What and how to buy cheaper in Poland? What you need to know - Lifehack. What is profitable to bring from Poland? What is Poland famous for, what to bring

Greetings! Today we will do a little shopping with you, and you will find out what to bring from Poland as a gift for yourself, family or friends. In Polish souvenir markets you can find many interesting things that will remind you of your trip for many years. Of course, in Poland, as in other European countries, among the large assortment there are many Chinese products. But choosing high-quality products from Polish craftsmen is very easy.

As a Polish souvenir You can find a lot of interesting things for both adults and children. There is no ban on the export of any specific goods from Poland. Of course, everything is within the limits of the law, so you can only transport washing powder, and weapons in the form of a children’s toy. But this won’t surprise anyone, so I’ll tell you about those that are in demand among tourists traveling around Poland.

What to bring from Poland

If you've read mine, you know that it is famous for its meat products. Therefore, leave room in your suitcase for real Krakow sausage (Krakus) or smoked sausages called “kabanosy”. Funny name, isn't it? They are similar in taste and appearance to our “hunting” ones. Believe me, Polish quality is significantly different from what our sausage producers offer. Polish meat products can be bought at any supermarket or food market.

In second place as a Polish treat, I would place homemade sheep or goat cheese - “oscypek” ) . They are all different in taste. Therefore, do not hesitate to try and bargain, the Poles will not refuse you either the first or the second! The cheeses are really tasty and have a long shelf life. The main thing is to check with the seller about the method of transportation.


As for alcoholic drinks, our tourists bring liqueur from Poland - Goldwasser; small particles of 24-karat gold float inside the bottle. Manufacturer is really Germany. I won’t praise the taste of this drink, it’s not for everyone. We bought it just for collection.


I strongly advise you to look into the Krakowski Kredens brand stores, where they offer a large selection of exquisite Galician delicacies. You can view the assortment on the official website krakowskikredens.pl. I can’t say that the prices are low, but you will definitely find something interesting for yourself or as a gift for your loved ones. All products are made in the best culinary traditions of Poland by rural producers and family farms. There is also a store “Krakowski Kredens” where we bought delicious tea, the famous Polish Pitny honey and confiture.


As you can see, it won’t be difficult to bring something tasty from Poland, and this is not the whole list.

During our winter holiday in Zakopane, we independently traveled to Krakow and Wieliczka. There is a large selection of souvenirs everywhere, but the prices vary. Even the price of a banal magnet was noticeably different. Therefore, in my review of souvenirs from Poland, I will not indicate prices, so as not to get confused and mislead you.

What else can you bring from Poland as a gift?

There is a large assortment of various glass and amber products.

In Krakow you can buy beautiful wine glasses, shot glasses and other tableware. In Zakopane, decorative glasses made of thin glass, glasses and mugs are hand-painted.




Very beautiful arrangements of dried flowers are made in Zakopane. True, it is better to take such a souvenir in your own car.


Be sure to visit the art galleries of Poland. I think you will definitely want to buy something there as a souvenir. All work was carried out by local craftsmen. Souvenirs are made of wood, ceramics, clay, stained glass and fabrics. Very beautiful and elegant work!


Poland has always been famous for its textiles. The souvenir markets have a large selection of handmade products.

The main attractions of Poland are, I will talk about them later. And of course, you can bring various salt products or bath salts from Poland as a souvenir.


Well, we've sorted out the gifts for adults. Now you will find out what you can bring from Poland to children. Sweets are banal and bad for your teeth, but the Poles’ gingerbread is very tasty! For health, I would recommend honey, very aromatic and real.


Let's take a look at the souvenir aisles in Zakopane together. There is a lot of choice for kids! Sheep farming is very well developed in Zakopane, so there is a large selection of products made from natural wool. At local markets you can buy any item of winter clothing for you and your child. All items are made well and only from natural wool, fur and leather. We brought a lot of products for our relatives and friends, things last a long time and practically do not wear out.


The symbol of Zakopane is a cute little sheep. These toys are very soft, it is a pleasure to touch her!


Many tourists know that Polish markets are famous for their huge selection of natural skins and natural fur products. There is everything that the heart desires for lovers of fur products, various rugs and runners, hats and muffs, gloves and knee socks, there are even booties with natural fur for the little ones, and of course fur coats, vests and sheepskin coats. Sizes can be selected even for a one-year-old child. The photos were taken in Zakopane, but I have seen such markets in other Polish cities. And don’t forget that things are always more expensive at the resort!


This selection of souvenirs and gifts awaits you. Are you still thinking about what to bring from Poland? In my opinion the choice is obvious! Take a spare suitcase or a large bag with you, money won’t hurt either, and go ahead!

I hope you are not tired of such shopping :) . Thank you for your attention, the virtual trip to Poland continues!

In recent years, many European countries are considered not only as a country interesting for work, permanent residence and study, but also as a state in which brilliant shopping can be organized.

And the local industry allows them to do this profitably and comfortably, using shopping tours to Poland, weekend trips, as well as sightseeing trips with a lot of free time that can be devoted to shopping.

How you can use such shopping tours for yourself, what you should definitely bring from this country, and what you need to pay attention to first when going here for sales, we will analyze in this material.

It is advisable to organize shopping tours to Poland for certain groups of goods. It is best to do this with an eye to the following product categories:

  • Household appliances, as well as repair kits and spare parts. They are significantly cheaper here than in many CIS countries.
  • Clothes and children's items. In this case, experienced buyers advise choosing locally produced items, since they are cheaper in price, but their quality meets all European Union standards.
  • Household chemicals, cosmetics, there are entire shopping tours for this area. Local brands are also popular here. But often people come here to buy original French, German and even American cosmetics at reasonable prices. Such shopping is almost always successful, especially if a person is shopping in Poland for one or two people.
  • Food and alcohol. Experienced tourists recommend bringing tea, coffee, and cookies from here. Such goods do not deteriorate, they have a presentable appearance, and if you wish, you can even sell them profitably after importing them into your own country.

Also, medicines are often brought from this particular country as the most necessary purchases. However, in most cases, it is with such products that buyers have the most problems. After all, many medicines simply cannot be sold here without a prescription issued by a local doctor. Therefore, you shouldn’t count on such shopping, it may turn out to be unsuccessful.


Of course, it is not enough to plan shopping in this country for a certain time; you need to prepare for it in advance. You have to find out where the best discounts and sales are currently. You can do this as follows:

  • By visiting websites that supervise shopping tours to this country for purchases. Here they can provide complete information about what actions are currently taking place or expected in the country. The advantage of such resources is that they are adapted to various regional languages, which is why working with them is usually the most convenient.
  • By visiting the portals of the major brands themselves, if these are of interest to you. They usually hold all sales at the same time, which makes it easy to adjust shopping tours to their operating hours. You just need to find out when and what discounts this or that chain provides, and arrange a shopping tour for them.
  • For those who know Polish or English well, you can visit the websites of the shopping centers in this country. It is better to focus on large cities, such as Warsaw. It also contains all the necessary information so that you can bring home wonderful purchases from Poland.
  • If you are interested in more local brands, you need to adjust to the general seasonal sales. As a rule, they are held during the same periods as for major brands. Take this pattern into account, and it will be much easier for you to plan your trip.

Please note: the smartest time to go shopping here is during the period of widespread discounts. These happen here twice a year - in the summer from the end of June, and also from November to the end of December.

The last period is the most attractive for tourists who go shopping, as it refers to the traditional Western Christmas sales, when the discounts are the highest, and successful purchases can be made with virtually any choice of goods.


In order for shopping tours to be the most profitable for you, it is worth not only clarifying the issue of discounts in advance, but also clarifying what prices are currently in effect for certain items. To do this, you can, of course, use the resources already listed, which are entirely devoted to the topic of “shopping”. However, it is worth adding the following:

  • Special forums dedicated to shopping in this country, adapted for almost any type of phenomenon such as a shopping tour. It is best to choose those that are aimed at those who have chosen shopping here as a form of recreation. Here you will not only learn what things you need to bring from this country, but you will also be able to clarify for yourself the question of what the real pricing policy is in various cities of the country. Also, with the help of just such resources, you can easily contact experienced buyers and be able to clarify any nuances with them.
  • Review articles and blogs dedicated to the phenomenon of shopping in this country. On these, as a rule, they tell in great detail what exactly they went to such a state for, what they managed to bring and, of course, at what cost, often even in such materials they provide photos of tags or receipts. For yourself, you can choose information in any format, both in the form of a printed blog and in the form of video materials. The latter will probably be the most convenient for work.

The presented resources, which give you a chance to find out prices even before leaving for Poland, will allow you to make shopping tours as profitable as possible, as well as soberly assess whether it is worth going to this country for shopping at all.

And since they almost always allow you to make a choice in favor of Poland, you just have to figure out where to change money when going on shopping tours, as well as exactly how many things and which ones you can bring from here. Let's look at this in as much detail as possible.


It is profitable to exchange cash in dollars or euros in Poland at special exchange offices. They are located in all major cities, most of them are open until 14.00-16.00 and accept almost all popular currencies for payment, without requiring a passport or other identification document.

Rubles or hryvnias, for example, can also be exchanged for them, but at a low rate, therefore it is not recommended to enter the country with such currency. There is no commission at such points, therefore for those who are determined to organize shopping in Poland, such points are the most convenient.

You can also change funds for making purchases at a bank branch. However, not all of them have an exchange office (this feature should be clarified in advance), and the exchange rate here is usually worse than at a street exchange office. That is why travelers rarely turn to such organizations. For those who have chosen shopping tours, they are simply inconvenient.

Also in Poland you may be offered to change money directly at the station in person. However, you should not agree to such an offer. Firstly, it is illegal, and if you are scammed, you will not be able to turn to the local police for help. Secondly, quite often scammers act this way and can exchange currency at a bad rate or give you counterfeit money.


Of course, shopping tours to Poland, which many people are already eager to attend, would be much more popular if this country had not established restrictions on the export of its own products.

So, potential buyers coming here to buy various things should remember the following rules:

  • You will not be able to bring more than 3 large purchases during one visit. Restrictions apply to almost all household appliances presented here, as well as other groups of expensive goods.
  • For large equipment, there is a separate regulation that allows you to bring 1 unit per visit.
  • Those wishing to bring large goods from such a trip should remember that their weight should be no more than 35 kilograms. You will have to pay extra for any additional weight.
  • The total weight of goods that you will be allowed to transport from Poland without paying duty will be only 50 kg. For everything else you will have to pay extra.


In addition, when importing specific goods such as medicines, as well as certain types of alcohol and products, you need to find out whether they are generally permissible for import into your country. After all, it is possible that the selected goods may be confiscated from you at customs.

That is why it is very important, before choosing shopping tours, to clarify what exactly should not be brought from Poland, and with the delivery of which goods people usually have the biggest problems. Also, ask experienced buyers how to transport a problematic product; they will probably give an interesting solution, recalling their own shopping tours.

Please note that these requirements apply to absolutely all shopping tours to Poland; no traveler should expect unlimited shopping here.

It is much wiser to avoid any conflicts at customs and plan several visits here. Moreover, in this country you can not only buy a lot of interesting things, but also have a place to relax, improve your health, and even undergo vocational training.

What to bring with you as a gift? This is the age-old question that worries all tourists from the very first days of their journey. After all, we want to give something unusual, something unforgettable, something special from the country and not very expensive for each of our many friends.

Souvenirs

The most beautiful souvenirs can be purchased in the shopping building "Sukiennice", that is, "Cloth Hall or Drapers" Hall in Krakow, as well as at the annual August fair of St. Dominique. "s Fair") in Gdansk.

In Gdańsk you can also find a miniature copy of the ship "Dar pomorza". Among all the sailing ships moored in Europe, it is considered one of the largest.

Worth mentioning is the Wawel Dragon (Smok Wawelski), also known as the “dragon of Wawel”. The Wawel Dragon is a famous dragon in Polish folklore. In Krakow, his figurines are sold in various shapes and sizes, from tiny wooden ones to meter-long plush ones. There are dragons that are larger than one meter.

Lajkonik Horseman Traditional Doll, also called the “Zwierzyniec Horse” or “Tatar”, is one of the most characteristic Krakow characters. This figurine of a Tatar warrior on horseback is very popular. The origins of Krakow's Lajkonik can be dated back to the 13th century, when the city was attacked during the Tatar raids on Europe.

However, the inhabitants of Krakow were able to successfully repel their invasion. Krakow's Laikonik has become one of the unofficial symbols of this city. This symbol is represented in the form of a bearded man, similar to a Tatar, wearing a characteristic pointed hat, dressed in Mongolian clothes. But this image also includes a wooden horse, which is held at his waist.

You can bring a knight figurine with you from Malbork. Malbork (in Polish - Malborg, in German - Marienburg, in Latin - Civitas Beatae Virginis) is a city in the Zulawy region in northern Poland. The city, founded in the 13th century by the Teutonic Order, is famous for its Gothic Marienburg Castle, one of the most beautiful in Europe.

In addition, you can purchase carved masks depicting a Polish-type face (it is believed that it has one characteristic feature - a potato-shaped nose).
If you find yourself on the Polish coast, then be sure to collect shells that lie right on the shore.

Also visit Belovezhskaya Pushcha (Bialowieza Dense Forest), the famous Bialowieza National Park. Belovezhskaya Pushcha is famous for its figurines of bison (or bison, in Poland they are called aurochs). They can be purchased as a souvenir; they are symbols of this dense forest.

Belovezhskaya Pushcha is known throughout the world for its unique lowland forests, the only ones in Europe. These forests are divided between two states - Poland and Belarus. The area is 150,000 hectares.

Belovezhskaya Pushcha is included in the UNESCO list as a “World Heritage Site” and a “Biosphere Reserve”. Its most valuable part is in Poland. The reserve is protected in the same way as the Belovezhsky National Park, which was opened in 1921. Its territory is 5348 hectares. This object is considered the main point of tourist travel.

In Belovezhskaya Pushcha, nature is strictly protected; bison are also protected. The features of this area are important for science and ecology, just as its value is important in the tourism area. Bison here are the most famous inhabitants of the forest. They lived here for many centuries, but were almost completely exterminated during the First World War.

At the beginning of 1950, residents began raising bison and then protecting them. And after many years, these animals roam freely through the forest, becoming full-fledged owners of Belovezhskaya Pushcha. Currently, 230 individuals live in its Polish part.

If you are traveling in the Polish mountains, you can bring a souvenir “ciupaga” to your friends and family as a souvenir - this is a hatchet-shaped stick with an iron tip and an oblong handle. In Poland, in the old days, highlanders used walking sticks, called “ciupaga” in Polish.

Its head was used as an ax and its pointed tip as a spear. Ciupagas are handcrafted from a long, solid piece of mountain hardwood and finished with a solid brass tip. "Ciupaga" is the main part of the story. This item is used in folk dances and serves as decoration in the home.

From the city of Poznań you can bring figurines “Koziolek Matolek”. "Koziolek Matolek", or the little goat Matolek, is a fictional character created by Kornel Makuszynski (historian) and Marian Walentinovic (art critic). The main character of one of the earliest and most famous Polish comics became a cult character back in 1933.

The Matolek kid has been popular since its creation and continues to delight children to this day. It has become an important part of Polish children's literature.
Souvenirs with images of other animals can also become a memorable gift.

Gifts with images of castles

In the Carpathian Mountains region, souvenirs with images of individual castles and architecture are very popular.

From Warsaw, don't forget to take photos of the Royal Castle with you. The Royal Castle (Zamek Krolewski W Warszawie) is a royal palace and the official residence of Polish monarchs, located on Castle Square (Plac Zamkowy) in Warsaw, next to the Old Town.

Malbork is home to the largest medieval castle in Europe. It is considered the largest stone castle in the world, which was the residence of the Grand Masters of the Teutonic Order. Its area is more than 20 hectares.

In 1997, the fortress was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Inside the castle there is a jewelry store where prices for amber are lower than in the center of Gdansk.

Christmas presents

Already a month before Christmas, handmade Christmas tree decorations decorated with decorative patterns begin to be sold.

Crockery and beer mugs

A large variety of tableware is sold in Poland. Here you can buy crystal and glass products with patterns made of silver, amber and metal.

It is worth paying attention to the different types of glass with painted sights of Krakow or another city. They will also make a wonderful gift.

Boleslav ceramics

In western Poland there is a city called Boleslawiec. It is famous for its production of Boleslav ceramics, which are similar in color to the famous Russian Gzhel pattern. A lover of traditional Polish folk art will undoubtedly enjoy these proudly crafted ceramic pieces.

Potters make these items by hand and decorate them using a unique stamping method. Each ceramic plate made from white clay can be worthy of creating collections. Also, the collection of ceramic products can be used in the microwave, oven and even dishwasher.

However, it is necessary to keep in mind that Boleslav ceramics are quite expensive, and not every resident of Poland can afford such a luxurious gift.

Items from the salt mines

Salt lamps from salt mines (in Polish - Kopalni Soli) also deserve special attention. The Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the oldest in the world. It was opened in the 13th century.

Historically, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is the only mining mine in the world. The mine has been in continuous operation since the Middle Ages. There is a legend about its creation. It is believed that the mine was opened by the Hungarian princess Kinga (Kunegunda), who was supposed to marry the monarch of Krakow, Boleslaus the Chaste. She wanted to give a rich gift for her fiancé.

In the Middle Ages, miners who extracted "white gold" created passages, chambers, chapels and statues. Today, the mine is used as an attraction for tourists from all over the world. In 1978, the Wieliczka Salt Mine was included in the list of 12 UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage Sites.

Coral jewelry and amber products

Jewelry made of coral and amber is pleasing to the eye. However, it is necessary to keep in mind that amber products, although an excellent gift, are not at all cheap. The most expensive amber is considered to be “white”, or the so-called “royal”.

However, transparent amber is traditionally valued in Russia.
Transparent natural amber of a dark color with insects sealed inside the stone is also highly prized. The larger and darker the piece of gemstone, the higher its value.

In Gdansk you can see amazingly beautiful green amber. It can be purchased at the market square, and its prices are lower than in Krakow. Amber rings and beads are sold inexpensively right on the street. In stores, prices reach 1000 standard units and higher.

Malbork is home to the largest medieval castle in Europe. There is a jewelry store in the castle. It offers amber products at the most convenient prices, they are less than in the center of Gdansk.

In Poland, tourists are happy to buy amber products (especially on the Baltic Sea coast). There is also jewelry made of silver with ornaments, and they are decorated with amber, paint, leather and precious stones. You can also purchase crystal, glass with silver, amber and metal inserts.

Silverware, silverware

Silver jewelry and silverware are also worth paying attention to. For example, a wristwatch or an ordinary cast bracelet costs about 600-800 rubles. And such little things as earrings, rings and other similar jewelry made of silver cost “just a penny”, only 20-50 rubles - this depends on the volume of intensity of its production.

Silver jewelry is an attractive product for a visitor also because silver is available here at a very low price.

Cloth

Here you can find linen fabrics embroidered with beautiful patterns. Decorative national costumes are also quite attractive for travelers. There is also a large selection of sheepskin coats, padded jackets and all kinds of felt house shoes.

The Gorals (Polish - Gorale, Slovak - Gorali) are an indigenous group that lives in southern Poland, northern Slovakia and the Cieszyn region of Silesia in the Czech Republic. There is also a large diaspora of highlanders in the Bukovina region, today western Ukraine and northern Romania.

Goral house shoes come in several types - from light leather house shoes to warm shoes with fur trim. This clothing accessory can be a pleasant gift for your relatives and friends. There are also special goral headdresses and special leather and fur clothing.

Hutsuls (Ukrainian - Gutsuli, Romanian - HuЕЈuli, Hutsul dialect - Hutsule, Polish - Hucul) are an ethnic group of Ukrainian highlanders. For centuries they inhabited the Carpathian Mountains in Ukraine and northern Romania (in areas such as Bukovina and Maramures), as well as in Slovakia and Poland.

Pay attention to products made from twisted sheep wool. These products are very similar to goods from Russian Orenburg, but they are sold here at inflated prices - the difference is 5-6 times. For example, vests and shoes (very high boots), which are very warm to walk in in winter.

Textile products

Hutsuls create beautiful carpets (Hutsuls are residents of the mountainous regions of the Carpathians, Western Ukraine and other regions). They are made from sheepskin, so they are quite tough. All carpets are very similar - thick, multi-colored, with geometric patterns, small.

It is worth mentioning such material as flax. Not only in this country, but also in the Baltic countries, linen products are sold (from bed linen and kitchen utensils to clothes with embroidery or linen fabrics).

Handmade by Hutsuls

Hutsul handicrafts are very popular, such as carved figures, smoking pipes, axes, as well as hats and clothing made of leather and fur.

Canvases and works of art

In the Kazimierz area in Krakow you can buy beautiful paintings by artists. Paintings can also be bought in the center of Krakow on Floriana Street (Florianska Street). Canvases with images of Warsaw landmarks are also works of fine art.

There are also beautiful works of art decorated with amber, paints, leather and other materials. They can be purchased as a special gift for friends and family.

Cosmetic products

Hand creams from the brand “Ziaja - Kozie Mleko” (in white packaging) are an inexpensive but very high-quality product.

Products, food

Among the sausages, the most delicious are pork products (wieprzowina), thin sausages (kabanosy) and sausages (frankfurters).

"Kabanos" (plural - "kabanosy") are famous varieties of Polish sausages and perhaps the best meat in the world. This is a high quality product. The name "Kabanosy" comes from the word "kabanek", meaning "young fat pig".

Nowadays, "kabanos" (mostly those sold in stores) are made from pork. But they also come in a variety of meats, including horse, beef and lamb, but these varieties are produced in rural areas of Poland. For the most part, kabanos remain a pork product.

Most often, these sausages are seasoned with salt and pepper, but it also happens that garlic and a little cumin can be added to this sausage appetizer. Kabanosy, unlike other types of meat sausages, is usually used as a quick snack and served with cheese.

They are dried so they have a dry texture with a smoky flavor and are commonly used as a snack. Typically, the sausages are quite long - 30-60 cm (12-24 in) - but not very thick, measuring just over one centimeter (0.39 in) in diameter.

These sausages are very easy to distinguish from other products due to their characteristic appearance - such a braided rope of three strips. This product has an interesting look and tastes very good. An ideal combination with Chopin's vodka!
Krakow sausages are also very tasty. This product is the best from the Krakus brand.

Polish cheese with holes is very tasty.

Oscypek is a sheep cheese (in Polish – “oscypek”, plural – “oscypki”). This smoked cheese made from salted sheep's milk is made exclusively in the Tatras, as well as in areas where the Gorals (Tatrian inhabitants) emigrated, for example, Ukraine, and so on.

It is made by the Goral people according to a special recipe, and its readiness is checked with the elbow. The most delicious are small smoked “oscypki”. It is best to buy thick pieces of cheese, although they are very salty.

Tip: Before serving, grill the small pieces and then add a spoonful of cranberry jam (zurawina or Eјurawinowa konfitura in Polish).

Sweets and confectionery

There are wonderful candies "Bird's milk" (in Polish - "cukierki")
Chocolate brands "Wawel", "Wedel" and "Kruk" are excellent souvenirs.

"Wedel" (since 1999 - "Cadbury-Wedel Polska") is a famous Polish confectionery company producing many types of high-quality chocolates, cakes and snacks. Wedel is a well-recognized brand of sweets in Poland.

Wawel is one of the oldest chocolate and confectionery manufacturers in Poland. Adam Piaseckie founded the company in 1898. Over the years, Wawel has become synonymous with traditional Polish chocolate such as Kasztanki, Michalki, Malaga, Krowka, Kukulka.
Sweets "Korovka" (Krowki) - not everyone knows that these sweets are of Polish origin, and not Russian at all.

Candies “Tiki-taki” and “Kasztanki” are amazing sweets. "Tiki-taki" - candies with an unusual combination of flavors. Their taste is different from other sweets. The top layer is covered in soft peanut praline and the bottom layer is smooth with crumbly coconut fudge. All this looks beautiful. The toasted nutty flavor of the peanut butter goes really well with the coconut flakes.

"Kasztanki" - large chestnuts with filling. Inside the sweet is a cream of cocoa and crushed wafers, and on top is semi-sweet chocolate. “Kasztanki” is a crispy sweet, can be flavored with coffee or weak rum. They are small in size, but very tasty.

“Torunskie pierniki” (Torun spices - thin honey cookies with spices) is considered a traditional dish. And very tasty. It can be stored for a long time. It can be purchased either individually or in large quantities in a beautiful box.

You can also recommend purchasing "Sekac" - a kind of cake pie that cannot be baked at home.

Alcoholic drinks

Miod Pitney (also spelled Mead Pitny) is a Polish strong drink made from fermented honey. This drink is made from honey and water in a 3:1 ratio. This drink is rich in richness, aroma, depth of taste, balance, sweetness, time.

It is best used as a dessert or simply as a drink. The bottle is placed in a bound basket with ribbons, on it there is a metal decorative medallion with a wax seal. "Jadwiga Poltorak Miod Pitney" is considered the "queen" of all "Miod Pitneys". No words can fully describe the sweet, complex aromas with hints of raisins that create a warming effect. You just have to try it.

“Grzaniec” (“Gzhanes”) is a sweet wine that is drunk hot with honey and seasonings (cloves, cinnamon, honey). This enchanting drink is best drunk on winter evenings, especially at Christmas. "Grzaniec Galicyjski" is a traditional mulled wine made from red grapes, also known by the German name - "Gluhwein", French - "Vin CHAUD", Swedish - "Glögg".

This wine has received great recognition in Poland, won the “The Best in Poland Award” competition, and has many other international awards and medals.

"Slivovitz" - plum brandy (rakia). The raw material for slivovitz is fermented plum juice. The strength of slivovitz reaches 45%, and with double distillation it reaches 75%. In Poland, the most famous is Sliwowica paschalna.

Produced in compliance with kosher rules, under the supervision of a representative of the Jewish community. This is 70% vodka from selected plums, absolutely without any additives, not even water, with exceptional purity. The 73-75% distilled drink matures for at least two years. It is characterized by a very rich plum aroma, light yellow color and a unique taste characteristic of slivovitz.

"Goldwasser" - aniseed vodka, contains small flakes of 24-karat gold. Its production began in Gdańsk in the 6th century.

There are also brands of vodka such as “Wisniak and Chopin”.
You can buy a drink from the “cheap but cheerful” series, for example, Zubrowka - a traditional Polish alcoholic drink with apple juice.

No matter what restrictions the Belarusian government imposes on foreign shopping, residents of this country still prefer to shop in neighboring Poland. There are many reasons for this: regular sales and discounts, a wide range of goods and their high quality, as well as the opportunity to return value added tax in most stores, the amounts of which are sometimes quite impressive. Belarusian shopaholic tourists from among the readers of our portal talk about what is profitable to buy in Poland.

Nikolay, 41 years old, Pinsk

We have been going to Poland for shopping for many years. It's almost like a family tradition. Before restrictions on the weight of goods were introduced, we traveled every month. Now less often - once every two to three months. In order to be able to buy more in total weight, my wife and son take turns riding. Most often we buy household chemicals and detergents. My wife likes Polish cosmetics. We also buy clothes and shoes in Poland. It is, if not much cheaper, then much better quality. All other purchases are different every time. For example, we recently bought a microwave oven and an electric meat grinder at the MediaMarkt store. In total, we saved 60 USD on just these two goods, thereby paying for our trip. Among the products we buy in Poland are cheeses, red fish, sweets, and always juices and seasonings. That's probably all. Each time it comes out at least 60-65 kilograms.

Elena, 31 years old, Minsk

From Minsk to Bialystok it’s almost 350 km, so I don’t go to Poland often - once every three months. But I always type a lot. I have two children: a 7-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter. Therefore, children's clothing and shoes are first on the shopping list. I buy mainly at sales in large shopping centers and Atrium Biala. I don’t go to the market, it seems to me that a lot of things are cheaper in stores. I also buy cosmetics, perfume, and household chemicals for home. Last year in Poland I collected a briefcase for my first-grader and saved twice as much. If I travel on the eve of the holidays, I buy dishes, textiles, and household goods for gifts. I don’t buy household appliances because... I don’t understand much about it. Sometimes I buy vitamins for myself and my children.

Sergey, 53 years old, Grodno

I usually travel to Bialystok for work, so shopping is not my first priority. But I still go to some stores. Usually the spouse makes a list, and all purchases are strictly according to it. Since I travel often, I can’t carry much. Basically - something for the home. In this regard, I like small shops like Carrefour, Biedronka. There are always few people there, often many goods are on discount and you can order cotton wool. My parents are very elderly people, so I often bring them the necessary medicines from Poland. Many of them are cheaper, others simply do not exist in Belarus. Sometimes my wife goes with me. She buys clothes for me and herself, shoes. For example, in the fall we saved a decent amount on winter things. So we are planning to refresh our wardrobe for spring. Sometimes I buy spare parts for cars, they are also cheaper here.

Vladimir, 29 years old, Slonim

I am currently building a house, so all my purchases are mainly related to this. Building materials, wallpaper, repair tools, furniture, household appliances - this is how my purchases can be described in a nutshell. True, after the introduction of restrictions, I have to be very careful about such purchases: I make sure that there is no excess, I declare everything necessary. Sometimes my friends go with me, then I can buy a little more. I rarely buy clothes and shoes, I don’t like to spend a long time choosing, and in Polish shopping centers my eyes run wild. I usually go into any one and take what immediately catches my eye. I rarely look at the price: I know that ours is still more expensive.

Marina, 48 years old, Slutsk

I've only been to Poland a couple of times so far. I noticed that it is more profitable to buy household chemicals and children's products there. At my daughter’s request, I was bringing diapers to my granddaughter. They turned out to be almost three times cheaper than in Belarus. In Bialystok they bought a baby stroller at the market. Initially, the price was not much lower than ours. But after returning VAT, the purchase turned out to be very profitable. I bought textiles at the market: bed linen, curtains, rugs. Very large selection and lower prices. I don’t understand brands, so the simpler for me, the better. The main thing is that you like the look and fit in size. I bought dishes and sets of pots for myself and my daughter. At the RTVevroAGD household appliances store in Auсhan, my husband and I bought a TV and a vacuum cleaner. I am planning to buy a dishwasher for my home. The main thing is that it matches the weight. In general, shopping there is, of course, more profitable, but there are so many goods that you get lost. Therefore, it is better to have at least some wish list with you. Otherwise it is very difficult to stop.

When you go on a trip to any country, you can bring back the most traditional souvenirs: magnets, cups, figurines and other little things. Or you can use souvenirs to surprise your friends and tell them about the country you visited. Poland is rich in such souvenirs for travelers. We offer ten of the most amazing and unusual Polish gifts.

Let's start with food. The most popular Polish souvenir among travelers is Local spirits: Żubrówka and Goldwasser.Żubrówka is a vodka infused with the stems of the grass of the same name from the Belovezhskaya Pushcha, which serves as food for bison. The tincture was invented back in the 16th century, and two centuries later it became the favorite alcoholic drink of the Polish nobility and peasants. As for Goldwasser, this drink is considered elite. The liqueur owes its name to the Catalan doctor Arnaldo de Vilanova, who in the 13th century cured the Pope of Rome from a serious illness with an elixir containing gold particles. By the way, among the fans of the drink, Peter I and Catherine II were in the forefront. Gdansk is considered the birthplace of the drink. The unique recipe for making liqueur is kept strictly secret and has been passed down from generation to generation for four hundred years.

Another Polish souvenir with a unique original taste - oscypek. This hard, smoked sheep cheese is made by the Gorale, a people living in southern Poland. The first mention of the production of oscypek dates back to the 15th century. These days, the traditional oscypek is sold in all shops in the Zakopane region and at fairs in major cities in Poland. The cheese is really tasty, with a long shelf life, which is convenient for transportation.

It is impossible to come from Poland and not bring back delicious meat products. Krakow sausage known all over the world and highly valued for its taste. And long smoked pork or turkey sausages - wild boars- a favorite beer snack for many.

Be sure to bring it from Poland local sweets. Famous Toruń gingerbread cookies are often made in the shape of fairy-tale characters, Santa Claus, various animals and even famous personalities. Each gingerbread is a work of art, so they are often packaged in an elegant box. High-quality gift chocolate and sweets are produced by the E.Wedel factory. In addition to bars of various chocolates, in stores in any large city you can find “Kashtanki” cakes - chestnuts coated in chocolate with various types of sweet filling inside.

Poland is known throughout the world for its amber products. For several centuries, Gdansk has been the world's amber capital. It was here that the amber route passed, and it was local residents who played an important role in the creation of the famous amber room, which historians and treasure hunters still cannot find. Amber beads, earrings, rings and pendants will be a wonderful gift for a woman of any age. Moreover, in Poland you can find amber not only of golden color. Jewelry made from green and white stones are especially popular.

Another souvenir that can tell about Poland - gural slippers, which can be purchased in the south of Poland in the Zakopane region. They are made exclusively from 100% sheep wool, and some models are decorated with original embroidery. In the cold season, they will be a real find that will help you warm up. This also includes bright Hutsul carpets and tablecloths made of sheepskin, made by Hutsul craftsmen. All these products are made by hand and fully convey the Polish flavor.

The leading positions among souvenirs from Poland belong to Boleslav ceramics. In southwestern Poland, the city of Boleslawiec is the country's center for ceramics production. The tradition of making ceramics in Bolesławiec dates back to the 15th century, and craftsmen continue to create and hand-paint each type of pottery today. Boleslav ceramics is famous for its high quality, original style and sophisticated product design. Such dishes will be a wonderful gift for family and friends and will decorate your own kitchen.

Another original and useful gift from Poland - salt lamp. The main healing quality of such lamps is that when heated, salt crystals emit negative ions, which neutralize excess positive ions (from computers, air conditioners, and other household appliances), which has a beneficial effect on human health. A salt lamp acts as an air ionizer and reduces harmful radiation from household objects, restores the nervous system, and allows you to relax.

Natural Polish cosmetics will please not only the fair sex, but can also act as a medicine. Opt for Polish medicines prepared on the basis of honey and propolis. Reliable manufacturer of herbal and honey medicines - Retter from the city of Broclaw. Honey medicines are used to treat skin diseases, strengthen the immune system and improve the overall tone of the body.

And, of course, don’t forget about another famous Polish character - Wawel dragon. Soft toys and figurines made of various materials in honor of the legendary dragon, who lived in a cave located near Wawel Hill under King Krak, will be an excellent gift for the little ones.

Sources of information: mishka.travel, dm-tour.com.ua

gastroguru 2017