Top 5 Best Polish Souvenirs

Polish Souvenirs

A trip to Poland isn’t complete unless you bring home some of the greatest Polish souvenirs to remember your stay. We’ve traveled to Poland recently and we saw some of the most typical tourist souvenirs but also some things that are very representative of Polish culture and that we think are worth buying. Here are our top picks for Polish souvenirs that will wow your family and friends.

Here is a list of the top 5 Polish souvenirs that will be ideal to bring home for family and friends. The list encompasses all the typical polish souvenirs that we found in the Polish markets.

1. Oscypek Cheese

Oscypek is a Polish PDO product. Is a smoked cheese created in the Tatra mountains and it was the best souvenir we took home. It is one of the typical Polish dishes that you cannot go without trying as we stated in our post top 10 polish dishes and where to try them”.

Oscypek Cheese

Shepherds known as “górale” take it upon themselves to milk Polish mountain sheep three times a day to manufacture this cheese, which is a pretty hard operation. The cheese is smoked over a fire in the shepherds’ huts before being adorned with complex decorations. We got to buy it in the Tatra Mountains, at Chocholow as you can read in our post 7 days in Poland”.

When it comes to cheese, it doesn’t get much more traditional than Oscypek. Its distinct appearance and flavor are sure to impress anybody back home.

Polish souvenirs

2. Wool socks

Wool socks are classic Polish souvenirs, they are very warm as they are made with real wool and can be found in the typical christmas markets and local markets. There are three types, made out of sheep wool, goat wool, and llama wool which is the most expensive.

Wool socks

Paula’s mother had been in Poland in her youth and Paula has a good memory of the wool socks her mother had at home so we knew for sure that we wanted to bring some of them home. We wanted to make sure that they were made in Poland and from real wool so we bought them in a little artisan market in Wroclaw.

3. Vodka

Polish souvenirs

A lot of people think of vodka as Russian, but the truth is it is Poland that is the ultimate home of vodka.

There are distinctions between Polish vodka and Russian vodka. Unlike Russian vodka, which is derived from wheat, Polish vodka is made from rye or potatoes. Polish vodka has a sweet, unique taste that makes it very enjoyable to drink. This is why it is an excellent keepsake to bring home with you.

Try clear (“czysta”) vodka or one of the various flavored variations available in the nation, such cherry vodka. We tried it in Zakopane and it was pretty nice and sweet.

It makes for a good choice as one of the Polish souvenirs that you could bring home. The photo is of the Soplica Wisniowa Vodka one of the typical polish cherry vodkas. 

4. Amber

Amber

The national gemstone of Poland is amber. It has been utilized in the nation since the Neolithic period and is made from petrified tree resin.

It is available in all Polish cities, mostly in the form of jewelry, handicrafts, and decorations. However, we found it mostly in Gdansk. Where this and other typical Polish souvenirs were exposed in the markets along the streets.

Yet, amber has various applications and may even be included in skin care products due to its anti-aging and antioxidant characteristics! Because it is merely a semi-precious stone, it makes a wonderful keepsake that isn’t too expensive.

5. Wood carving

We came across magnificent wood carvings when strolling around Polish marketplaces. At the beginning we thought that it was only a Christmas thing but later we realized that it was something typical of Polish Homes and a great present to bring home with the other Polish souvenirs.

Wood carvings polish souvenir

For many years, the Poles have mastered the craft of carving wood, from beautiful sculptures to walking sticks and functional cookware. But, in recent years, this folk art form has begun to slip away, with fewer and fewer young people concentrating in it.

This is why a wood carving makes an excellent Polish souvenir. Not only will you have a lovely gift for your house, but you will also be assisting in the preservation of an endangered tradition!

Other good Polish Souvenirs that we found interesting

    • Hand painted pottery: In the christmas market of Gdansk there were amazing artesanal pottery, there were plates, bowls, and many unique items that are made by the locals.
    • Polish Folk Art: Poland has a rich tradition of folk art, including intricate paper cutouts known as “wycinanki,” hand-painted wooden eggs called “pysanky,” and decorative hand-woven textiles. These folk art pieces are often used for home decor and make distinctive Polish souvenirs.
    • Christmas ornaments: If Christmas is coming soon and you happen to be shopping for Polish souvenirs, in the markets there are gorgeous hand made ornaments to put on your Christmas tree back at home.
    • Polish Lace: Poland is known for its delicate lacework, and lace products such as tablecloths, doilies, and handkerchiefs. These are well presented in the markets and can be a brilliant souvenir for a mother, father, grandmother or that friend who is obsessed with crochet.

Conclusion

Exploring the rich culture of Poland extends beyond sightseeing, diving into their traditional souvenirs is an adventure on its own. From the heartwarming Oscypek Cheese to the intricate Wood Carvings, each item has a story to tell. They’re not just souvenirs, but fragments of Poland’s heritage waiting to be shared. So, on your next visit, make room in your suitcase for these unique treasures that hold the essence of Poland. Your family and friends will surely appreciate a piece of Poland brought back just for them.

Check out other posts about Poland

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