What Souvenirs to Bring Home From Uzbekistan

1. Ikat and Silk Scarves

Ikat (also called abrband) is a traditional fabric made using a labor-intensive dyeing process where threads are colored before weaving. The result is a striking, blurred pattern found only in this region. You'll find scarves, shawls, robes, and table runners made from this fabric in places like Margilan, Bukhara, and Samarkand. Most are 100% silk or a silk-cotton blend.

2. Rishton Ceramics

In the Fergana Valley town of Rishton, artisans have been making pottery for over 1,000 years. Their secret lies in a rare local clay and a signature blue glaze called “ishkor”, made from mountain plants and minerals. You can buy decorated plates, teapots, vases, and wall tiles - all hand-painted with floral or geometric patterns.

3. Handmade Carpets & Kilims

Uzbek carpets are often made of natural wool, dyed with plants like walnut shell or pomegranate skin, and hand-knotted by female artisans. Bukhara rugs are known for their soft tones and fine weaving, while Khiva kilims often feature tribal motifs. These carpets take weeks or months to finish - making each one a masterpiece.

4. Dolls and Miniature Figures

These charming souvenirs represent traditional Uzbek daily life - from musicians and dancers to farmers and vendors. Most are made of clay, wood, or textile, and dressed in bright national costumes with turbans or ikat robes. They’re easy to carry and ideal for kids or collectors

5. Dried Fruits & Traditional Sweets

Markets in Tashkent and Samarkand are filled with dried apricots, raisins, figs, halva, and chak-chak - all locally made and full of flavor. A delicious way to take a piece of Uzbekistan home.

6. Silver Jewelry

Uzbek jewelry is bold, ethnic, and symbolic. Silver is often combined with turquoise, carnelian, or lapis lazuli, stones believed to bring protection. Look for bracelets with filigree designs, large statement rings, and traditional coin necklaces. The Khorezm region, especially Khiva, is a hotspot for authentic jewelry workshops.

7. Traditional Ceramic Tea Sets

Uzbek tea sets often include a teapot (choynak) and small handleless cups (piyola). Most are glazed in cobalt blue, white, or green, inspired by Islamic tilework. Many come in decorative boxes, making them perfect gifts. Combine them with local black or green tea grown in Namangan.

8. Spices and Herbal Blends

Uzbek cooking relies on fragrant spice mixes like zira (black cumin), barberries, coriander, paprika, and saffron. You can also find local herbal blends for tea, digestion, or sleep, packed in pouches or small wooden boxes. They’re lightweight and smell amazing.

9. Handmade Leather Goods

Uzbekistan produces high-quality leather bags, wallets, belts, book covers, and slippers (chariq). These goods are often hand-tooled with traditional motifs and lined with soft fabric. Workshops in Bukhara and Fergana offer custom embossing with your name or initials.

10. Folk Musical Instruments

If you love music, consider buying a dutar (two-stringed lute), doira (percussion frame drum), or gijjak (bowed instrument). Many shops sell playable versions, but some are purely decorative and hand-painted. These instruments are part of Uzbek identity, especially in folk festivals and weddings.

11. Wooden Carvings & Boxes

Uzbek artisans carve wood into boxes, stools, doors, and wall art using geometric Islamic patterns. The most common gift item is the jewelry box, often with hinges and interior velvet. It can be found in Samarkand and Khiva, usually made from walnut or mulberry wood.

12. Shashlik Skewers & Cooking Tools

If you love BBQ, you’ll love the authentic metal skewers with wooden handles used in Uzbekistan for grilling shashlik. Some souvenir shops also sell mini qozon (cast-iron cauldron) for plov, or wooden spoons and pestles.

Related Topics

• Gift Shops in Uzbekistan
• Shopping in Uzbekistan
• Currency Exchange in Uzbekistan