Gifts from Turkey: 21 Best Turkish Souvenirs For All Those You Love

Who doesn’t love to have souvenirs and mementos from the places you visit? Gifts for friends. For family. For yourself.

When you think about the range of possible gifts from Turkey, the list is long and the options can be overwhelming. The longer I live in Turkey, the more unique things I find to add to the list.

Every time I go to Eminonu to go shopping, I am on the hunt for a new small gift to take back to friends and family.

When you come to visit, or maybe move here and head back home for a visit, this list of Turkish gift ideas will help you prepare and relieve some of the stress.

You won’t be disappointed either. Turkey holds some amazing gems! Let’s check out what to buy from Turkey as a gift.

1. Turkish Tea

Turkish tea is enjoyed throughout the day, all day. Regardless of who you’re with or what you’re doing, çay often follows.

Pro tip: This is not “chai” like the spice latte type drink. Turkish çay is a black tea.

While drinking tea is definitely not unique to Turkey, Turkey is actually known to have the world’s highest per capita consumption of tea in the entire world.

Though to be fair, the UK is a close second.

Depending on where you go, you may find some black tea infused with bergamot though it isn’t very common.

You can also find other herbal teas but simple black tea is definitely the most popular. Also because of the high import fees, most tea is locally sourced.

And when someone offers you çay, they mean black tea.

Don’t miss this post on 5 drinks that Turks love for other drinks to try while you’re in Turkey!

This is a classic and lightweight souvenir from Turkey if you’re running out of room in your luggage. It’s easy to find it as you roam the streets of Istanbul.

2. Turkish Coffee

Turkish Coffee is beloved worldwide! The best brand in my opinion is Mehmet Efendi. It’s also a favorite and most well-known by Turks.

When visiting Istanbul, you will likely see people queuing up for their daily coffee or for a party, they will be hosting.

It is always best fresh and typically purchased in small 100g size packages.

It is made in a special pot called a cezve. If you’re considering what to buy in Turkey this is a good souvenir you can bring back and enjoy at home.

I really love this video by Refika as she explains how to make this special coffee as well as a couple of different nontraditional options.

You’re also able to get a feel of the culture as she interacts with her friend Bahar.

Bringing home Turkish coffee is an unforgettable way to share a piece of Turkey with friends or family.

3. Nargile

Nargile is often known as hookah in the States. It is a water pipe that is used by various cultures throughout this region of the world to smoke tobacco.

There are lots of fun flavors these days and many don’t even contain nicotine.

The culture that comes with nargile is one of relaxing and slowing down. You will often see people just chatting while smoking or even playing a game of backgammon.

For those friends of yours, or yourself, who like hookah, this would be a great souvenir.

Because it is glass, either carry it in your carry-on or package it very well to ensure it makes it home.

4. Raki to drink with your Turkish Cuisine

This is the unofficial drink of Turkey. While Muslims don’t typically drink alcohol, Raki goes back a long time and is well-loved by many Turks.

It is a liquor made in Turkey from twice-distilled grapes and anise, giving it that black licorice flavor.

Raki is often enjoyed alongside seafood and meze (appetizers) and is always accompanied by a small glass of cold water.

While few drink it neat, it is typically mixed with water which changes the color from transparent to a cloudy white color.

While you can get it cheaper out and about in the city, it can also be purchased duty-free at the airport.

You will pay more for it but won’t have to worry about luggage space or it getting crushed along the way.

If you drink while you’re in the country, make sure you learn about drinking in Turkey.

Pasabahce Raki Glasses

Enjoy your newly purchased raki at home in traditional Turkish raki glasses.

5. Traditional Instruments

Turkey has some great instruments that are so worth bringing back from your epic vacation!

• Oud – This is a great gift for guitar lovers who are ready to learn Middle Eastern type music. It has a short neck, either 11 or 13 strings, and is a part of the lute family. Even though it isn’t unique to Turkey, it was a staple of Turkish folk music
• Baglama – Part of the long-neck lute and plucked string instruments family. It has three strings and is tuned to a different scale than Western music.
• Kemence – This bowed string has three strings. The classic kemence is bowl-shaped whereas the black sea region kemence is a box-shaped lute. It’s played held upright with the tail on the musician’s knee.
• Kavul – While it isn’t unique to Turkey it has a long history in Turkish music. It was often associated with pastoral life as it was traditionally played by shepherds. It is similar to a flute but made out of a single piece of wood.

6. Turkish Delight

My first memory of something like Turkish delight was a product called ‘aplets and cotlets’ when I was a child. We would get them from my grandma for Christmas.

I loved them. The powder coating but soft and gel inside with a kiss of nuts made them my joy.

Then I had Turkish delight and realized it was nearly the same, with a different name. This is one of the most unique Turkish items for kiddos, IMO.

While I loved aplets and cotlets when I was a kid, I would now say Turkish delight is far better.

While you can get prepackaged Turkish delight, or lokum, beware of the date on the package to ensure it is as fresh as possible.

The packages can sit there for a long time….and trust me, it is better fresh. When they are old, they aren’t nearly as soft.

Though it may not have fancy packaging, you can purchase however much you want of any variety in bulk at the Grand Bazaar or other local shops throughout the country.

If you’re going to buy, ask to taste them so you know which ones you want to bring back. Don’t, however, taste all of them and buy nothing. My favorite is the rose (gül). Enjoy!

7. Turkish Rugs from Istanbul

While Turkish carpets are a much-coveted item, you have to be careful when you go to buy one.

As you walk through the bazaar or down the street and see the rug shops, it is important to know that can’t make as much money here typically from a rug as they can when they export it.

It can be hard to get a good deal. That being said I have a connection if you’re in Kadikoy.

Adalı El Dokuma Halı has a good reputation and he has quite a selection! Just let him know Kimberly sent you in!

That being said, make sure you take someone with you who knows rugs. Maybe you’re visiting a Turkish friend or know someone who knows someone.

In the end, it will be much better for you if you do.

One thing to note is that if you do purchase a rug here, they will often ship it to the States for you free of charge.

But make sure that you are dealing with a reputable company so you don’t get stuck with a knockoff or something that is “gets lost”.

8. Traditional Turkish Spices

The spices in Turkey are fragrant and delicious, though I must admit, I do miss oregano. Of the things to buy in Turkey, this is the perfect one because they are delicious and lightweight.

One of the spices I have learned to cook with more is paprika. Here it is called tatli pul biber (sweet paprika) and has a different flavor than in the States.

So if you like to cook or know someone who does, don’t forget to grab some.

While prepackaged spices are handy, they are also not as fresh. As you walk, you will notice so many different spice shops.

You can go in and tell them how many grams of a spice you want and they will package and seal it for you…much fresher than prepackaged stuff.

When I have gone back to the States, I have taken anywhere from 100-200g of spices as gifts for people. They absolutely love them.

If you like spicy flavors, I highly recommend Osmanli baharat which simply means Ottoman spice. I use it on meat and veggies.

I really love doing a fried rice kind of thing with some that thrown on. It also really complements a red lentil soup. Let me know if you have a favorite!

9. Gold Jewelry

One of the first things I noticed when coming to Turkey was the gold. The gold’s yellow color is like the sun on a humid day, rich and saturated.

It’s stunning. It is a very important part of Turkish culture.

When someone gets married the guests are expected to buy these gold coins that, in traditional weddings, get pinned to the bride’s dress.

The amount being pinned on the bride is announced in front of the crowd…no pressure!

But also people invest their money in gold. As you know it always has value. You will see gold bangles and earrings and rings.

Throughout the country, you will be able to find gold and silver shops with beautiful jewelry to buy as mementos.

Often times you will see bracelets and necklaces with the evil eye on them, which they believe brings good luck.

10. Turkish Lamps

Ah, Turkish lamps. If you’re not familiar, the value lies not so much in the lampstand but in the lampshade.

In fact, you can often just buy the lampshade. These lamps come as chandeliers, floor lamps, ceiling lamps, or table lamps.

Take your time browsing so you don’t have buyer’s remorse by spotting something you like more later.

Pro tip: If you see one you absolutely love, go for it because you may not see it again!

Turkish lamps are quite common in tourist areas throughout Istanbul.

11. Ceramics/Pottery

Turkish ceramics, known for their intricate designs and vibrant colors, are among the most popular souvenirs travelers bring back from Turkey.

While you can get them throughout the country, there are a few places that are well-known for it. One of the best places is in Cappadocia.

If you take a tour in Cappadocia, you will likely stop at a pottery place and watch a demonstration of their hand-building pieces.

You will be able to see them hand painting the pieces as well as buy all your favorites. The work is extraordinary!

While I was in Cappadocia, I even got to sit at the wheel! What a blast it was.

It made it even more enjoyable to buy something and support them, which I am sure they realize.

If you want genuine hand-painted pieces, you will pay more for them, though it is also better quality.

You can also find kitschy stuff at the bazaar and other stores that make perfect Turkish gifts for friends and family.

12. Backgammon

Known as tavla in Turkey, this is a game you will see many playing in coffee and tea shops.

Couples playing. Old men playing. Friends enjoying a glass of tea and playing. It is considered the national game of not only Turkey but also Eastern Mediterranean countries.

Backgammon is an easy-to-play game with a bit of strategy and a lot of luck.

For the special game lover in your life—or yourself—this would make a fantastic souvenir to bring back home and start playing!

Make sure you look around as there are many different styles.

13. Luggage

You can find pretty decent quality luggage fairly inexpensively.

My mom visited me recently. Having left the US for the first time (except for trips to Mexico and Canada), she didn’t have much sturdy luggage nor had needed it.

On her way here though, both of her suitcases were trashed. Perhaps one of them broke before she even arrived.

But when she went home, she ended up buying some new luggage and was so pleased with her new silicone hardish-shell suitcase.

14. Knockoffs

You’ll find plenty of knockoffs here. When I visited Ephesus, one shop was even proudly advertising their fake watches.

Beyond watches, you can find knockoff versions of just about anything: purses, clothes, shoes, and glasses.

These make great gifts, especially for young people who don’t necessarily need the real thing but want something trendy and fun.

You’ll find knockoffs everywhere in Turkey. On the Asian side, look in Kadıköy, and on the European side, check the tourist areas.

In smaller cities, visit tourist shops for these items. And remember to haggle! As a foreigner, you may be charged extra, so bargaining is expected.

15. Antiques

Antiquing has always been one of my favorite activities, even back in the U.S. If you love antiques, Turkey will be a real treat!

One interesting thing about Turkey is that shops of a similar type, like pharmacies or antique stores, are often clustered together in certain areas.

This setup makes shopping and bartering even more enjoyable.

Pro tip: It’s illegal to take anything out of the country that’s more than a century old. Attempting to do so could result in serious legal trouble.

If you’re unsure about an item’s age, take it to a museum to verify it or simply skip the purchase.

16. Turkish Tea & Coffee Sets

As I mentioned before, Turkish tea glasses have a unique shape. A set of them is a good gift idea from Turkey for the tea and coffee lovers in your life.

You can find them in local shops in neighborhoods or if you prefer something fancier try the malls, though expensive doesn’t always mean better.

If you’re bringing Turkish coffee home, consider adding a set of Turkish coffee cups. These sets are available in various quantities and styles.

Make sure you check out the local milyoncular (kinda like a Walmart-type store where they have a little bit of a bunch of things).

You might find some real gems! Some of my favorite sets were found in Eminönü, just outside the Grand Bazaar.

If you forgot to get a set while you were here, here are my favorites that you can buy from Amazon.

17. Leather

Turkey offers fantastic prices on leather goods due to the abundance of lamb and mutton here, which provides soft leather for many products.

When buying leather, it’s good to bring along someone who knows what to look for.

Make sure you’re getting hakiki leather, which means genuine. There are plenty of fakes around, but if you ask, they’ll let you know if it’s genuine.

Also, be sure to try on leather clothing before buying.

Since every item is handmade, no two pieces are exactly the same. If you want a custom piece, allow plenty of time for it to be made.

18. Kolonya

Kolonya has become one of my favorite additions to daily life since moving to Turkey. Kolonya is a type of scented sanitizer, but it’s so much better than regular hand sanitizer.

Kolonya doesn’t leave your hands feeling sticky, and it comes in many different scents. My favorite brand is Eyüp Sabri Tuncer, which offers fantastic options.

Classic lemon is popular, but there are so many scents to choose from. One of my favorites smells like Fruit Loops!

This popular Turkish souvenir is available in travel sizes, making it easy to pack and uniquely Turkish.

It’s also the perfect travel companion, fitting in your carry-on to keep your hands fresh and clean.

19. All the Pashmina

You’ll find beautiful pashmina scarves and towels here. If you know about pashminas, you know they can be quite expensive elsewhere.

While they aren’t dirt-cheap here, you’ll find them at much better prices than in the States.

I’ve brought back scarves for friends, and they absolutely loved them. Be sure to check the labels, as some are 100% cashmere while others are blends.

True pashmina comes from the fleece of the Changthangi goat, an exotic animal found at high altitudes in Ladakh.

20. Chocolate

Ah, chocolate. Who doesn’t love it? I know some of you aren’t fans, but for the chocolate lovers in your life, Turkish chocolate is a must.

Surprise your friends and family with delicious Turkish-made chocolate.

One of my favorite brands is Vince, which I’ve only been able to find at A101. Their bitter chocolate is absolutely delicious.

They also have a wonderful bitter chocolate with orange. I’m not a big fan of milk or white chocolate, so I can’t speak for those varieties.

But Turkey has plenty of chocolate options to try. Not sure which one to get? Grab a few varieties to sample during your trip, and then stock up before you leave.

21. Natural Soaps

Turkey also has many wonderful natural soaps. Just be sure to read the labels and look for organic or handmade options, as some soaps look natural but aren’t.

I have a local friend who makes all her soaps by hand with organic ingredients.

Follow her on Instagram if you’d like to purchase some while you’re here—she also has great hair oils and creams.

Enjoy the rich, soft feel a good soap provides! And don’t forget an authentic Turkish bath towel to go with it for the perfect gift.

BONUS Gift from Turkey: Pillow Covers

As you walk around, you’ll see rug shops selling some of the coolest throw pillow covers.

These make great gifts if you know the style you’re looking for.

The best part is you can take them home and simply use an old pillow as stuffing or buy a cheap pillow to retrofit. It’s that easy!

Shopping Tips for Turkish Gifts

Be prepared to haggle—especially at the Grand Bazaar. The prices are higher because it’s expected. Keep these tips in mind:

• Understand the market. Have a ballpark figure in mind and know what you’re willing to spend.
• Remember this is an honor/shame culture. While you want a good price, avoid shaming the seller by driving the price too low.
• If you really want something, play it cool. If they know you want it, they’ll price it accordingly. Be ready to walk away if the price isn’t right.
• Don’t give the first price. Start low so they move you toward a reasonable price, but do some market research first.
• If you’re buying multiple items, ask for a bulk discount.
• Remember that the price discussed is for cash payments. Using a credit card may add up to 10% more due to fees.
• Don’t buy everything at the beginning of your trip—you don’t want to lug it all around. Many of these items are available in different cities around Turkey.

If you save your receipts, you can get a VAT (Value Added Tax) refund at the airport. Just be sure you know what you’re signing.

And always get everything in writing. As a foreigner, people may try to take advantage of you, so it’s essential to protect yourself.

Resources for your trip

Accommodations

There are some great places to stay in Turkey but they are always changing, which makes it hard to give specific places.

That being said, I like booking.com because of the genuineness of the reviews. There of course is AirBnB.com.

Transportation

Public transportation is pretty great in Istanbul. In other smaller cities, there isn’t as full coverage but there are still metros and buses in a lot of places.

If you’re in Istanbul, you can get an IstanbulKart. Other cities also have their own public transportation cards.

Car Rentals

If, however, you want to do more wandering and exploring, then it would be great to rent a car. Make sure that you figure gas prices into your budget.

They are pretty high here right now. That being said, I have used DiscoverCars.com and had a great experience with them.

Travel Insurance

There are so many options and sometimes you need different things. That is why I like using TravelInsurance.com.

They work with many different providers and you can pay for only what you want/need.

I also like that it shows you actually customers’ reviews of the policies. Some are definitely better than others. Take a gander and protect yourself.

Tours & Activities

While some people prefer to wander around and figure things out on their own, others really enjoy tours and activities.

The great thing about the latter is it gives structure if you’re unsure of what to do.

That being said, make sure you go with someone who is reputable. There are two that I recommend. Get your guide has all kinds of activities.

You can search by type of activity, put in your dates and even see prices. They also have reviews so you can see how other people liked the activity.

But you may also be even more familiar with Tripadvisor. They are the world’s largest travel site and help you discover great ideas for your trip, find places to stay as well as places to eat.

Flights

You can search for flights everywhere. Some websites like Kayak and Skyscanner give good results but they don’t have access to all the flights.

Turkish Airlines has really been upping their game and has released a ton of new direct flights from the States to Istanbul.

Final thoughts on what to buy for all your gifts

I hope you found this list helpful!

When planning your luggage space, consider bringing items for your expat friends here (since some things are hard to find) and freeing up space for Turkish souvenirs to bring back.

Check out my Packing Travel Hacks and Tips for International Travel for more ideas to help you prepare!

What Turkish souvenirs are you most excited to bring back? Did I miss anything? Drop a comment below.