Souvenirs To Buy In Egypt
There are a lot of options to shop while in Egypt such as:
Egyptian Cotton Clothes
Cotton is a very essential crop for producing the finest clothes that were introduced into Egypt in the 19th century and since that moment Egypt has been renowned for the quality of its cotton goods,
Novelty T-shirts.
Souvenirs with your name printed in Hieroglyphics.
Incense
Cartouche
This is another very familiar type of gift in Egypt
Dates
Dates make delicious and healthy treats that pack much better than sticky oriental sweets. You can find boxes of dates at large markets and grocers across Egypt.
ORGANIC Products and Cosmetics
Egypt has a great selection of natural soaps, skin care and oils available from local brands
Whether it’s an exfoliating scrub with rose petals, or a peppermint-scented soap, Egyptian body care makes a well-crafted souvenir.
And loofahs at Egyptian markets are sold in their natural form in rolls as long as your arm.
Coffee
The coffee in Egypt is excellent and doesn’t get nearly enough attention.
Grab a bag or two of strong and aromatic Turkish coffee. And try the varieties with cardamom.
Spices and tea
Buying spices in Egypt is a bit hit-and-miss.
there are some spices that are worth buying – and taste better than those you’ll find at your local Middle Eastern grocer back home.
- Egyptian cumin is well worth getting. It’s delicious and tasty, and has a history dating back to the New Kingdom of Ancient Egypt. It was once used as a preservative in mummification. And today it’s a common everyday spice found in all Egyptian kitchens.
- Hibiscus is also worth buying. It makes a refreshing drink in the summer, and it’s great for cooling down and lowering blood pressure too. You’ll find dried hibiscus flowers at most tourist markets and spice vendors – Aswan is especially famous for its hibiscus. Hibiscus is easy to make at home: just boil the leaves in water and add sugar to taste.
Egyptian mint :is fragrant, aromatic and gorgeous.
It adds a unique aroma to a cup of tea and it’s a taste you’ll acquire quickly.
Egyptian candy and sweets
Egyptian candy shops are packed with some great classic Egyptian sweets.
And you can get candy, snacks and nuts in bags at these sweets shops for a unique souvenir.
Jewelry
Egypt has tons of jewelry to offer with Ancient Egyptian themes – from ankh rings and amulets to thick Cleopatra-style necklaces.
Some jewelry is more authentic than others. And pieces at Egyptian souqs range from cheap Made in China dupes to handcrafted and designer pieces.
Scarabs
The scarab beetle was a popular Ancient Egyptian amulet that symbolized renewal, rebirth and the sun god Ra.
Today you’ll find this beetle in all colors and sizes, woven into necklaces and bracelets at tourist stands across Egypt.
Palm leaf baskets
Grocers use them to display spices and seasonal produce. Housewives lower palm leaf baskets on ropes from balconies to haul up groceries and avoid the stairs. Young beach goers carry branded baskets decorated with pom poms.
Perfume oils
Perfume oils are expertly poured by salesmen into small ornate glass bottles or topped with roller balls.
Widely popular in Egypt, essential oil perfumes are also sold outside mosques and worn for Friday prayers.
Try jasmine or lotus flower oil if you like floral scents, or a rich musk, sandalwood or amber for an oriental scent.
Papyrus replicas
from Khan el Khalili, Giza, Luxor, Aswan and souqs across Egypt
There are entire streets in Giza lined with papyrus shops and “museums.”
Inside, you can watch a salesman re-enact the Ancient Egyptian art of extracting pith from a papyrus plant to form paper-like sheets.
And you can find papyrus replicas sold all over Egypt. They’re one of the most common souvenirs that every tourist ends up buying.
Papyrus scrolls and replicas range in price, size and quality.
Alabaster and stone statues
from Khan el Khalili, Luxor, Aswan and shops across Egypt
A small alabaster statue of a pyramid or an ancient Egyptian goddess carved from stone makes a beautiful souvenir.