What to bring from Armenia: 6 unexpected handmade souvenirs

Yerevan sells souvenirs on almost every corner. Magnets, mugs, and keychains with Mount Ararat are waiting for you right outside the airport. For the real stuff, head to the city center.

Shopping in Armenia has long been part of getting to know the country. At the market, a seller is happy to tell you about their goods and expects a counteroffer. In brand boutiques, haggling doesn't work; there you pay the listed price.

Almost all the addresses on this list are in central Yerevan. You can walk between them along Abovyan, Teryan, and Tumanyan streets. Below are six directions to go for gifts that aren't obvious.

What people most often bring back from Armenia

💡 In short:

• Plan a route through the center: half the addresses are within walking distance.
• Decide in advance what you're looking for: food, skincare, jewelry, or clothing.
• Haggle at Vernissage and don't waste your energy bargaining in boutiques.
• Store addresses and opening hours: verified on 09/13/2026 on the city tourism office website.

The average tourist leaves with a bottle of cognac, a box of apricots, and a ceramic plate. These things are fine, but they're sold in every kiosk. They say little about the country's craftsmanship.

The second layer of souvenirs is made by small Armenian brands. They sew clothing, make cosmetics, and assemble jewelry by hand. Locals know about them, but you often walk right past.

1. Taraz&Art: taraz with a modern twist

The Taraz&Art brand is bringing back the taraz, the Armenian national costume. Founder and designer Lilit Melikyan runs the Teryan cultural center in Yerevan, and the brand's boutique is located at 72 Teryan Street (as of 09/2026, Visit Yerevan). They make modern designs and historical replicas here, and the center is known for creating the national outfit for Kim Kardashian's visit.

© Clay Gilliland from Chandler, U.S.A. · CC BY-SAPhoto: Clay Gilliland from Chandler, U.S.A., CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

The collection includes jackets, kimonos, scarves, and bags with Armenian ornament and alphabet motifs. The pieces look modern and work for the city, not just for a photo shoot.

• Opening hours: the boutique is open six days a week, closed on Sundays
• Who it's for: if you want an item with a national code, not a magnet

2. Armenian cognac "Ararat"

Armenian cognac is made from endemic grape varieties of the Ararat Valley. Among them are Voskehat, Garandmak, Chilar, Mskhali, Kangun, and Banants. The main producer, the Ararat factory, has been operating for more than 130 years (as of 09/2026, ARARAT Brandy).

The factory has a museum with tastings where you can see the aging cellars. Tours run on a schedule; book your ticket in advance because groups are small.

© Vyacheslav Argenberg · CC BYPhoto: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

• Where to buy: the brand store at the museum and grocery stores in Yerevan
• Who it's for: those who want a bottle with a story, not Duty Free at the boarding gate

3. Nairian cosmetics made with Armenian herbs

Nairian produces natural cosmetics from Armenian herbs and flowers. The brand's founders worked in Silicon Valley, then returned to their historic homeland and launched their own production (as of 09/2026, official website). The company makes its own essential and plant oils and does not test ingredients on animals.

The range includes creams, serums, oils, a men's line, and hygiene products in neat packaging. You can buy the products at the store in central Yerevan and at the airport duty-free.

• Address: 34 Tumanyan St., Yerevan (Nairian)
• Who it's for: if you're looking for a gift without heavy fragrances

4. PreGomesh: silver with folk motifs

PreGomesh makes silver jewelry where Armenian symbols sound modern. The brand was founded by singer Sirusho in 2012; the label has its own jewelry workshop in Armenia, and the boutique is located at 8 Abovyan Street (as of 09/2026, official website). The collections include ear cuffs, double rings, chunky bracelets, and pendants with ornament.

The boutique operates in the center, next to other stores on this list. Here you can easily find a piece for both everyday wear and an evening dress.

• Who it's for: those who want jewelry with Armenian character

5. Designer souvenirs at the Dalan gallery

Dalan combines a contemporary art gallery and a handmade store. The gallery was founded in 2011 and shows works by contemporary Armenian artists (as of 09/2026, Dalan gallery). Alongside the paintings, they sell sculptures, ceramic plates, jewelry, and textiles by artisans.

There's an ethnic cuisine restaurant in the courtyard. Come here with time to spare: see the exhibition, pick a gift, and have lunch all in one place.

© Armineaghayan · CC BY-SAPhoto: Armineaghayan, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

• Address: 12 Abovyan St., Yerevan (Dalan)
• Who it's for: if you want a souvenir, not a mass-produced item from China

6. Obsidian jewelry and the Vernissage market

Obsidian is considered the most recognizable stone of Armenia. Almost all local jewelers work with it, and the pieces turn out one of a kind: you won't find two identical ones. Yerevan has boutiques like Artyom's, De Laur, and Anna Avakian Jewellery, but for flexible pricing, head to the market.

At Vernissage, which operates on weekends in the city center, they sell obsidian, Spitak Ceramics pottery, national costumes, and small sculptures (according to Visit Yerevan). Haggling is appropriate here: when buying several items, you can negotiate yourself a discount.

© Deb Collins · CC BYPhoto: Deb Collins, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

• Where to look: Vernissage and jewelry boutiques in central Yerevan
• Who it's for: collectors and those looking for artisan stone
• The catch: quality varies from seller to seller, check the stone on the spot

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Where can I buy unusual souvenirs in Yerevan?

The main addresses are concentrated in the city center, around Abovyan, Teryan, and Tumanyan streets. The Dalan gallery, the PreGomesh jewelry boutique, and the Nairian store are all here. For stone and ceramics, stop by Vernissage, which operates on weekends. Half a day on foot is enough to cover most of the spots.

Do I need to haggle at Vernissage and in stores?

At the market, haggling is appropriate and often part of the local tradition: the seller expects a counteroffer, especially when buying several items. In brand boutiques and galleries, bargaining doesn't work; there you pay the listed price. If a price seems high to you, calmly compare goods from neighboring sellers at the market.

Where can I find silver jewelry with Armenian motifs?

For silver, go to PreGomesh on Abovyan Street. Obsidian and silver are also sold at Vernissage and in boutiques like Artyom's and De Laur. Before buying, check the hallmark on the piece.

In short: what's worth booking

A selection matrix by taste:

• Looking for an item with a national code: go to Taraz&Art on Teryan Street.
• Need a food or drink gift: pick up Ararat cognac at the brand store.
• Want skincare: check out Nairian in the city center.
• Love jewelry: choose PreGomesh silver or obsidian from Vernissage.
• Traveling for artisan pieces: start with the Dalan gallery.

A walk through the center covers most of the addresses in half a day. Take this list with you: that way you won't buy a third magnet in a row and you'll come back with a gift that has a story.