The best type of gift to bring back from Russia is one that is unique to Russian culture. With a wide variety of Russian crafts, a wealth of luxurious antiques, and different types of world famous foods and beverages, there is an appropriate piece of Russia to bring home for a person of any interest.

Traditional Russian Crafts
There are several specific types of traditional crafts for which Russia is known. Among these are lacquered decorative boxes which have been a highly valued piece of art in Russia since Byzantine times. The subjects of the paintings include Russian mythology, folktales, landscapes, religious icons, and scenes of daily life. Ubiquitous in the most visited areas of the country are matryoshka dolls, often also known as Russian nesting dolls. First appearing to be one doll, this shell comes apart to reveal another smaller doll, within which is still another, and so on usually for a total of about ten to fifteen dolls. Though they come in many different sizes and shapes, all the dolls are made of wood and are often hand-painted. Hand-painted Russian wooden eggs are also a popular gift. Adorned with a similar range of subject matter as the boxes, their delicate and intricate patterns are delightful. Other wooden items are also popular gifts, such as hand-painted cups, saucers, spoons, and figurines depicting characters from well-loved Russian folktales. Similar figures are often made of pottery as well, a part of Russia's prolific ceramics industry. Gzhel style porcelain, Vologda lace, and Fabergé eggs are also world famous Russian creations and make beautiful gifts. Engraved amber, especially as jewelry, is another exquisite gift to bring home. It is often set into wooden boxes, combs, mirrors, and more. To bring home a piece of Russian artistic history, the Arbat Street of Moscow has many shops offering antique Russian icons, china, and jewelry. There are also outdoor arts and crafts markets in this area selling a wonderful array of creations.

Epicurean Gifts
As far as gastronomic gifts, caviar is one of the most popular to bring home from Russia. Red salmon eggs, known as krastnaya ikra are most common. Black caviar, known as ossetra, sevryuga, or beluga, is also fairly common, and easy to find at many supermarkets. Vodka, of course, is another typical Russian gift. Gzhelka, Starka, and Russki Standart are all good brands to try. There are a wide range of brands and flavors to be explored, with the best selection often found at outlet shops of distilleries

Russian Fur and Accessories
The best places to shop for gifts in Russia are in Moscow and St. Petersburg, where a wide range of possibilities are available. Watches, cameras, wines and spirits, furs, jewelry, and toys all make great gifts. A samovar is particularly special given its importance in Russian culture. Woolen shawls and semiprecious stones are also well-known Russian products, though designer fashions can be found in various boutiques around the city as well. Moscow is famous for its fur selection, spread throughout small boutiques, indoor markets, and large department stores. There are also many bookstores in these cities which offer great bargains, especially on art books. These make a great gift for an appreciator of fine art who is not necessarily able to read Russian.

When and Where to Shop
Russian cities are home to many outdoor markets selling a variety of goods. The Vernisazh Market at Izmaylovsky Park in Moscow is full of stalls selling decorative art, handcrafted goods, antiques, and many more goods typical of Russia. In terms of department stores, Gostinny Dvor, GUM, and Passazh are among the best known in the country, with a wide range of merchandise. Most shops accept rubles, though occasionally credit cards as well. Stores tend to be open Monday through Saturday from 9:00am to 6:00pm.