It is easy to find interesting and beautiful souvenirs in Moscow. Traditional crafts were encouraged by the State in the old Soviet Union, so many age-old skills were kept alive. Artisans today continue to produce items ranging from small, low-cost, enamelled badges through to more expensive hand-painted Palekh boxes, samovars and worked semi-precious stones. Other popular items are lacquered trays and bowls, chess sets, wooden toys and matryosbka dolls. Memorabilia from the Soviet era also make good souvenirs and Russia is definitely the best place to buy the national specialities, vodka and caviar.
Vodka and Caviar
An enormous variety of both clear and flavoured vodkas (such as lemon and pepper) is available. They make excellent accompaniments to black caviar (ikra) and red caviar (keta), which are often served with blini.
Samovar
Used to boil water to make tea, samovars come in many sizes. A permit is needed to export a pre-1945 samovar.
Semi-precious Stones
Malachite, amber, jasper and a variety of marbles from the Ural mountains are used to make a wide range of items – everything from jewellery to chess sets and inlaid table tops.
Wooden Toys
These crudely carved wooden toys often have moving parts. They are known as bogorodskie toys and make charming gifts.
Matryoshka Dolls
These dolls fit one inside the other and come in a huge variety of styles. The traditional dolls are the prettiest, but the models painted to represent Soviet Political leaders are also very popular.
Chess Sets
Chess is an extremely popular pastime in Russia. Chess sets made from all kinds of materials, including malachite, are available. This beautiful wooden set is painted in the same folkloric style as the traditional matryoshka dolls.
LACQUERED ARTIFACTS
Painted wooden or papier-mache artifacts make popular souvenirs and are sold all over the city. The exquisite hand-painted, lacquered Palekh boxes can be very costly, but the eggs decorated with icons and the typical red, black and gold bowls are more affordable.
Palekh Box
The art of miniature painting on papier-mache items originated in the late 18th century. Artists in the four villages of Palekh, Fedoskino, Mstera and Kholuy still produce these hand-painted marvels. The images are based on Russian fairytales and legends.
Bowl with Spoon
The brightly painted bowls and spoons usually known as “Khokhloma” have a lacquer coating, forming a surface which is durable, but not resistant to boiling liquids.
Russian Shawl
These brilliantly coloured, traditional woollen shawls are good for keeping out the cold of a Russian winter. Mass-produced polyester versions are also available, most in big department stores, but they will not be as warm.
Traditional Musical Instruments
Russian folk music uses a wide range of musical instruments. This gusli is similar to the Western psaltery, and is played by plucking the strings with both hands. Also available are the balalaika and the garmon, which resembles a concertina.
Soviet Memorabilia
A wide array of memorabilia from Soviet times can be bought. Old banknotes, coins, pocket watches and all sorts of Red Army kit, including belt buckles and badges, can be found, together with more recent watches with cartoons of KGB agents on their faces.
Gzhel Vase
Ceramics with a distinctive blue and white pattern are produced in Gzhel, a town near Moscow. Ranging from figurines to household crockery, they are popular with Russians and visitors alike.