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 there is always something we bring home 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?
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 table cloths I have ever seen. Some are embroidered with a thin thread while others are decorated with a thick ribbon.
Some of the most amazing I have purchased have been from Zakopane and from Wisla. These have been hand-made and hand-stitched which makes them some of the best Polish souvenirs to purchase on your trip to 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 within 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!
Some Polish vodka you should try is 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 common in Poland too.
You can find these cute nesting dolls in many different ways and in some variations such as toothpick holders, fridge magnets and some are weighted and you can use as a doorstop!
Wool slippers
These are my absolute favourite and they are so comfortable and warm.
We have bought wool slippers from a few different markets on your vacation in Poland. We like the ones that have hard soles on them and you can wear them outside too. Some come in a moccasin form and some in a boot form.
The traditional decorations and patterns on the outside of 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.
House shoes
These are not very common in our country and so we found the concept a great idea. You can get some great slip-on styles that are soft shell 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.
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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 table cloths. Polish lace is known the world over and has even been made for international Royal Families.
Traditional clothing in Poland
Like most countries around the world, the traditional Polish dress varies on the region you are visiting but you will find some of the clothing has been modified for tourists.
A lot of the traditional clothing features a floral design for the women and you will find in tourist hotspots and strips there are skirts, dresses or aprons with this bright design. These are some of the best Polish souvenirs to take home with you or pick up to wear when you are visiting Poland.
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Food from Poland
Food, food and food. Eating is one of the best things to do in Poland and there are so many things to eat too. While you may be restricted on what you can return home with due to your border limitations most of the time you can take home some basic foods that you sample there.
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 can be chocolate-coated gingerbread, Petitki biscuits, Wedel chocolates, a Prince Polo bar and chocolate-coated plums.
Meat rubs are also very popular in Poland, especially if you are able to attend a BBQ. You can find a large range of these at the local supermarket that you are able to 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 will be able to get a small taste of Poland back home.
Many tourists to Poland fall in love with Pierogi and desperately want to make it when they got home. While it is not food you can buy a pierogi press at plenty of homeware shops in Poland. These will help you make your own to keep the Polish in your diet!
Frequently asked questions about travel in Poland
Poland is an emerging travel destination in Europe. For many travellers, Poland has not been on their radar so there are a few frequently asked questions about Poland we can answer for you.
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 in saying that 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 on your family holiday in Poland
We recommend using Travel Insurance Master, their website will compare the best deals from a number of providers and present 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 you are travelling and sightseeing in Poland can be difficult. Making calls and staying in contact is a top priority when you are 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 will be able to 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 for your stay in Poland.
Alternatively, you can purchase a mobile hotspot device to keep and use on all your travel. You can choose the length of time you want and the amount of daily data you will need. Order your pocket Wi-Fi today for your Poland trip.
We hope this article from us here at Poland Travel Expert has encouraged you to seek out some of the best Polish souvenirs when you visit Poland. We are sure you will enjoy your trip to Poland and find many things to do along the way.
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