Czech Souvenirs You Should Get
1. Toys and plushies, Pohádka - Toys at the Golden Lion. Even though this store is located right on the Royal Way which is famous for its overpriced products, Pohádka sells Czech products, made by Czech hands, for pretty much Czech prices. Here you can get Krtek, a cartoon character from the 1950s. Krtek has quickly become one of the most popular cartoons to watch not only in Czechoslovakia but also in other mostly Communist countries. You don't need to speak Czech to watch this cartoon since the animal characters only use simple sounds to communicate with each other. You can find Krtek “merch” at Pohádka, as well as marionettes, another popular Czech souvenir.
2. Cosmetics and local products, Botanicus Ungelt. Botanicus is a Czech company that grows, manufactures, and sells its own products, so it is a closed-cycle production. They also make their own essential oils from fresh herbs and fruits, all grown in their gardens, everything is organic. A visit to their store is similar to exploring an herbalist’s house but in the 21st century. We recommend getting their hand creams, beer shampoos, soaps, and oils, but they also make very yummy jams.
3. Czech Absinth, Green Devil’s Bar & Shop. People who say that Czech absinth isn’t a real absinth, haven’t tried it to find out that it is actually the tastiest one. We are biased, of course. :) If you can, get your hands on the Bairnsfather absinth, or Martin Žufánek.
4. Becherovka Liqueur. If you are not a fan of long drinks, get yourself this traditional Czech liqueur nicknamed “Christmas in a bottle” because of its sweet and herbal flavor. Becherovka is easy to get, you can find it in pretty much any grocery store, and it should cost around 12 euros for 0.7 liters. Even the Czech president cannot resist drinking Becherovka despite his busy schedule ;D
5. Czech Glass and Bohemian Crystal. This is perhaps the most traditional souvenir which you will see on almost every corner! Now, there is definitely a difference between crystal and glass, so beware that it’s not an interchangeable term. Crystal is more expensive, it is also shinier due to a higher percentage of lead. The most famous Czech crystal company is Moser, but it can get quite expensive. If you would like to make your own Czech glass souvenir and learn from a real glassblower over a drink in just 40 min, check out Pragl. One thing to remember is that it will take 24 hours for your glass masterpiece to cool down, so you have to pick it up the next day.!
6. Czech fashion and handmade products. If you are on a hunt for pieces made by Czech designers, like jewelry, ceramics, toys, bags, clothes, and hats, Dogumi is the place to go. We also recommend the Golden Lane fundraiser store that sells the cutest gifts and toys made by handicapped people from a charity of Olga Havlova, ex-wife of Vaclav Havel.
7. Sweets. Here are some recommendations on what to get for people with a sweet tooth: Studentská pečeť chocolate, Oplatky Kolonáda (wafers), lentilky (Czech version of M&M’s), Kofola (Czech Coca-Cola).
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