The Best Poland Souvenirs You Can Buy!

Are you looking for some of the best Poland souvenirs?

You’ll find a broad range of unique items throughout the country that you can take home with you.

Millions of people visit Poland every year because of its vibrant culture and rich history. There are many reasons to visit this lovely country, from charming towns like Krakow and Warsaw to the mouthwatering cuisine. This is all resembled in their souvenirs.

If you’re thinking of going to Warsaw or Krakow, I made a detailed comparison between the two cities.

You can choose from a wide variety of unique souvenirs as a memory of your journey. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll discuss the best souvenirs that you can buy.

What is Poland famous for?

Poland has some great cities with gorgeous architecture and a rich history such as Krakow, Warsaw, and Gdansk. Following the devastation of World War Two, these cities underwent heavy restoration. Nowadays, they are like a fusion of vintage and modern beauty.

Poland has a variety of landscapes and national parks, from the Tatra Mountains to the Baltic Sea. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you can take pleasure in hiking, skiing, or even just taking in the gorgeous scenery.

Poland also has a lot of lakes, rivers, and woods, making it the ideal location for those who enjoy the outdoors and wildlife.

There are also some traditional meals you might have heard of like pierogi, bigos, and placki ziemniaczane. The filling and savory dishes come from the country’s agricultural heritage and history as well as external influences.

Poland is one of the world’s top producers of amber. This is a beautiful resin made from fossilized trees that is used in jewelry and other forms of art. Amber production and trading are located along the Baltic Sea coast, particularly in the city of Gdansk.

The exquisite jewelry is available in a variety of forms, from deep red to honey yellow, and it’s a lovely keepsake.

The country has a long history of producing handmade goods like ceramics, woodcarvings, and textiles. Each region has its own unique style and processes, which produce a broad variety of interesting and one-of-a-kind objects.

These products offer a window into Poland’s rich cultural past while showcasing the ingenuity and craftsmanship of Polish artisans.

What are the best Poland souvenirs you can buy?

This is my list of souvenirs that I would recommend taking back home or to give to someone as a gift.

1. Amber

Amber is a fossilized form of tree resin that is mostly found around the Baltic Sea. Amber is a very popular tourist souvenir since Poland is known for producing high-quality amber. Amber jewelry is available in many different styles, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, and brooches.

Every piece of amber is different, and it often has fascinating inclusions like old insects or plant stuff. To confirm the authenticity of the item, I would advise to only buy amber jewelry from reliable retailers.

There are many shops and markets in Gdansk that specialize in amber, making it a great place to buy these lovely items.

2. Polish Pottery

Polish pottery, also called Bolesławiec pottery, comes from the town of Bolesławiec (western Poland). The specific patterns, which sometimes include floral or geometric designs, and the pottery’s superior craftsmanship are its most unique features.

Each piece is hand-painted with tiny sponges or brushes. This gives it both aesthetic appeal and robustness.

What’s actually good to know is that the pottery is often microwave, oven, and dishwasher safe, making it both functional and visually appealing. So, you don’t have to worry about that.

The popular souvenirs are mugs, plates, bowls, teapots, and serving dishes. You can even take a tour of the pottery factory in Bolesławiec and see craftspeople at work to gain a deeper understanding of the talent and commitment that go into each piece.

3. Wooden Folk Art

Polish folk art and woodcarving have a long history in Poland. These made wooden objects are beautiful souvenirs that highlight the craftsmanship and originality of Polish craftspeople.

Try to look for hand-carved wooden boxes that may hold jewelry or other small items, regionally themed folk dolls, and wooden sculptures and miniatures that include animals or scenes from Polish folklore.

You can also buy carved wall hangings and beautiful plaques with representations of religious or cultural icons. These wooden souvenirs are a lovely and long-lasting memory of your journey to Poland.

4. Polish Textiles

Poland is known for its fine textiles, and there are many things to buy as souvenirs. Traditional Polish scarves have cool designs and embroidered details that resemble the local folk art traditions. These are among the most popular options.

Hand-woven carpets and tapestries can give you a sense of coziness and warmth to your house, while tablecloths and napkins made of luxurious linen can be both stylish and useful additions.

Warm woolen blankets and stockings, mostly produced from sheep’s wool, are cozy and fashionable for colder areas. These textile products are each examples of the fine workmanship and attention to detail that are typical of Polish craftspeople.

5. Polish Music and Movies

Polish bands, traditional folk music CDs, or vintage movies are all great ways to bring a piece of Poland’s culture home. In addition to being wonderful souvenirs, these objects give you a means to continue learning about Polish culture once you get home.

Plunge into the world of vibrant polkas, mazurkas, and waltzes that make up traditional Polish folk music, or learn about the modern Polish music scene that includes a wide variety of genres, from rock to hip-hop.

Polish cinema is extremely well-known, including a variety of critically praised productions from filmmakers like Andrzej Wajda, Krzysztof Kielowski, and Agnieszka Holland.

These movies serve as an intriguing and delightful memento of Poland, offering a view into its rich historical and cultural landscape.

What is the best souvenir from Poland?

It was already the number on my souvenir list so it might not come as a surprise to you. But if you’re looking for the ultimate souvenir I would say that amber jewelry is among the most popular and iconic souvenirs from Poland.

But it’s challenging to select just one ‘best’ item as tastes differ. Amber manufacturing and trade are centered on Gdansk, Poland, which is well famous for its premium amber, especially those from the Baltic shore.

Polish food souvenirs

If you’re going to Poland, why not bring home some food souvenirs from Poland’s great and diverse cuisine?

Polish sweets will satisfy your sweet craving, including toruńskie pierniki, gingerbread cookies, and chocolate-dipped plums. Particularly Toruń, which has been making gingerbread for centuries, is well known for it.

Traditional Polish sausages like kielbasa have a variety of flavors and can be eaten grilled, fried, or boiled. The vacuum-sealed kielbasa packets are ideal for bringing home and sharing with your friends or family.

Jars of pickles, sauerkraut, and preserves provide a taste of traditional Polish flavors and can be used to make Polish-inspired recipes at home. This will give you an extra Polish experience after you return from your journey.

Polish people love their vodka, especially Żubrówka. This is a special vodka that has been blended with bison grass. It has a strong herbal flavor which makes this vodka a wonderful present or addition to your home bar.

Polish souvenirs from Krakow

While you can buy many of these souvenirs all around Poland, several cities also have unique items that are hard to find elsewhere. You’ll find some unique items in Krakow for example.

The Wawel Dragon is a mythological beast from Polish folklore and a representation of Krakow in the form of statues. There are many different souvenirs with dragon themes that you can buy, including statues, cuddly toys, and keychains.

These products can be used to create a fun and imaginative souvenir of your trip to this ancient city.

While szopka nativity scenes can be found all throughout Poland, Krakow is known for hosting an annual szopka competition. These one-of-a-kind works of art are highly prized and make for a great gift.

Make sure to see the szopka exhibitions located all across the city if you’re in town for the holiday season.

Polish souvenirs from Warsaw?

Warsaw is the capital city of Poland and also has some unique and great souvenirs.

The mermaid, or Syrenka, is a popular gift because she serves as the symbol of Warsaw. You’re able to buy statues, magnets, and postcards with mermaid themes.

These souvenirs are a great memory of your time in the Polish capital because the tale of the Warsaw mermaid is strongly rooted in the history of the city.

Also all kinds of Memorabilia from the Warsaw Uprising are popular souvenirs. The Warsaw Uprising was a crucial moment in Polish history, and you may find a variety of things that are connected to it, including books, posters, and Movies.

These ornaments are a reminder of the Polish people’s fortitude and bravery, as well as their struggle for liberation during World War Two.

What ornament is good luck in Poland?

If you’re looking for a specific gift or souvenir from Poland that brings luck to your beloved ones, I have a great option for you.

The pająk is a decorative item made of straw and yarn and is considered to bring luck in Poland. The pająk, which is a rural Polish tradition that means ‘spider’ in English, is often hung from the ceiling, often in the middle of a room or above a dining table.

This decoration resembles a spider web and may also include extra ornamental components like straw or yarn balls, ribbons, and occasionally even feathers or tiny mirrors.

The pająk is thought to bestow your home with luck, wealth, and protection from evil spirits. It is a popular gift for festive events and holidays like Christmas and Easter. It a special and unique souvenir or present from Poland.

What do Polish give for Christmas?

Polish Christmas decorations are made by hand and have cool designs, making them a popular souvenir, particularly during the holiday season.

Glass ornaments have a variety of forms and hues, and they’re sometimes embellished with dexterous hand-painted details or glitter.

Traditional straw ornaments that are crafted from wheat or rye straw are likewise well-liked and highlight the nation’s agricultural history. There are also delicate lace ornaments and hand-painted wooden ornaments with themes from folk art or religion.

These ornaments are both a meaningful addition to your holiday decor and a one-of-a-kind present for loved ones.

Together with other ornaments, Poland is known for its szopka, a traditional nativity scene constructed from vibrant paper and foil. Especially around Christmas time, these detailed works of art are a special gift to give to someone or to buy for yourself.

Each szopka is uniquely made by hand and includes a lavish display of figures and architectural components, often inspired by the city of Krakow. The szopka can range in size from modest tabletop pieces to massive, intricate works of art.

Is Poland cheap for shopping?

Poland is typically regarded as a budget-friendly shopping destination, especially when you compare it to Western European countries.

The location and type of retailer might, however, affect your wallet. I would advise shopping at regional markets or smaller, family-run stores to find the best discounts.

You can get genuinely one-of-a-kind souvenirs at these places while also promoting regional artists and companies because they often provide unique, handcrafted goods at affordable costs.

Is it better to use cash or card in Poland?

Even while credit cards are commonly accepted in Poland, particularly in the bigger cities, it’s still a good idea to have some cash on hand for minor transactions and in case you come across a business that only accepts cash.

Using cash will help you avoid paying international transaction fees on your credit card since many marketplaces and smaller establishments might not accept cards.

Also, having cash on hand can make it simpler to negotiate for a lower price, especially in regions where doing so is practiced.

Are euros accepted in Poland?

It is recommended to use Polish złoty (PLN), which is the country’s official currency, when you buy your souvenirs.

While certain businesses, especially those in tourist locations, may accept euros, the exchange rate might not be to your advantage, and you might have to pay more for your items.

To make sure you have access to the local currency upon arriving in Poland, I advise you to convert your money for złoty or withdraw it from an ATM in the country itself.

The Wrap-Up: The Best Poland Souvenirs You Can Buy

You’ll find a broad range of Polish souvenirs, ranging from exquisite amber jewelry and carefully created pottery to mouthwatering traditional dishes and hand-carved wooden crafts.

You can take a piece of Poland’s rich cultural legacy home with you in each of these goods, which also serves as a souvenir of your amazing trip.

I would advise visiting regional markets, stores, and artisanal studios when looking for souvenirs to find genuine, fine-quality souvenirs that resemble Poland’s culture in Central Europe.

But most importantly, have fun while you buy your souvenirs because it will give you a chance to experience local culture and have a great reminder of your time in this beautiful country.

Your restless voyager,

Dustin