Don't Buy Souvenirs, Buy Greek

Plaka and Monastiraki: one of the most heavily touristed neighbourhoods of Greece and home to the ubiquitous cat calendars, packs of ancient pornographic playing cards and phallus shaped bottle openers. My friends, do not get caught up in the tourist trap this year. The stuff sold at these stores isn’t made in Greece, it isn’t hand crafted and it isn’t pretty. Before buying that magnet that will likely break on its way home, ask yourself if the receiver truly wants it?

I’m a firm believer in purchasing gifts that are thoughtful and sustainable - a piece that will stay in someone’s wardrobe, home or jewellery collection through generations, or be used to make a delicious meal that will conjure the scents and flavours of a Greek taverna. Buying art direct from a Greek artist in their studio is surely a smarter and more distinctive purchase than another replica of an ancient Greek vase?

If you want to take something special home from your Greek sojourn this year, buy from one of the brilliant brands / artists / boutiques I’m listing below. They can all be found here in Greece and also online. I’m providing links and locations - many of which are in Athens, along with some of my favourite flea markets, boutiques and stores. I’m also adding ideas of low (and no!) cost souvenirs.

I’m separating the list into categories: clothes, jewellery, homewear, art and produce, and also listing my shopping hot spots.

If you buy anything to take home with you this year, please buy Greek.

Happy Shopping!

A recipe. Recipes as souvenirs are my favourite thing and I feel as though I can’t travel without picking up a recipe from my destination these days. If you love a shrimp saganaki at a local taverna - don’t be shy - often the proprietors of local spots are more than happy to share their culinary secrets.

Beeswax candles are fantastic little gifts and won’t set you back a fortune if you know the right spot to grab them. Just off Monastiraki square in the heart of Athens is a spot where lots of church supplies stores are located. Agiou Markou Street in Athens is where I go to get all my beeswax candles. They smell and look very chic.

Foraged and dried herbs. Wild thyme, oregano, sage and mountain tea grow wild in Greece. I love to pick it when I come across it, then I dry it out in the sun. A little herb bundle makes for an incredibly cute and thoughtful gift.