Prague's Old Town, filled with windy streets shadowed by Baroque castles and churches, is cluttered with souvenir stores selling the usual Central European tourist kitsch. But along with the beer mugs, T-shirts, and postcard strips, visitors can find some unique gifts and souvenirs.
Czech Jewelry and Crystal: Fit for a Czar
Garnets: The dark red semi-precious garnets are a sort of "national gemstone" of the Czech Republic. The deep red stones are relatively inexpensive, but are valued for their deep color, their refractive qualities, and their supposed curative powers. Bohemian garnets are only found in Bohemia, and have been worn by czars, princes, and emperors. Jewelry-maker Granat Turnov is one of the leading names, and can custom make garnet pieces, which can be set in sterling silver, gold-plated silver, or gold.
Crystal: Czech crystal is internationally renowned, Goblets, plates and dishes, bowls, decorative objects, and beads are all available. Based in in Karlovy Vary, Moser Glass pioneered the development of non-leaded crystal that is ecologically more friendly and avoids the problems associated with lead. They specialize in glass products for the luxury market. Factory visits are possible. The leaded tradition is represented by Rucki Crystal, a family business going back 300 years, The Rucki glassworks factory is located in northern Bohemia in in Nižbor, and makes a 24 percent leaded crystal that is chosen for official state gifts.
In addition to garnet and crystal beads, Czech jewelry stores also sell a wide election of glass beads, so if you're interested in beading as a craft form, be sure to make some time for bead shopping.
Czech Folk Arts and Crafts: Easter Eggs and Pottery
Easter Eggs: The Czechs have made a miniature art form out of hand-blowing eggs. A pin prick is made at each end of the egg, and the egg whites and yolks are blown out. The egg is then cleaned and painted, using wax to dye successive layers and imprint designs. The ends of the egg are then sealed with a wax stopper applied to each end, These are, of course, extremely fragile, so only buy them if your travel plans will allow them to survive. At home, try to display them in something other than direct sunlight, which causes the colors to fade.
Czech national costumes: The national folk costumes of the Czech people are hardly worn in everyday life anymore, except, perhaps during folk festivals. But blouses, children's clothing, hats, handkerchiefs, table linens, and dolls costumed in folk attire sometimes contain some of the traditional Czech embroidery and workmanship.
Painted pottery: Hand-crafted plates, vases, bowls, and jugs bearing brightly colored floral patterns and folk designs are reasonably priced and pretty, and available virtually everywhere.
Czech Spa Gifts and Body Care Products
The Czech spa industry has always attracted visitors from abroad, even during the Iron Curtain days. The country has a long tradition of spas, and a number of local manufacturers make herbal and natural body oils, bath products, potpourri, handmade soaps, and cosmetics. Manufactura and Botanicus are two names to look for; both have multiple outlets in Prague..
Spa Wafers; So-called spa wafers are a 150-year-old tradition. The thin wafers are covered with a mix of sugar, hazelnuts, vanilla, and cinnamon. Originally developed as a treat for spa goers, they took on a life of their own, and are available spa towns such as Karlovy Vary, in groceries, or hot and fresh from street vendors.
And finally, there's beer. In the Czech Republic, Buying a beer mug as a souvenir makes a certain amount of cultural sense: Czechs claim the invention of Pilsner, and drinking beer is practically a national sport. So by all means, get a beer mug.
But while you're souvenir shopping, in Prague or in smaller towns in the Czech Republic, do take time to look at the many unique items that reflect Czech folk history as well as the country's cultural position at the center of central Europe.
Karen Berger - Karen Berger is the author of 15 books. Please click on her name to read her full bio.
