelets are stretchable and fit various wrist sizes. Prices range from Hr 130 to Hr 1,040. Another accessorize option to bring from Ukraine is an airy beaded necklace. This intricate, hand-made beaded jewelry has been growing popular lately. Italian fashion designer, Brunello Cucinelli, bought one while he was in Kyiv, and one of his models wore it to the U. S. Coachella music festival. During the week, this accessory can be found at the Andriyivski Uzviz and during the weekends — at the shop Syniy Lyon — Ukrainian ethnic wear at Saksaganskogo Street. Prices range from Hr 250 to Hr 2,000.
Where to find it:
Narodniy Dim Ukraine. 4 Prorizna St. Mon-Fri, 8:30 a. m. — 8 p. m. Sat- Sun, 9 a. m.-8 p. m. +38099 641 3495
Souvenir market. Andriyivski Uzviz Street. 10 a. m. — 8 p. m.
Mrii Marii. Andriyivski Uzviz. 11 a. m. — 8 p. m. +38098 014 8174, +38044 463 7655
Get inked by Ukrainian tattoo artist
This may sound unusual, but a tattoo by a local artist is definitely something that will be reminding about the visit to Kyiv. Get a proverb inked in Ukrainian, a Ukrainian symbol, or a typical local floral image as a souvenir from your stay.
Popular tattoo studios in Kyiv:
Cult tattoo. 1/2 Baseina St. 10 a. m. to 7 p. m. +38093 142 5404
Young Moon Tattoo Studio. 4B Mihaila Kozubintskogo. 12–9 p. m. +38093 102 1630
Art ‘79’ tattoo studio. 79 Sichovykh Striltsiv St. 11 a. m. — 8 p. m. +38097 383 7979
