You can wave those boring fridge magnets, over-the-top keychains and out-dated postcards goodbye! We present to you ten original, interesting and unusual souvenirs from Serbia you’ll instantly want to give or receive!
1. A mini rakija cauldron
Your friends certainly won’t be expecting a souvenir such as this one! When they ask you what’s it for, the shortest and simplest answer you can give them is “It’s a lampek and it’s used for making rakija”.
However, in Serbia this “cauldron” is so much more than that.
It’s a place where friends gather, where jokes are told, where people laugh and eat (a lot). Contest are held, songs are sung, people dance, and, of course, taste the rakija. This is why this souvenir would be a lovely keepsake to remind you of the days you spent with your Serbian friends, as well as a great way to start a conversation about them with your friends from home. Either way, a surprise effect is guaranteed!
2. A čokanjče
Speaking of rakija… You probably know that rakija is the Serbian national drink and also a great reason to get together, have a great time and celebrate.
Of course, it’s impossible to imagine leaving Serbia without trying a Slivovitz, a “dunja”, “kajsija”, “loza” or… the list goes on and on.
Still, if you don’t drink it out of its authentic “packaging” many will tell you that it’s like you haven’t tried it at all.
The authentic “packaging” is known as a čokanj, čokanjče, čokanjić…
This little glass has many nicknames but only one purpose – for the best rakijica to be drunk from it.
People from Serbia simply love it when they drink their favourite drink from a čokanjčić!
3. A pirotski kilim
For good health or good fortune, for family or financial bliss, for men and women, for getting rid of bad energy and jinxes… The meaning and symbolism of the Pirot kilims are many, and even more people who bear witness to its miraculous properties. One thing is for certain and that is that this kilim is the oldest traditional product, a unique piece of art and one of the biggest Serbian brands.
This is precisely why it is one of the best gifts you can bring someone from Serbia. The story of Pirot’s kilim-making is a long and an interesting one, but we’ll only tell you that if you wish to go somewhere far away from here and have your own part of Serbia – buy a kilim. There is a belief that in this way you are bringing a piece of this country with you, and it will always remind you of what you’ve experienced here!
4. A jar of ajvar
It’s highly unlikely that you’ll be able to take a sarma, prebranac, komplet lepinja or the famous Karađorđeva steak with you from Serbia. But, a jar of ajvar is more than enough to give everybody “a taste” of Serbia. This master of winter food will be quite enough to impress others. And yourself!
We won’t talk much about the taste of this magical ingredient of traditional dishes and the irreplaceable component of every Serbian celebration. Mostly because it’s impossible to describe it. So, on your feet, and go get a jar or two (get two, you’ll eat the first “present” yourself), and make someone very happy with the sweet taste of Serbia!
5. A Sirogojno style jumper
Warm, unique, good-quality and modern. This is perhaps the best way to describe a “Sirogojno style” jumper. This is a jumper whose story lasts for over more than a century. Namely, in a small ethno village and a unique open museum, the skilled hands of weavers from Zlatibor make works of art every single day.
Since they’ve managed to preserve their traditional motifs and cut, and successfully combine them with a modern design, Sirogojno jumpers have become world known. We would strongly recommend not leaving Serbia without one!
6. An opanak-holder for pencils
We’re certain you’ve seen an opanak a thousand times – it’s one of the best known symbols of Serbia after all. BUT, have you ever seen a life-size opanak which serves as a pencil, pen, sharpie or whatever- holder? Creative, right?
What’s also interesting is that it’s woven using the same technique as with a real opanak. And, also, every single one is unique. We’re sure this unusual and practical souvenir will easily find its place in your home and bring a smile to your face every time you set your eyes on it.
7. A šamlica from Kovačica
If you want to bring with you from Serbia something really valuable and unique, than you should definitely visit Kovačica. This village in Vojvodina will wow you with its unique artwork as well as with a huge number of naive painters living in it. These painters are called “painters of pure hearts” and justly so. Once you see their artwork you’ll know why.
Namely, by not burdening themselves with the formally taught rules of painting and by having a broad-minded approach to what they are doing, naive painters are able to create some of the most beautiful pieces of art. In Kovačica, you can buy some of these interesting paintings but also things like a painted “šamlica” (a low, rectangular-shaped chair) or a painted squash. There isn’t a single reason NOT to visit Kovačica, is there?
8. Ethno earrings
They totally won our hearts! Jewellery shaped like little figures wearing traditional Serbian folk costumes, national jerseys and other symbols of Serbia will simply STEAL your heart away! The only problem with this unique and unusual souvenir that you can possibly face is having to choose only one. How in God’s name could anyone pick only one pair of these?
We even had a hard time choosing only one picture, so we get you. Still, don’t “beat your brains out” to pick the right one for yourself, your friend or family member. You simply can’t go wrong with this souvenir. Whichever one you choose, we’re sure you’ll bring a smile to that special person’s face!
9. The gusle
You want to enjoy folk or traditional Serbian music even when you’re far away Serbia? The gusle (a single-stringed musical instrument), frule (fife) or dvojnice (svirel) can help you with that! These traditional Serbian instruments are an important part of the history and culture of the Serbian people, and it is because of this that it’s a real pleasure and honour to own such an item.
The gusle are made in different sizes, shapes and designs. Some of the most authentic and beautiful ones are those with a woodcut. However, every gusle have a “different story”, and because of that they are a special and out-of-the-ordinary souvenir you simply have to have.
10. A Licider heart
And we of course couldn’t not mention the famous sweet heart of Serbia. The Licider heart is the signature Serbian souvenir and because of that this text wouldn’t be complete without it. It’s also a great way to tell somebody “I love you”, “I’m sorry”, “Happy birthday” or to send any other message across. Even though, it has become a more common present to bring someone from our country, creativity and imagination never lack when it comes to these little hearts.
Today you can choose a Licider heart with inscriptions, colours, designs and patterns of all sorts. This souvenir simply can’t get boring or go out of style, as they always brighten up the day of the people who get them. So, don’t forget to bring at least one tradicional Licider heart from Serbia!
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