What to bring from Veliky Novgorod as a gift – 17 best souvenirs

The history of souvenirs, all kinds of gifts that Novgorod is famous for, dates back centuries. The ancient Russian city, located at the crossroads of trade routes, was a rival of Kiev, and in terms of the number of curiosities it was not inferior to large European shopping centers.

And Veliky Novgorod is an earthly paradise for gourmets, fans of national Russian cuisine. In this amazing place, you should definitely buy sweets, pastries, fish and meat products, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks made according to an old recipe.

Mittens

Woolen, downy accessories cause a lot of positive emotions in children and adults. Warm, practical wardrobe items will warm your hands in any cold weather. Trade in mittens goes on in the city all year round, around the clock, everywhere. Novgorodians are very proud of simple products that have become an important part of Russian national culture, clothing for men and women.

Important to know: the city claims to be the birthplace of mittens, or at least the place where the name of accessories comes from. Novgorod products do not have a single style. They are a mix of monochrome, contrasting solutions, combinations of intricate patterns, strict geometric shapes, images of figurines of coastlines, women in childbirth, fabulous and real animals, ancient amulets that protect the owners of things from the evil eye.

Regarding the last point, it is better to consult with local grandmothers, whose products are of excellent quality and more affordable than in shopping centers, shops, price. Representatives of the older generation will be happy to tell you what things are better to buy for a child or an adult so that they do not jinx it.

birch bark products

Natural material has a unique energy and a lot of useful properties. Birch bark is used in folk medicine to strengthen the immune system, cleanse rituals, treat colds, and prevent viral diseases. Healers attribute amazing properties to birch bark: it helps the physical development of the body, relieves excessive emotionality, and makes it easy to overcome stressful conditions.

It is natural that products made from such an amazing material (jewelry, caskets, dishes) are in stable demand among guests and residents of the city. Local workshops “Style”, “Volhva” are known far beyond the region and Russia.

The first one was opened in the late 80s of the last century and today offers more than 500 souvenir options: from fridge magnets to medals and tuesas. “Volhva” – the author's workshop in a suburban village is famous for its handbags, outlandish animal figurines, toys, baskets, created in single copies.

Valdai bell

These amulets are relatively young by the standards of Russian history – amazing things began to be produced more than 300 years ago. They immediately gained immense popularity among children and adults. You will never confuse Valdai bells with similar products created in other parts of the world. Northern souvenirs-amulets have a special purity of sound, laconic elegant form.

For the production of products used high-quality copper alloys. It is bronze that gives the bells unique acoustic properties. Amulets help cleanse the energy of people, apartments, houses from negative vibrations, drive away evil spirits and insidious spirits, get rid of depressive states.

Traditional medicine advises using the ringing of bells to prevent viral diseases, treat diseases of the central nervous system, increase brain activity, and vitality. To believe in it or not is a personal matter for everyone. However, scientifically proven: bell ringing kills pathogenic bacteria of influenza, cholera, tuberculosis, smallpox, plague. And scientists cannot give a logical explanation for these facts.

Krestetskaya line

This embroidery technology is quite rightly compared with a miracle. It allows craftsmen to turn cuts, pieces of linen fabric into masterpieces of applied art. The craft, according to legend, was born thanks to the peasant women of the village of Staroe Rakhino. Historians and local historians have not yet come to a consensus about the birthplace of embroidery. It is difficult to say how long the Krestetskaya line was a purely home-based craft, but in other parts of Russia it became known less than 150 years ago.

If the embroidery is genuine, it will be made using natural linen threads. Outwardly, it is somewhat reminiscent of real Italian guipure. Her patterns form lace directly on the canvases. The threads are pulled out of the fabric by the craftswomen, and then amazing weaving is created on the vacated areas.

The latter give homespun things tenderness, airiness. In local shops, shopping centers, souvenir shops, a huge assortment of products with Krestetskaya line is presented: towels, curtains, bedding, wardrobe items.

You can order in the online store krstrochka.ru.

Jewelry “Kudesy”

Popular accessories received an outlandish name in honor of folk performances during the Holy Evenings. There is another (more plausible) version of why the Novgorod craftsmen decided to give such a common name to their products. Christianity could not completely eradicate the pagan Slavic heritage. In February and today, Kudesy is celebrated in the rural outback – a holiday when spirit helpers are honored.

First of all: brownies who protect housing from all sorts of troubles, keep animals, protect children and pregnant women. Coudes are consonant with the word: “cook”, that is, to create magic. It is with him that travelers compare the works of the masters who created their communities on VKontakte and other social networks. There is a company with the same name in Veliky Novgorod.

Her specialists make jewelry-amulets exclusively from natural materials: metal alloys, leather. Products are decorated with ancient symbols of the Moon, the Sun, the four elements, the legendary Alatyr stone. They carry positive energy and, as the legend says, change the lives of their owners for the better.

You can order jewelry here: vk.com/kudesy_jewelry

Old Russian magnets

Souvenirs are usually called traditional, because such products can be found in almost all corners of the world. In magical practices, magnets are used to attract good luck, positive, wealth, prosperity, success. The Novgorod workshop of the Aleshins (website oldrusuvenir.ru) is especially popular with Russian and foreign tourists. Its range is not limited to magnets. It produces silver jewelry, women's, men's, children's jewelry, accessories.

Modern models of ancient Russian magnets are a kind of mix of pagan and Christian traditions. In Veliky Novgorod, everywhere on sale you can see magnets with Orthodox prayers, images of zodiac signs, chirs of Slavic gods and goddesses. No less popular is another type of souvenir: motivators. They are perfect for people of any religion. The same can be said about magnets with images of city sights or phrases of great people.

printed gingerbread

Goodies are produced in the city in industrial quantities, but handmade confectionery is of particular value. Real gingerbread is prepared only from natural raw materials – without the use of artificial sweeteners, dyes, preservatives. Aromatic impregnation is also an indispensable element of products. The secrets of its preparation are still protected from the curious today, because the production of gingerbread literally feeds entire dynasties of confectioners.

Goodies in the city are sold and served everywhere: in shops, grocery kiosks, shopping centers, cafes, restaurants. The cost of confectionery varies, but the most expensive traditionally are gingerbread with images of local attractions. If the size of the luggage allows, experienced travelers recommend stocking up on kilogram sweet souvenirs, because they are the most interesting. Real printed gingerbread cookies are easily absorbed by the body and saturate it with useful trace elements.

Jam

The delicacy is produced in different regions of Russia. In the southern part of the state, it is boiled from pears, grapes, exotic fruits, spices and spices are added to syrups, and they actively experiment with a mix of fruits. Novgorod jam is more traditional, classic. The product is prepared according to traditional recipes. The only thing is that honey has long replaced sugar in it, which, according to nutritionists, turned out to be a mistake. Nevertheless, a natural product reveals the taste of berries better.

But on the other hand: when heated, honey releases carcinogens. Novgorod jam is mainly made from lingonberries, blueberries, cranberries, blueberries, cloudberries, and cones of coniferous trees. The last option is the most unusual in taste. Cones boiled in sugar syrup have unique properties. They treat colds, strengthen the immune system, rejuvenate body tissues and even… whiten tooth enamel. An amazing delicacy is used to prevent viral pathologies, as a means of raising vitality.

Honey

Its composition can be compared with a masterpiece created by nature specifically to heal any ailment. Beekeeping products in Veliky Novgorod, like gingerbread, can be found at every step. All kinds of natural delicacies are simply impossible to count. Travelers are advised when choosing sweet souvenirs (if there is no allergy to honey) to focus on health, the purpose of the product and its effect on the body.

If you need to whiten your teeth, improve the condition of gum tissues, it is better to choose honey in combs. Beeswax will favorably affect the microflora of the oral cavity. It makes sense to buy mixed herbal honey for supporters of physical activity. Acacia – has a good effect on blood vessels, linden – heals the bronchi, strengthens the nervous system. A nice bonus: all types of honey help fight the effects of stress, can be used as a tonic.

Candy

In terms of production of sweet products, the city has long been competing with St. Petersburg and Moscow. The Novgorod confectionery factory is known far beyond the borders of Russia. However, handmade chocolates are becoming a new local trend these days. Northern products are interesting for their combination of various components in fillings. A special place among the delicacies is occupied by candy caramel. Today it is produced on the basis of natural juices, they give sweets a special taste and aroma.

The cost of Novgorod sweets varies. The most expensive chocolate products are produced according to Austrian, Italian, German recipes. In terms of quality, they are not inferior to the famous Swiss, Belgian, Luxembourg chocolate. Gourmets advise giving priority to sweets with nut, berry fillings, as they have a completely unique aftertaste.

Cheese

Immediately it is necessary to clarify: there was no such name in the Slavic and Russian languages ​​for many hundreds of years. The product was called cottage cheese. And only thanks to the Dutch in Russia did they learn about its new name. Veliky Novgorod is now called the capital of cheese factories. There are dozens of production facilities here. Combines, companies, private workshops are in fierce competition for the hearts and stomachs of consumers.

“Papa-cheese”, “Kurtsevo”, “From Novgorod region”, “Mr. Cheese” – the names of famous gourmet enterprises sound like music. A special place in the list of dairy products is occupied by the cheeses “Kolokol Ganza” and “Novgorodsky truffle”. The first has a sharper taste, great for wine.

Its manufacturing technology involves the use of equal proportions of cow and goat milk – this is how the cheese was brewed centuries ago in the German-speaking countries. “Novgorod truffle” is closer to French cheeses. It goes well with alcoholic drinks, all kinds of salads. A special aftertaste is given to it by truffle mushrooms, paprika, red pepper.

Smoked fish

Fish products are another delicious souvenir that will give gourmets a lot of magical moments. Fish recipes in the region date back centuries. Sea bass, tuna, cod, salmon, pink salmon. For each family of fish, special smoking methods are provided in order to maximize the taste of the products.

It is noteworthy: in Veliky Novgorod they manage to cook in such a way that, for example, even connoisseurs confuse pieces of smoked pink salmon with other fish if the scales are removed from them. Guests of the city, local residents are in equal demand for cold and hot smoked fish. Novgorodians began to add hot spices to this product relatively recently.

Not all gourmets are delighted with this option. However, smoked fish with spices is ideal for strong alcoholic drinks. And another secret: there are no varieties of bay leaves growing in the region, which give the products a special color and a spicy aftertaste. Novgorodians are increasingly growing crops in greenhouses (rather than buying from the south) in order to use local raw materials for smoking (even in small quantities).

Sweets

When it comes to popular delicacies, many immediately name the products of the Novgorod Confectionery Factory. The company is associated with old recipes, and it was opened in the early 90s of the last century. The company is positioned as one of the flagships of the domestic food industry, but there have been ups and downs in its history. Novgorod products in Russia can be found everywhere. And yet it is better to bring the freshest delicacies from the place of actual production.

The most popular Novgorod sweets: chocolate bars, nougat, sweets, marmalade, all kinds of caramels with milk fillings. The latter are especially interesting because confectioners use whole, natural milk. Professionals are also actively experimenting with the compositions of soft caramels, but so far they are more reminiscent of well-known German counterparts in taste.

Meat products

The list of its varieties is endless. Almost all food production in the region are simultaneously the owners of agricultural land and enterprises. This undoubtedly affects the quality and variety of products. Novgorod manufacturers actively support the policy of refusing antibiotics and artificial dyes. This additionally draws the attention of consumers to the quality of local products.

The Veliky Novgorod Meat Yard is recognized as one of the leading regional enterprises. The agro-industrial complex of the full cycle is quite rightly called exemplary. He owns 6 well-known trade brands, including Meat Reserve, Tasty Custom. The Old Russian Meat Yard is not inferior to it in terms of popularity.

The company specializes in the production of high-quality canned food, all kinds of pastes. All industries are trying to adapt homemade recipes to modern technological conditions and are in favor of tightening the fight against fakes of local products, which are increasingly appearing on the Russian market.

Ivan tea

A useful souvenir is called one of the visiting cards of the region. The medicinal plant grows not only in this area. However, only Novgorodians were able to organize the sale of medicinal tea and bring the product to the level of a regional brand. Ivan-tea can be purchased in an unusual package with landscapes or in modest bags. In any case, the original product will bring a lot of benefits. Why is he so valuable?

Fireweed drink is useful for adults and children. It prevents the appearance and development of cancer, strengthens the immune system, helps fight viral pathologies. It is important to know: extreme fireweed rarely causes allergic reactions. And one more bonus: it has magical properties. If you drink Ivan tea daily, energy vampires are not terrible. Evil spirits also do not favor fireweed.

Kvass

The Novgorod drink is produced in such quantities that the volume of production would be enough to fill the basins of the Black, Azov and a couple of northern seas. The city is considered the birthplace of kvass, at the same time it disputes the title of the capital… fruit drink and mead. What do 3 drinks have in common? Naturalness. High-quality kvass, fruit drink, mead cannot be prepared with the addition of artificial dyes, flavor enhancers, and other chemicals.

Real Novgorod kvass contains a small amount of alcohol. But it is absolutely harmless to the body. An amazing drink has a positive effect on vitality, improves digestion. It can be used with various products and separately.

In any case, health will be beneficial. And one more thing: gourmets do not advise mixing kvass with berry syrups in the German manner. With Novgorod beer it works great. And it is better to initially purchase berry kvass, and not bread, if you are interested in trying this option. This is a very interesting drink.

Tinctures and balms

Immediately clarify: our story is not propaganda of the use, advertising of alcoholic beverages. Nizhny Novgorod tinctures, balms do not need a special introduction. In this area, drinks are made in production and at home. Especially valuable are the types of aperitifs, balms, tinctures, where there are wild berries and medicinal herbs. Novgorodians use coniferous cones and oak bark to make drinks.

An important condition for the creation of healing alcohol: pure river or spring water (if it is needed according to the recipe). It is often pre-infused with silver. One of the oldest domestic enterprises of the alcoholic beverage industry is located in the region: the Alkon plant. A specialized store has been opened with him, where prices are very moderate and the assortment will please the most fastidious gourmet.

It is the plant that produces the famous Veliky Novgorod vodka, is the owner of the popular brands Sadko, Spotykach, Spasskaya. If you are a supporter of a complete rejection of alcohol, be sure to grab the Ilmenskaya water as a keepsake of the city. It is also produced here. It is interesting in that its quality is almost identical to the water that was in this area before the appearance of numerous factories and plants.