Best souvenirs from Egypt: Things you must buy

Get to know the most exceptional souvenirs of Egypt, whether it is handmade papyrus art and alabaster statues, bitter perfumes and colorful traditional textiles. These are notable souvenirs that take the spirit of Egyptian culture and history and your visit will never be forgotten. Planning your visit? The Egyptian e-Visa makes it easier to travel and makes you visit the markets and bazaars easily. Take home real treasures of the magic of this ancient country.

Top 10 best souvenirs to buy in Egypt

Looking for memorable keepsakes? Here are the top 10 best souvenirs to buy in Egypt that truly capture its culture.

Mini Pyramid Souvenirs

When people hear of Egypt, the first thing that comes to mind is the pyramids. One of the 7 wonders of the world is the Pyramids of Giza that should be included in your itinerary. Of course, it is appropriate to bring a souvenir back home at this legendary place. It is also possible to buy models of the whole complex with pyramids and Sphinx, another ancient wonder.

The mini of pyramids can be placed in a desk, shelf or mantelpiece; the miniature wonders remind anyone who sees them of the stunning beauty and cultural importance of the legendary Pyramids of Giza. Being one of the most widespread venues to purchase souvenirs in Egypt, every pyramid is a characterization of the skill and talents of the ancient Egyptians and, therefore, a significant and memorable present on any occasion.

Mini Pyramid Souvenirs

Palm Leaf Baskets

The palm leaf basket is common all over Egypt, both the luxurious ones found in the up-market and more basic ones sold by the street traders and in the markets, including the souvenir shops around Egypt. Baskets made of dried palm leaves date back to Ancient Egypt and most remarkable examples of them were found in Deir el-Bahri and other archaeological sites.

Grocers use these versatile baskets to display spices and fresh products, whereas housewives use them by hauling them down ropes through balconies so as to easily carry their groceries without the stairs.

Also, the palm-leaf basket, known as the Maqtaf, which was used to transport fruits and vegetables, has been used by generations of archaeologists to gather the fragments during excavations. These baskets are also designed in various colors which can be beautiful additions to the home decor.

Palm Leaf Baskets

Before shopping for unique keepsakes, make your trip smoother by checking out essential things to know before travelling to Egypt, from cultural tips to local etiquette.

Papyrus

The other most ideal product to purchase in Egypt is Papyrus. As the ignorant do not know, Papyrus is one of the greatest souvenirs of Egypt, which has got the historical value, traditions, and popularity. As the main tool of documenting essential happenings in the society, papyrus was traditionally exported to a number of nations. Its hieroglyphic writings provide information about the ancient Egyptians and their life and other important historical events to the future generations.

Papyrus decorated with conventional Egyptian images are available in printing machines and specialty stores in Egypt. Nevertheless, it is recommended to be cautious about buying in the street since most of them offer fake products. It could just be tested by making a wet finger touch the surface of the papyrus: in case the water enters the paper, it is probably original.

Store of Papyrus in Egypt

Kilims

A kilim is a tapestry style rug made of wool, cotton or silk. Kilims are handcrafted on wooden looms and can be both colorful and multi-colored and more minimalist and geometric. They are used with multiple uses and they can be used as a carpet, a mat at the door, a throw, wall decorations or even coasters in their miniature forms. The kiswahs and carpets of all kinds and shapes are also plentiful in Khan el Khalili and other places around Egypt, and other religious souvenirs are also popular in Egypt.

When it comes to an extraordinary collection of modern designs made in the Nile Delta, Kiliim is one of the striking Egyptian brands that focus on the challenges of maintaining this art form. The brand follows the fair trade principles and sells various cushions, quilts, and throws online and at their boutique located in Maadi.

Kilims

Explore more: All About The Best Mall of Egypt - A Shopper's Paradise

Perfume Oils

The creation of aromatic oils and perfumes is a long history in Egypt and it started at the time of the pharaohs. These are pure oils that are usually extracted using flowers, herbs and spices. Aroma oils are a luxurious present which states the level of flora in Egypt and a common souvenir in Egypt. The difference between these oils and the alcohol based perfume is that it is long lasting and may be used either as personal perfume or as aromatherapy.

Tour a good store of perfume such as the Pharaoh Perfume Palace or a shop at Gayer-Anderson Museum. They also give you the opportunity to try different perfumes and then buy.

Egypt Perfume Oils

While picking out the perfect souvenirs, don’t forget to pack smart—here’s a guide to the best travel clothes for Egypt to help you stay comfortable and culturally respectful.

Pharaonic Objects

There is a vast variety of products with pictures of Egyptian pharaohs, including miniature plastic figurines and such classic objects as the death mask of Tutankhamun. In some specific areas of Egypt, one can purchase unique souvenirs such as meticulously hand-carved artifacts on the life of famous pharaohs, which is especially gratifying. These rare works of art bring in the spirit of Egypt and they make valuable contributions to your list of treasured memories.

Pharaonic Objects are the best gift from Egypt

Lanterns

Since Egypt is an Islamic nation, it is not surprising that lanterns are very important in Egyptian culture. The Muslims also seek to welcome Ramadan by decorating their residences with lanterns called fanous during the beginning of Ramadan. Nevertheless, such ornamental arts are easily sold all year round, and this is evidenced by busy markets in Cairo, which are filled with such decorations.

Such lanterns have different features, as they may be of different sizes, color, and may be made of different materials, marble, glass, and metal. Others are highly decorated with religious expressions and symbols. They are a perfect souvenir of the culture of Egypt, especially in the religious season of Ramadan.

Lanterns

If you're drawn to cultural items, take a moment to explore the traditional dress of Egypt, where clothing reflects the nation's rich heritage and timeless style.

Camel Leather Goods

The products of camel skin provide exclusive and exotic presents to give your friends and family members as a reminder of the rich Egyptian culture. They are made of camel leather that is of high quality and are in the form of highly designed bags, wallets, and decorative items like lamps and poufts. Some are crafted with a stunning functionality and the animal-like cushioning of the camel leather gives a home or any other accessory an element of prestige.

Egypt The traveler can purchase paintings, blankets, carpets, some accessories to wear just like shoes, slippers, bags, socks etc to your loved ones as a good reminder of your visit to Egypt.

Camel leather hat

Soaps and face oils

Soaps and face oils are one of the most appropriate souvenirs you can offer to your loved ones as one of the best gifts after a trip to Egypt. It is affordable and can be prepared out of nourishing products like olive oil, shea butter, and soothing aromatic herbs like lavender and chamomile. These soaps are cleansing and moisturizing, and make the skin soft, supple and delicately fragranced. Besides that, Egyptian face oils are designed using powerful botanical extracts such as rosehip, argan and jojoba oils which are known to have hydrating and rejuvenating properties.

Egyptian soaps are especially fragrant

Coffee

Egyptian coffee quality is excellent and is usually not given much attention. You might want to get a few packages of strong and full-bodied Turkish coffee, in particular, the ones with cardamom to add an additional coating. Al-Yemeni Cafe is one of the famous brands founded in 1940 and is very popular in Egypt. Their packs are available at most of the grocery stores in light and dark roasts in different proportions of cardamom.

Egypt coffee

While shopping for the best souvenirs from Egypt, don’t miss the chance to enjoy the best breakfast in Egypt, featuring delicious traditional dishes.

Conclusion

To summarize, the selection of the most appropriate souvenirs of Egypt will enable tourists to take a part of the ancient Egypt home with them, be it hand-made papyrus, alabaster statues, and Egyptian spices. These souvenirs are the spirit of the Nile and the ancient pharaoh heritage. In order to travel without any inconveniences, you should also remember to book your e-Visa to Egypt online beforehand, so that you could easily enter the country and spend more time exploring local markets and real treasures.