The Best Souvenirs to Bring Back from Romania
During our travels across Romania, we explored its vibrant cities, picturesque landscapes and cultural gems. From the bustling streets of Bucharest and the medieval charm of Brașov to the serene beauty of the Cistercian Abbey of Cârța and the awe-inspiring Transfăgărășan route, every place had its unique story to tell. A visit to the Curtea de Argeș Monastery showcased Romania’s deep-rooted spirituality, while moments spent at the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum brought the country’s rich traditions to life. And at each of these places we saw so much local art.
Romania’s cultural heritage is a treasure trove of artistry and tradition, reflected in its crafts, folklore and local artistry. Each region boasts unique techniques and designs passed down through generations, from intricate embroidery and hand-painted ceramics to the famed Romanian blouses that are as much art as attire.
When we travel, we love to pick up something special—a piece that encapsulates the spirit of the country and serves as a meaningful keepsake of our journey.
Romanian souvenirs are no exception, offering a range of unique items that tell the story of this captivating country. Whether it’s carved wooden items, folk masks rooted in ancient rituals or delicacies like honey and traditional brandy, these treasures are more than just mementos—they are windows into Romania’s soul and its timeless traditions. Here are some of our suggestions on what to purchase in Romania.
Ceramics of Romania
One of my favourite souvenirs to purchase during my travels is ceramic objects. Ceramics are not just decorative—they are also functional, including items like plates, bowls, mugs and even vases. I think ceramic pieces make excellent souvenirs, offering a tangible connection to a country’s artistic heritage.
Romanian ceramics are no different. They are a significant part of the country's traditional crafts and are celebrated for their beauty, functionality and cultural symbolism. Every region in Romania has its own distinctive style, colours and techniques, making these ceramics highly collectible and unique.
One of the most famous type of Romanian ceramics is Horezu pottery that originates from the town of Horezu in Oltenia. It is known for its intricate hand-painted designs, featuring motifs like roosters, spirals, flowers and geometric patterns. The traditional palette includes earthy tones like red, brown, green, blue and white. This craft has earned recognition as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
From the Corund region in Transylvania, comes the Corund ceramics that are known for their bold, colourful floral patterns, often on a white or cream background. They include everything from plates and mugs to decorative tiles.
If you prefer simpler, rustic designs, then Baia Mare ceramics featuring earthy tones are what you should look out for. They often emphasise more on functionality than beauty.
You will find Romanian Ceramics in local markets and artisan fairs, especially in cities like Bucharest and Brașov. They are also widely available in souvenir shops across Romania. If you want a unique experience, then you could visit a ceramic workshop in places like Horezu which will allows you to see artisans at work and purchase directly from them.
Wooden Handicrafts
If you are looking for something that combines functionality with artistry, then wooden handicrafts are a great choice. These items are popular both for everyday use and as decorative souvenirs.
Depending on the region of Romania you are travelling to, you can pick up different kind of wooden handicrafts. The Maramureș region is known for its skilled artisans who create intricate wooden carvings. Wooden plates, spoons and utensils crafted here often feature detailed patterns inspired by nature and folklore.
In the Bucovina region, artisans create practical yet beautifully decorated kitchenware, combining simple forms with artistic designs. In Oltenia, you’ll find wooden items often made from local hardwoods like beech or walnut. And if you visit the villages in Transylvania, you can puck up sturdy and rustic wooden items designed for daily use.
Local markets often showcase handmade wooden items as do most souvenir shops across the country.
Embroidery
Romanian embroidery is beautiful and is deeply rooted in the country’s cultural heritage. It features intricate designs and symbolic motifs and tells the stories about Romania's history, traditions and way of life. You can find the embroidery on clothing, household items and decorative textiles, making it a great souvenir to take back home.
Embroidery in Romania dates back centuries and is closely tied to rural life. Women traditionally embroidered clothing and textiles as part of their daily lives, with designs often passed down through generations. The patterns and motifs are rich and reflect aspects of nature, spirituality and social status.
Even though there are many different items commonly embroidered, I especially loved the tablecloths and pillowcases.
Hand-Painted Eggs
Next up on the list is a souvenir that is one of Romania’s most cherished traditional crafts - hand-painted eggs.
These intricately decorated eggs, often associated with Easter celebrations, are not only religious symbols but also works of art that showcase the skill and creativity of Romanian artisans.
The decorating of eggs is a centuries-old tradition in Romania with its roots in pre-Christian customs celebrating rebirth and fertility. With the advent of Christianity, painted eggs became closely linked to Easter.
In Romanian folklore, eggs also represent life, renewal and protection from evil and they are often exchanged as gifts during Easter or displayed as decorative items year-round.
Creating a hand-painted egg is an art that requires patience and precision and involves various steps. Some artisans also use wooden (pictured below) or ceramic eggs for durability.
We noticed a wide variety of patterns on these painted eggs - geometric designs, floral motifs, animal figures and traditional symbols. The lady at one of the stalls selling these painted eggs told us that different parts of Romania have distinct styles of egg decoration.
You can find these painted eggs in local markets in cities like Bucharest, Sibiu or Brașov. If you visit Bucovina, you can go to the Egg Museum in Vama or attend a workshop where you can watch artisans at work or try your hand at decorating an egg.
I think these painted eggs are more than just decorative items—they are symbols of the Romania’s rich artistic and spiritual traditions and are a unique and meaningful way to remember Romania.
Traditional Dolls
Similar to the Flamenco Dancer dolls and figurines in Barcelona, we spotted traditional Romanian dolls in most shops and local markets. These dolls, dressed in traditional Romanian attire, are a beautiful representation of the Romania’s rich traditions and craftsmanship.
We spotted a few different varities in terms of the base materisla used but most of them were dressed in the Ie (Romanian blouse) and fote (skirts), adorned with intricate embroidery, lace or woven patterns unique to specific regions. They also had accessories like headscarves, hats, belts or beaded necklaces, adding to the authenticity.
I think these dolls make wonderful gifts, offering a piece of Romanian tradition in a portable form. In addition to local markets, you will also easily find these dolls in most souvenir shops near popular tourist sites.
The Ie – The Romanian Blouse
The Ie (pronounced as 'ee-eh') is a traditional Romanian blouse known for its intricate embroidery and elegance. It is both a symbol of Romanian identity and a testament to the skill of local artisans.
The Ie traces its origins back to ancient times, with its design influenced by Roman, Dacian and Byzantine traditions. For centuries, it has been an essential part of traditional Romanian attire, worn by women during festivals, weddings and daily life.
The patterns on the Ie are rich in symbolism and common motifs include geometric shapes, floral designs and spirals & zigzags. The blouses come in a range of colours with each colour having a specific meaning.
When buying an Ie, especially as a souvenir, authenticity is key. Authentic blouses are typically hand-embroidered, with slight imperfections that add to their charm. Look for natural fabrics like cotton, linen or hemp that ensure breathability and comfort. You can visit artisan markets, workshops or rural villages to find authentic Ies. Some tourist shops sell replicas, so verify their origins before purchasing.
Folk Masks
Folk masks in Romania are integral to traditional festivals and rituals, particularly during the winter holidays. They are used in performances that blend pagan customs with Christian celebrations, often taking place around Christmas and New Year's. If you get a chance to watch these performances, you will typically see masked dancers and theatrical players reenact stories from folklore, often involving mythical creatures or historical events.
These folk masks come in different types - animal masks, human masks (often exaggerated, portraying characters like peasants, nobles or witches) and mythical creatures. They are traditionally handcrafted using natural materials such as wood, animal hides, textiles, feathers, horns, beads etc. Each mask is unique, reflecting the creativity and skill of the artisan.
We saw these masks in an artisan market but you can also purchase them direct from artisans in smallers villages, I think.
These masks would make a great souvenir, whether for yourself or as a gift to someone else. They are eye-catching and unique and are sure to spark conversations about its history and meaning.
Paper Dolls
Paper dolls are lightweight, easy to pack and full of charm, making them an ideal souvenir or gift. They often reflect cultural themes, offering a fun and interactive way to learn about traditional attire and local customs.
During our visit to Romania, I came across delightful sets of paper dolls in a souvenir shop that immediately caught my eye. These DIY kits allowed you to assemble the dolls yourself, adding a personal touch. Some sets featured dolls dressed in traditional Romanian clothing, while others showcased the distinct attire of Transylvania. They were lovely keepsakes and would make wonderful gifts, I feel.
Romanian Artwork
When we visited Romania, we went to an artisan market and saw an old gentleman selling his beautiful oil paintings. His art showed scenes from the daily lives of locals, like people working in the fields or gathering in villages, festive celebrations etc.
The paintings were so full of life and captured fine details that they caught my attention right away. Seeing his work made me realise that art by local artists is a wonderful souvenir—it’s unique, supports the small artists and brings a piece of Romania’s culture and everyday charm into your home.
Honey and Bee Products
Romania has a thriving honey industry, thanks to its vast meadows, forests and clean environment. Beekeepers produce a variety of delicious and high-quality honey, such as acacia honey, which is light and floral and linden honey, known for its rich, herbal flavor. In addition to honey, you’ll find other bee products like propolis, which is believed to have healing properties and royal jelly, prized for its health benefits. These natural treasures make perfect gifts that showcase Romania’s connection to nature.
Honey-based gifts are ideal for anyone who loves natural, healthy treats. Foodies will appreciate as well as those interested in wellness.
Romanian Brandy/Liquor
Romania is famous for its traditional brandy and liquor, especially țuică and pălincă. Țuică is a plum brandy with a strong flavour, usually enjoyed as a welcome drink or during celebrations. Pălincă is similar but can be made from other fruits like apples, pears or cherries and it’s slightly stronger. Both are handcrafted in many villages and are an important part of Romanian hospitality and culture.
When I was in Romania, I noticed these drinks being sold in charming bottles, making them a great souvenir or gift. If you’re choosing one, look for locally produced varieties—they often have better quality and flavour. Artisan markets, local distilleries and specialty shops are great places to buy them.
You also find a good selection in the Duty Free section in the airport.
Dracula Souvenirs
Dracula souvenirs are a fun way to remember Romania, especially its connection to Transylvania and the famous Dracula legend. The story of Dracula was inspired by Bram Stoker’s novel and the historical figure Vlad the Impaler, who ruled parts of Romania. While Vlad wasn’t a vampire, the legend has become closely tied to the beautiful and mysterious region of Transylvania, making it a must-see for Dracula fans.
You can find all sorts of Dracula-themed souvenirs in Romania. There are figurines, mugs and T-shirts featuring the vampire legend, as well as books about Dracula or Vlad the Impaler. Some shops even sell unique items like wine bottles shaped like Dracula or keychains with fangs. These souvenirs are a great gift for anyone who loves history, legends or a touch of the spooky!
Fridge Magnets
Fridge magnets are one of the most common but popular souvenirs to bring home and Romania offers a great variety to choose from. You’ll find magnets with themes like Dracula, Transylvanian castles or traditional Romanian patterns. Some even feature famous landmarks like Bran Castle or painted monasteries. Some are colourful and feature their traditional art patterns.
Fridge magnets are are small, lightweight and affordable, making them perfect for collecting or gifting to friends.
A souvenir from Romania is more than just an item—it’s a meaningful way to keep the memories of this beautiful country alive. Whether it’s a small fridge magnet, a hand-painted egg or a piece of traditional embroidery, each souvenir tells a story of Romania’s rich culture and history. It will remind you of the breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality and unique traditions that you experienced during your visit.
If you have visited Romania, let us know which item did you pick during your travels as a special keepsake.
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