A visit to Poland is not complete without taking home some of the best Polish Souvenirs to remember your time there. We’ve been to Poland 5 times, and we bring home the best gifts from Poland that makes people ask where did we get that from. Here are our top tips for souvenirs from Poland to wow your family and friends.
- What are some of the best Polish souvenirs?
- Hand-made table cloths
- What is a good souvenir from Poland – Vodka
- Babushka Dolls (Matryoshka Dolls)
- Best Polish gifts – Wool slippers
- Best souvenirs from Poland – House shoes
- Famous products made in Poland – Lace or crochet items
- Traditional clothing in Poland
- Oscypek cheese
- Polish Chocolate
- Torun Gingerbread – what to buy from Poland
- Herbs and Spices
- Polish gifts – Amber Jewellery
- Bolesławiec Pottery – Polish ceramics
- Polish Folk Medicine
- Wooden carvings
- Inglot products from Poland
- Polish Craft Beer
- Leather Goods – Poland's famous products
- Polish Crystal and Glassware
- Handmade candles – things to buy in Poland
- Traditional Polish scarves and shawls
- Frequently asked questions about travel in Poland.
- Visit Poland
What are some of the best Polish souvenirs?
Poland is known for its hearty meals, rebuilt cities, and devastating history but there is so much more to Poland than just that.
The people are warm and welcoming and some of the most stunning Polish souvenirs come from small shops tucked away off the tourist strip. They are made with love, pride, and beauty that you won’t find anywhere else.
Some people love to take home Polish souvenirs that will last a lifetime like table clothes and wool slippers and others take home some culinary delights that are hard to find anywhere else. Whatever you chose to buy on your trip to Poland it’s guaranteed everyone back home will be happy with your best Polish souvenirs.
Hand-made table cloths
These are some of the most amazing handmade tablecloths I have ever seen. Some are embroidered with a thin thread, while others are decorated with a thick ribbon.
Some of the most amazing tableware or kitchen decor I have purchased has been from Zakopane and from Wisla in Southern Poland. These linen products have been hand-made and hand-stitched, which makes them some of the best Polish souvenirs to purchase on your trip to Poland.
What is a good souvenir from Poland – Vodka
For some vodka is a drink to be avoided at all costs. Some people have had a bad experience with a burning throat as they shot a vodka that feels like it is made from rocket fuel.
You may not find this with Polish-flavoured vodka. The flavoured vodkas are our go-to when we like to have something to warm up in the Polish winter. Not many people believe us when we come home and say to try the vodka as it doesn’t burn too much!
You should try Polish vodka, the Soplica flavoured range (we love the plum and the citrus), and the Krupnick Slony Karamel, which we have also enjoyed over some ice.
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Babushka Dolls (Matryoshka Dolls)
I must admit I was surprised to see Babushka dolls in many tourist shops in Poland. While most people identify these dolls with Russia, they are also common and a part of Polish culture.
You can find these cute nesting dolls in many different ways and in some variations such as toothpick holders, and fridge magnets some are weighted and you can use them as a doorstop! These make the perfect gift and are available at reasonable prices.
Best Polish gifts – Wool slippers
These are my absolute favourites, and they are so comfortable and warm.
On your vacation in Poland, we bought wool slippers from a few different markets. We like the ones with hard soles, and you can wear them outside too. Some come in moccasin and boot form.
The traditional decorations and patterns outside the slipper also make a great gift for people back home if you live in a cooler climate. This makes the wool slipper one of the best Polish souvenirs.
Best souvenirs from Poland – House shoes
These are not very common in our country, so we found the concept a great idea. You can get some great slip-on styles that are softshell or harder if you like. Some come with toes covered, and some don’t, but they are generally made with leather. These are great to wear around the house and show Polish heritage.
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Famous products made in Poland – Lace or crochet items
There’s nothing like a crochet lace g-string, right? Yep, Poland souvenirs are very inclusive!
If the g-string or underwear is not for you, you can find plenty of other hand-made lace items, from doilies to tablecloths. Polish lace is known the world over for its excellent quality and has even been made for international Royal Families.
Poland has a long tradition of making lace, and these souvenirs make great gifts.
Traditional clothing in Poland
Like most countries worldwide, traditional Polish dress varies depending on the region you are visiting, but some of the clothing has been modified for tourists.
Many traditional Polish folk designs feature a floral design for women, and you will find skirts, dresses, or aprons with this bright design in tourist hotspots and strips.
These traditional costumes are some of the best Polish souvenirs you can take home with you or pick up to wear when you visit Poland.
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Oscypek cheese
Food, food, and Polish food. Eating is one of the best things to do in Poland, and there are so many things to eat, too. Oscypek cheese is a traditional-smoked cheese that originates from the Tatra Mountains in Poland. It is made from sheep’s milk and is known for its distinct spindle-like shape.
Oscypek is typically enjoyed grilled, which enhances its flavour and texture. It can be served as a standalone snack, sliced on top of bread, or used in various dishes such as salads or pierogi fillings.
Polish Chocolate
Snack foods from Poland are some of the best Polish souvenirs to take home. Most of the time, they are lightweight and take up little room in your luggage. These include chocolate-coated gingerbread cookies, Ptasie Mleczko, wedel chocolate, Prince Polo chocolate bars, and chocolate-coated plums.
Torun Gingerbread – what to buy from Poland
Toruń gingerbread, also known as pierniki Toruńskie, is a traditional type of gingerbread originating from Toruń in Poland. It holds a special place in Polish culinary heritage and has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages.
Toruń gingerbread is renowned for its unique taste and distinctive shapes. The recipe for this gingerbread is a well-guarded secret that has been passed down through generations of bakers in Toruń.
Herbs and Spices
Meat rubs are also very popular in Poland, especially if you can attend a BBQ. You can find a wide range of these at the local supermarket, which you can take home with you.
If you like Bigos, Goulash, or potato dumplings, you can also purchase the packet mixes at the supermarket to help you make them at home. While they won’t be exactly the same, you can get a small taste of Poland back home.
Polish gifts – Amber Jewellery
When visiting Poland, a great keepsake is a unique piece of amber jewellery. Amber, known as “Baltic gold,” is a fossilised tree resin from the Baltic Coast renowned for its captivating hues and ancient origins.
You can buy Amber earrings, necklaces, pendants and more, all made with craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Owning a piece of Baltic amber jewellery is a stylish accessory and a tangible connection to Poland’s rich cultural heritage. Discover the allure of the Baltic Sea amber and bring home a truly unique treasure from your Polish adventure.
Bolesławiec Pottery – Polish ceramics
When you’re in Poland, don’t miss out on the awesome souvenir potential of Bolesławiec pottery. These famous Polish products are seriously unique, and here’s why. This Polish pottery is handcrafted with love and care by skilled artisans in the charming town of Bolesławiec.
The designs are vibrant and eye-catching, featuring intricate patterns and rich colours. Plus, they’re super durable, so you can proudly display them in your kitchen or use them for everyday meals. Whether you’re into mugs, plates, or bowls, you’ll find something that perfectly captures the Polish spirit.
Grab some Bolesławiec pottery and bring a piece of Poland’s artistic heritage home. It’s like having a work of art on your dining table when you buy these Poland souvenirs!
Polish Folk Medicine
In many Polish cities and towns, you will find Polish folk medicine shops. These stores offer a variety of natural remedies and traditional healing methods passed down through generations.
From herbal teas to soothing balms, these unique souvenirs capture the essence of Polish culture and provide a glimpse into the country’s rich history of natural healing.
Even today, they are still a very popular remedy with the Polish people. Bring home a piece of traditional wisdom and immerse yourself in the beauty of Poland.
Wooden carvings
Poland is renowned for its traditional products, such as wooden carvings, which are cherished souvenirs and popular gifts. These wooden carvings take various forms, such as figurines, sculptures, kitchen utensils, decorative boxes, and religious icons.
Many feature traditional folk patterns, wildlife, religious figures, and symbols representing different regions of the country.
Notably, the Zakopane area in the Tatra Mountains stands out as the most celebrated region for these traditional products, where visitors can find a wide array of beautifully carved wooden treasures.
Inglot products from Poland
Inglot is a well-known cosmetics brand that originated in Poland. It was founded in 1983 by Wojciech Inglot, and its headquarters are in Przemyśl, Poland. Inglot has gained popularity both in Poland and internationally for its high-quality and innovative skin-friendly makeup products like Lipstick, Eye Shadow, Foundation and more.
Polish Craft Beer
Poland has a growing craft beer scene, and you can find unique and flavorful beers from local breweries to bring home.
You will often find unusual flavours and a wide selection to choose from. Some of Poland’s most popular craft beers come from breweries such as Browar Stu Mostów, Brovarnia Gdańsk or Browar Zamkowy Cieszyn.
Leather Goods – Poland’s famous products
Poland is known for its high-quality leather products, such as belts, wallets, bags, and shoes.
Look for locally crafted leather goods for a stylish and durable souvenir. Good bargains are available in local markets and street stalls, where you can find a great variety.
Polish Crystal and Glassware
Polish crystal and glassware are highly regarded for their exquisite craftsmanship and artistic designs. Hand-blown crystal items and decorative glassware are among Poland’s most sought-after traditional products.
Decorative glassware often features vibrant colours and captivating patterns. You will find a wide selection to take home, from hand-blown glass sculptures to delicate glass ornaments and functional glassware like bowls, plates, and glasses.
Handmade candles – things to buy in Poland
Look for intricately designed and scented candles made by local artisans.
Crafted with great care and attention to detail, handmade candles in Poland come in various styles and scents. Skilled artisans use natural waxes, such as soy wax or beeswax, to create environmentally friendly and sustainable candles that make awesome Poland souvenirs. At Christmas time, travellers can even get advent calendars.
Traditional Polish scarves and shawls
These beautifully patterned scarves and shawls are practical and stylish and can be found in many markets and shops. Traditional Polish scarves and shawls are delightful and distinctive accessories that embody Poland’s rich cultural heritage.
In Polish markets and shops, you’ll find an extensive selection of scarves and shawls made from wool, silk, cotton, or a blend of fibres.
Frequently asked questions about travel in Poland.
Poland is an emerging travel destination in Europe. For many travellers, it has not been on their radar, so we can answer a few frequently asked questions about Poland.
Is Poland safe for travel?
Violent crime is rare in Poland, but like in most countries, petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is common. Thieves often work in small groups, so be aware in tourist areas and near hotels, markets, ATMs, currency exchange bureaus, and public transport.
What currency do I need for my trip to Poland?
The official currency you need to use in Poland is the Zloty. We recommend that you get a Revolut travel money card that can be loaded with multiple currencies and has nearly non-existent withdrawal fees to save you money on your trip to Poland.
Do I need travel insurance for my holiday in Poland?
Poland has a high quality of healthcare, but travel insurance is still recommended for all travellers entering the country. The last thing you want is a huge bill for medical expenses should you require care for your family during your holiday in Poland.
We recommend using Travel Insurance Master. Their website compares the best deals from several providers and presents you with the best value-for-money policy on the market. Click through to Insurance Masters to get a free quote.
Using your phone in Poland
Relying on Wi-fi when travelling and sightseeing in Poland can be difficult. Making calls and staying in contact is a top priority when travelling in Europe. Plan your trip to Poland and order your sim before you leave home to stop any stress about travelling, data, and calls on your vacation in Poland.
Pocket Wi-Fi for your
You can access free Wi-Fi at certain spots in Poland. The best solution for your vacation in Poland and staying connected to the internet is to rent a 4G Pocket Wi-Fi hotspot. These small devices can be ordered and delivered to your hotel.
Alternatively, you can purchase a mobile hotspot device to keep and use on all your travel. You can choose the time you want and the amount of daily data you need. Order your pocket Wi-Fi today for your Poland trip.
We hope that this article from Poland Travel Expert has encouraged you to seek out some of the best Polish souvenirs when you visit Poland.
In Poland, typical Polish things include traditional folk festivals, delicious pierogies, and beautifully crafted wooden carvings. No longer will you have to ask what to buy in Poland.
Not matter if you’re in big city souvenir shops, or small town markets, the best souvenirs to buy in Poland will not be far away. We are sure you will enjoy your trip to Poland and find many things to do along the way.
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Author Bio: Mark Wyld
Mark Wyld is a Father, husband, traveller, and writer at Poland Travel Expert and other blogs. I have accumulated a wealth of experience over multiple visits to Poland. Thanks to our friends in Poland, we stay connected to the nation’s pulse, ensuring that our content is up to date with our first-hand experience. The information on this website is backed by genuine expertise.