Gifts from Czech Republic

It always seemed to me that buying souvenirs and gifts from the Czech Republic was trivial. Why? I lived near the Czech border, so the subject was familiar to me. Until I went with friends and it became clear that buying souvenirs from the Czech Republic was an issue for them. Together we searched for the perfect gifts associated with the country. Below you’ll find the best, tried-and-true gift ideas from the Czech Republic.

Czech Glass

The main reason for visits to the Czech city of Jablonec is glass. Glasses, wine glasses, lamps, vases, jewelry or even… a chandelier. And this is just the beginning of the beautiful glass things made in the Czech Republic. Yes, it’s possible to buy them in many places in the country, but it’s Jablonec nad Nisou (along with its surroundings) that offers the cheapest, good quality products that will appeal to more than just glass fans. I wasn’t one of them until I took a trip on the trail of Czech glass, and today I know that if I’m in the area I’ll be happy not only to go there to shop, but also to create jewelry myself or make a glass vase.

Calendar from the Czech Republic

This gift may seem corny, but nothing could be further from the truth. Instead, it can cause quite a stir, when it will be May, and in the calendar … květen. Practically every month sounds different from the one in English.

If you want, you can go further and buy, for example, a book in Czech. This can be the beginning of an adventure in learning this language. And if you are interested in the Czech language, be sure to check out Czech false friends, words that are better not to use in Czech.

Czech Sweets

This is the easiest option: starting with the immortal Studentska chocolate, through Kolonada wafers to the famous Marlenka cake. But that’s not all, of course: candy lentils, coconut Margot bars or round Fidorki. One thing is certain, there is something for everyone.

Czech Spirits

I don’t know if there is anyone who hasn’t even heard of Czech beer. You can go to a market and buy there, but practically every town has a different local brewery. In Prague you will find countless of them, I lived near Pivovar Hostivař, which I recommend. Great place. You can also visit the Staropramen brewery, beer-related places are plenty. Other than that, Czech rum e.g. Božkov is very popular, wine is best from Moravia.

Caution: it is worth reading labels, because some of the wines described in Czech come from Hungary, for example.

Czech Sauces

This may not be the most popular gift and may be perceived as something strange until the recipient tries it. Tatarská omáčka or tartar sauce is extremely popular in the Czech Republic. However, at my place, Otma Gurmán ketchup reigns supreme – one of the best I’ve tasted. It’s worth trying new flavors, a gift from the Czech Republic can be original.

Garlic Chips

Czech chips flavored with garlic.  They are extremely rare in other countries, so if you have a lover of this aromatic vegetable among your loved ones, Czech garlic chips should make them much happier than a (sample) refrigerator magnet.

Regional Delicacies

Virtually all Czech cities will have something traditional to eat. I mean things that are characteristic of a particular region, city. Of course, you will often buy them in many places in the Czech Republic, but you have to try harder to find them. There are quite a few such foods and sweets, but among the most popular are hořické trubičky, which are (sweet) tubes originating from Hořice, or karlovarské oplatky, which are traditional wafers straight from Karlovy Vary.

Krecik – a Gift for Children, but Not Only

Probably many of you are familiar with the cartoon with the Czech Mole (cz. Krtek)! Today, in addition to fairy tales, you can buy teddy bears or other toys for children, but also things with its image, such as T-shirts or hoodies. It is one of the more well-known motifs, but it is not a popular gift like sweets. The reason is simple: in many places the Mole is just… expensive, and to be more specific, a plush Mole is often at least twice as expensive as a nice mascot with a different image.

Koh-i-noor: Pencils, Crayons and Pens

Although the Koh-i-noor company was founded in Vienna, it moved to České Budějovice in 1848. In addition to its famous pencils or crayons, you can buy gift and art sets. At Koh-i-noor you can get a gift not only for an artist, because they also offer elegant pens or a calligraphy set. An interesting, original gift from Czech Republic.

Accessories and Paintings with a Czech Motif

Czech motifs vary from city to city. In Prague pictures and sketches with Prague streets are popular, through T-shirts and caps with “Praha” written on them, to trinkets that will remind you of a trip to the Czech capital. In other cities accessories are not as popular, but you can easily find bags/blouses with the inscription “I love Brno”.

Gifts and Souvenirs from the Czech Republic

Looking for a gift idea? I know that sometimes it’s hard to decide, so I’ve compiled this list. I’m curious what you would add to the above list. I’m sure at least Kofola (the so-called Czech cola), cheese from Olomouc and dumplings are the three specialties that I didn’t mention that come to my mind.