Shopping in Russian Federation

In Russia the most coveted item is the 'matryoshka’ doll, one of the characteristic examples of Russian folk art. This is a set of wooden dolls one inside the other. They are often painted with intricate designs. If you take a family picture of yours along, you can have a set of your own personalised matryoshka dolls. There are also wooden boxes called 'palekh’ that one can buy. They usually have an intricate pattern drawn on the lid. Another Russian craft is 'Gzhel’, which is blue and white ornamental china.

'Babushka’ scarf, a woollen scarf with floral designs, is the trademark Russian textile. Otherwise check out the shawls that are wool but look remarkably like lace. Amber necklaces are a jewellery speciality. If you are looking for souvenirs of old USSR you have posters, Lenin busts or Russian leader matryoshka dolls to choose from.