Souvenirs without clichés: what to bring from the National Centre RUSSIA Department Store instead of a fridge magnet
It's
delightful when a travel souvenir becomes an extension of a country's story,
rather than a perfunctory "I was here" token. The Department Store RUSSIA
has no usual tourist fridge magnets, but there are souvenirs with an
authentically Russian character here. For example, lace with a centuries-old
history, designer scarves with national patterns, and cosmetics that blend the
traditions of Russian culture with achievements in cosmetology.
Sweet gifts
are among the most popular at the Department Store. Guests choose them for
themselves and loved ones as a memento of the National Centre RUSSIA.
Chocolate, sweets, and pastila enjoy a great popularity here, but the Tula
gingerbread holds a special place, combining a classic national souvenir with a
delicious treat. Tea becomes a natural companion to it.
The Moscow
region brand "Sugrev" ("warmth") offers various blends of
drinks to try: "Karelia-Style" green tea with heather and
forget-me-nots, "Vologda-Style" tea beverage with raspberry and blackcurrant,
"Ussuri-Style" black tea with juniper and mint. The drink comes in a
tin box, and inside, besides the tea, you can find fruit bonbons — a nod to the
merchant traditions of tea drinking.
The main
feature of tea from Khakassia by the brand Love Siberia is young cones.
Khakassian tea is often called a "diplomatic souvenir": it is sent as
a gift to foreign delegations and partners. Such tea becomes not just a token
of attention, but a souvenir with history and character.
For those
looking for a memento in the literal sense, the Department Store offers
jewellery and homeware with a distinct regional accent. The Kingdom of Glass brand
creates jewellery and stylised wine glasses from stained glass, complemented by
natural Baltic amber. Nearby, you can see the recognisable classics — porcelain
and souvenirs from the Gzhel Porcelain Factory. A miniature pair of porcelain "valenki"
(felt boots) in traditional painting easily becomes "that" souvenir
which is equally fitting on a desk or in a home collection.
An
"authentically Russian" souvenir is a silk scarf by Nina Ruchkina.
The brand presents Russia without stereotypes; it reinterprets Zlatoust
engraving, Russian gold embroidery, as well as motifs of the White Sea, the
Caucasus, and the East. Echoes of the Dymkovo toy, Gzhel, the malachite box,
and Russian cast iron are recognizable in its collections. Such a souvenir will
fit organically into both casual and festive attire, as well as business dress
code. A pride of the Department Store is Yelets lace, which is included in the
"100 Crafts of Russia" catalogue.
Cosmetics
and skincare products are another popular option for tourist gifts. The
skincare brand YASYA successfully answers the demand for something
"authentically Russian, yet contemporary". The bottles are adorned
with patterns inspired by antique household items, primarily spinning wheels,
and the triangular logo references ancient architectural motifs. The design
also hints at glazed Izborsk tiles with figures of griffins, lions, birds, and
starry skies on them. Inside, however, are innovative formulas with plant
extracts, essential and organic oils, and no aggressive components.
Souvenirs
from the National Centre RUSSIA Department Store are products which, behind the
beautiful packaging, hold the story of a craft, a region, a person, or an
entire era. Such items naturally integrate into everyday life, remaining a
vivid reminder of a visit to the National Centre RUSSIA.
At the INNOPROM 2025 International Industrial Exposition in Yekaterinburg, the Department Store of the National Centre RUSSIA showcased products from regional manufacturers.
The Department Store stand of the National Centre RUSSIA became one of the most visited spaces at INNOPROM 2025 in Yekaterinburg.
