It’s a place where friends gather, where jokes are told, where people laugh and eat (a lot). Contest are held, songs are sung, people dance, and, of course, taste the rakija. This is why this souvenir would be a lovely keepsake to remind you of the days you spent with your Serbian friends, as well as a great way to start a conversation about them with your friends from home. Either way, a surprise effect is guaranteed!
Opanci
Opanci are peasant shoes made out of leather, without laces and usually, with one clasp, they are very simple, comfortable and really traditional. The older generations wore these kinds of shoes and they adored them! We can actually see why; their simplicity is fascinating, not to mention their durability (of course only if they were made out of real leather, not some cheap knock-off). They aren’t expensive nor cheap, their price is somewhere in the middle so if you want to surprise your beloved ones at home, make sure to bring them these shoes, they are really awesome and comfy!
Pirotski Kilim
Pirotski Kilim or the Pirot Carpet is a traditional piece of the Serbian ethno history! It looks amazing and it was once the sign that you belonged to a wealthy or royal family. It’s colorful and full of all kinds of ornaments and it is very pretty! After World war II this traditional piece of art disappeared, but around 2011 it reappeared and people were amazed by it because it has that certain ‘wow’ factor, especially now when the ethno and folk motifs are becoming fashionable again! If you are not sure which Serbian souvenirs are authentic enough, you will not be mistaken if you choose this one. This carpet is something special, it will bring joyful colors into your home or office space and it will turn them into a whole new place!
Jar of ajvar
It’s highly unlikely that you’ll be able to take a sarma, prebranac, komplet lepinja or the famous Karađorđeva steak with you from Serbia. But, a jar of ajvar is more than enough to give everybody “a taste” of Serbia. This master of winter food will be quite enough to impress others. And yourself!
Ethno earrings
They totally won our hearts! Jewellery shaped like little figures wearing traditional Serbian folk costumes, national jerseys and other symbols of Serbia will simply STEAL your heart away! The only problem with this unique and unusual souvenir that you can possibly face is having to choose only one.
The gusle
You want to enjoy folk or traditional Serbian music even when you’re far away Serbia? The gusle (a single-stringed musical instrument), frule (fife) or dvojnice (svirel) can help you with that! These traditional Serbian instruments are an important part of the history and culture of the Serbian people, and it is because of this that it’s a real pleasure and honour to own such an item.
Rakija
Here’s something you can consume! But make sure not to drink too much of it because it will go straight to your head, and that’s not a joke! This is basically a fruit schnapps, they make it out of pear, peach or plum and it’s really tasty and also really strong! If you’re not used to strong alcoholic drinks, I don’t recommend drinking a bigger amount of this! You can share it with your friends and family or you can set it aside for some special occasion! It’s also a great aperitif!