15 Distinctively Polish Things to Buy in Warsaw

Also known as the Gold of the North, the Baltic amber is renowned for its beauty worldwide. An infinite selection of artistic amber and silver necklaces, earrings, pendants, rings and sculptures await those with discerning taste in Poland.

If you’re looking for Polish amber, Gdańsk is the city to visit. However, Warsaw can also offer a nice selection of amber items, ranging from small silver/amber rings to the finest amber jewellery pieces or sculptures to choose from. The prices range from 130-230 PLN for smaller pieces through to 500 PLN for larger and unique ones.

Amber is nothing else but tree resin hardened and weathered for millions of years and washed ashore of the Baltic Sea. Via the "Amber Route", it reached many distant corners of the world, including ancient Rome, Greece and even Egypt. Amber has various degrees of translucency and appears in a variety of colors - from pale yellow to brown, orange, bluish, greenish and white, which makes it a good material for various ornamentation. One thing for certain is that amber can makes a beautiful and unique gift for anyone.

There are plenty of shops selling amber in downtown Warsaw, mostly in the Old Town - e.g. Piwna, Świętojańska, and Wąski Dunaj streets. Practically every street in this historic district has something to offer amber-wise.

Prices vary from 120 PLN ($37) to about 500 PLN ($155).

Everybody needs a guarding angel and the simplest way to obtain one is to buy. The ones made of clay, glass, paper, wood or salt dough will surely do the trick. Traditional folk sculptures play a significant role in Polish art. Initially, sacred themes were predominant, however, with time, animals and elements of nature have also gained popularity. The Angel theme stems from the long tradition of making sculptures of saints, patrons and guardians of people in daily life.

If you are a fan of figurines and mini statues as a reminder of your past travels, why not get something original and practical at the same time? Instead of yet another famous building, porcelain elephant or something else that you would normally get, a Polish folk angel sounds like a good alternative. The diversity of angels on offer is impressive, however, the most adorable ones are those carved in wood. Their rugged simplicity, combined with pastel colors and gentle smiles, will lighten your mantelpiece or ease stress at the office. And don’t forget to get another one for someone you truly care about. And stop worrying already - your angel will take care of you regardless of your religion.

Where to buy: some tacky copies are available in most souvenir shops or street stalls in the Old Town, however, if you’re looking for a handmade, unique, good quality one, Galeria Artis is the place to visit. Here you will find beautiful traditional wooden angels. Optionally, visit Aniołowo in the Old Town for a selection of angel paintings and more modern angel sculptures.

Price: 40 PLN ($12.50) – 450 PLN ($140)

If you’re looking for a unique toy for a kid or a typical souvenir to remind you of Poland, pick up one of the popular, brightly-colored dolls in folk costumes, representing different regions of the country.

A colorful Polish doll may be a lovely, ethnic alternative to Disney-themed mass-produced toys for children. It can also serve a decorative purpose if you like to bring home unique souvenirs, which give your house a touch of mystery and adventure. Each region of Poland has its own traditional costume, such as Krakowianka, Łowiczanka, Ślązaczka, Góralka, Krupianka and Kaszubka, all of which are proudly presented by dolls. Just pick your favorite one.

These beauties are widely available at folk stores, as well as souvenir shops, as the number one world-famous Polish souvenirs. There are dolls with plastic or porcelain faces, however the difference in the price is not huge.

Price: 25 PLN ($8) – 160 PLN ($50) 

Poland boasts some of the best quality linen products in the world. Tablecloths, bed linen, curtains, napkins, placemats and many more will make a simple, yet elegant souvenir, which will last for years.

Linen is a strong and durable fabric. Having been known and valued for thousands of years, it has innumerable applications in daily life, plus it’s absolutely natural. So, whenever you stroll around Warsaw, keep an eye open for a shop with linen products. After you bring your share of Polish linen home, make sure not to wash it in public. And even if you do, just don’t tumble-dry it, and iron it while it's still damp.

There are several shops offering linen products in Warsaw, most of them located in the main shopping streets, such as Krakowskie Przedmieście or Marszałkowska. Galeria Artis offers traditional, embroidered items with folk patterns (tablecloths, kitchen cloths, runners), however, should you be interested in a wider range with modern design (clothes, underwear, bags, shoes, rugs), visit Galeria Lnu.

Prices: 48 PLN ($15) - 1000 PLN ($310)

Sizable beer tankards, ornamented with Poland’s national emblem, will surely make a fine gift for the male members of your family. Especially, if you pair them with a bottle of Perła.

There's a wide choice of beers in Poland and a matching number of vessels to drink it from. Regular glass steins or crystal glass steins come in a variety of shapes. However, if you fancy a more sophisticated item, go for one of those pewter beer tankards with lids. They are often ornamented with Polish national emblem, the White Eagle, or Warsaw coat of arms, the Mermaid. The benefits of having it in a tankard are many – the delicious Polish beer stays cool for longer and insect-free until the last drop.

Good quality, fancy-looking pewter tankards are available in well-stocked souvenir shops on most shopping streets and around the Old Town area, whereas glass or crystal beer steins can be picked up in most glassware stores.

Prices: 100 PLN ($31) – 380 PLN ($120) for ornamented crystal glass or pewter.

High-quality dishwasher-safe ceramics and tableware will come in handy in many households. Getting a hand-decorated patterns will be like bringing home a piece of Poland.

What you eat is just as important as what you eat it from/on. Nice tableware can enhance the taste and may encourage you to pay more attention to the quality of food served on it. These intricately patterned, hand-finished plates, cups, saucers, bowls and more will surely style up your kitchen and, at the same time, be something to remember Poland by. Large sets can be easily ordered online, whereas cute smaller pieces may make a perfect gift to bring home. Just wrap it up well.

The most famous brand of Polish ceramics comes from the city of Bolesławiec. Bolesławiec Pottery has a large distribution network and ships products overseas as well. Each Warsaw folk store will have a lot of pieces to choose from, and deciding on a particular design won't be easy.

Prices: 25 PLN ($8) – 350 PLN ($110)

"Pierniczki" of Toruń is a taste not only to remember, but also to take home. Polish gingerbreads come in plenty of delicious shapes and sizes in a live manifestation of the saying that "variety is the spice of life."

Although it did not originate in Poland, gingerbread has become one of the most traditional Polish cakes. Back in the Middle Ages, it used to be fairly expensive due to the high price of the spices brought in from the East, so only the wealthy could afford it. Nowadays, it’s a must-make Christmas cake for every Polish grandma. Obviously, it is best when homemade, however, there’s a vast choice of shop-sold gingerbread brands to choose from as well. The one from Toruń (Toruńskie Pierniki) is the most renowned Polish brand whose history dates back to 1786. Aromatic spices, such as ginger, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, cardamon or clove, paired with the sweet taste of honey, jam filling and sugar or chocolate icing, make gingerbread an ultimate mouth-watering experience.

You can fill your bags with delicious gingerbread in any grocery store or supermarket for about 4 PLN ($1.30). Also, you can find them on every major street down the city center: Marszalkowska, Aleje Jerozolimskie, Krakowskie Przedmieście. Make sure to get yourself at least two gingerbreads, as they tend to disappear as you walk.

Price: 4 PLN ($1.30).

Who doesn’t have tiny things which always get lost, because they are not stored properly and you don’t know where they are? A keepsake box is what you need.

Tiny bits and pieces, souvenirs, a key to a secret diary or an emergency cigarette simply must have their own place in the house. A wooden keepsake box is something everyone should have. This kind of gift is a functional one, so it won’t just contribute to cluttering up your house, but will have a real job to do. There’s a myriad of carved, beautifully ornamented wooden keepsake boxes to be bought in Poland, from tiny boxes to large caskets, all decorated with traditional Polish folk designs. Remember, wherever your house is, there’s always enough space for another keepsake box there.

The best place to acquire an original, good quality keepsake box is a store selling folk items, such as Galeria Artis. There are also many street stalls around the Old Town, however, they are usually full of lower-quality items.

Price: 15 PLN ($4.50) – 150 PLN ($46)

"Little cows" are a Polish version of fudge, traditionally made from milk, sugar and butter. Hard on the outside and soft on the inside, these original and simple sweets are a healthy alternative to highly processed confectionery products.

Every country has its most traditional candy and they often resemble fudge, as this is the simplest thing to make, especially if you produce a lot of milk. Polish krówki are very sweet and you can’t really eat a lot of them. They contain only natural ingredients with no artificial flavors or additives, which makes them a healthier type of candy. They’re best when still fresh, hard on the outside and soft on the inside. Truly delicious!

This common type of sweets is available everywhere in Poland and there are many labels to choose from. The most traditional one, called L. Pomorski i Syn, dating back to 1921, comes from Milanówek.

Price: 3 PLN ($1) per 150 g.

Have you ever had beetroot soup? This vegetable is a rare ingredient in Western cuisine. However, you will be surprised how good it tastes. Get a jar or a packet of instant barszcz and surprise your friends back home.

Beetroot is a very modest vegetable. It’s not marketed well outside of Eastern Europe and, hence, not that popular. Being a rich source of antioxidants and nutrients, such as vitamin C, magnesium, sodium and potassium, it is proved to have beneficial effects on one's health. For instance, it lowers blood pressure and prevents cardiovascular problems. Beetroot soup (Barszcz) is very common in Poland and, generally, throughout Eastern Europe. It tastes great with battered pancakes, stuffed with ground mushrooms (krokiet). Barszcz is one of the 12 traditional dishes served at the Christmas Eve dinner in Poland.

Instant barszcz is available in any store, big or small, with the major labels being Winiary, Knorr or Amino. Preparation is easy, just add 2 teaspoons to a mug of hot water and enjoy the sweet and sour taste of Poland.

Price: 1.5 PLN ($0.5) per packet – 6 PLN ($2) per jar

Good quality alcoholic beverages are definitely one of Poland's most famous specialties. The history of beer-making in this country is long and rich, much as the variety of local brands, the most prominent of which are Ciechan Miodowe or Perła.

Not many people know that Poland is the third largest producer of beer in Europe after Germany and the UK. Although the most popular types of beer are lagers and pale ales, the market is growing constantly with new brands and flavors emerging every couple of years. Recently, there has been a trend of reviving small regional breweries, where flavored or unpasteurized brews are made. You will be amazed how many of them are out there, so instead of going for the much-hyped export brands like Tyskie or Zywiec, try the full-bodied, sweet and hoppy Perła (6% alc.) or unfiltered honey-flavored Ciechanów Miodowe (5.7% alc.).

Prices: 3 PLN ($ 0.90)– 8 PLN ($2.5)

Where to buy? If you’re looking for a nice selection of beers, try a bigger store or supermarket. Just remember that drinking alcohol in public places, other than bars and restaurants, is prohibited in Poland, so you better not sip it while strolling in a park.

You haven’t been to Poland if you haven’t tried traditional Polish sausage. "Kielbasa" comes in many tasty varieties and is mainly made from pork, beef, horse, lamb, veal or venison. The vacuum-packaged smoked dry kinds can be easily transported back home.

Traditionally, Polish sausage (kielbasa) is made mainly from ground pork meat with an addition of herbs and spices. The high content of meat results in a very meaty and savoury taste, that’s why you can’t really eat much of it at a time. There are also other varieties, consisting of beef, veal, chicken, turkey or game meat. Due to the moderate climate of Poland, smoking is the best way of preserving meat (as opposed to drying, which is more effective in the Mediterranean countries). Kielbasa has been present on the Polish tables for ages. Be it a grill party, a bonfire picnic, Christmas or a wedding reception, you are sure to see many different kinds served. The most popular ones include swojska, myśliwska, krakowska, wiejska, toruńska, biała, and żywecka.

Although sausages can be bought at any grocery store, larger supermarkets offer a greater choice. Preferably buy it just before travelling or keep refrigerated. A good idea is to get it in a grocery store at the airport, where you can find premium products, which are usually vacuum packed. The prices will be a bit higher, but it is your last chance to get a taste of Poland before departing.

Prices vary from 17 PLN ($5.30) to 50 PLN ($15) per kg.

Literally meaning "bird's milk", this is a soft milky foam or meringue type of candy, coated in chocolate. It comes in different flavors, with vanilla being the most common.

When in Poland, you simply must try Ptasie Mleczko. They are such an unusual and sapid type of candy, so it is practically impossible not to fall for it on a first bite. Although very sweet, they are incredibly light and never seem to be too many, hence the candies are sold traditionally in large boxes. The latter make a beautiful gift for the whole family. A minute on your lips, always on your mind. Must have!

Bird's Milk can be bought in most grocery stores throughout Poland. However, Wedel is the only label officially allowed to use the name Ptasie Mleczko, as it is their invention since 1936. Similar brands include Milka’s varieties of Alpejskie Mleczko.

Price: 15 PLN ($4.50) 420 g.

The history of mead goes back to the 10th century, and it's the second best thing made of honey, after the honey itself. Mead is flavored with cinnamon, ginger, vanilla and other spices, which makes is an ideal winter drink.

Miód pitny (honey wine) is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented honey and it usually has the strength of fortified wine (15%-18% alc.). Polish mead is divided into four major categories, based on the amount of honey used for its production. The strongest type is called półtorak, followed by dwójniak, trójniak and czwórniak. Czwórniak is made of 3 parts of water + 1 honey, trójniak of 2+1, dwójniak - 1+1, and półtorak - 1/2 + 1 - being the strongest and most aromatic, and hence the most expensive. This amber-colored specialty beverage fits for a king and surely makes a unique present.

Mead is not as popular as beer, and so can’t be found at any store. Supermarkets and alcohol stores will surely carry at least three labels to choose from. The most popular ones are Miód Kurpiowski, Korzenny, Trybunalski and Lubelski.

Price: 17 PLN ($5.30) – 60 PLN ($18) per 0.5 l

Poland's most famous flavoured vodka tastes best when served chilled with a dash of apple juice. After you’re done with a bottle, don’t forget to suck on the single blade of sweet grass found inside, for it’s got all the flavor.

Yes, Poland is famous for vodka and there are a lot of good quality vodkas here to satisfy every taste. Apart from clear ones, there are plenty of flavored vodkas on offer. Żubrówka is a definite leader, being the most valued and sought-after flavored vodka in and outside Poland. Its exceptional taste comes from the extract of sweet grass, also known as Bison grass, growing in Puszcza Białowieska in the eastern part of Poland (and western Belarus). It’s not a liqueur, although it tastes like alcohol-filled chocolates, so a small glass of it can substitute a dessert for the adult part of the family.

Żubrówka is very popular and available in most stores throughout the country. The oldest of Żubrówka labels comes from Białystok, followed in terms of popularity by a recently introduced one from Lublin. You are also sure to find it in duty-free at the airport, so you can get it just before boarding the plane.

Price: 21 PLN ($6.50) per 0.5l