Pakistan is the land of diverse cultures, rich history, various traditions, and many people. Whether you are back in Pakistan to see your people or you are coming to Pakistan for the first time. The land of culture and uniqueness has so many things to offer to your friends and family as souvenirs to take back. Pakistan’s markets are filled with souvenirs from Pakistan to take back for your loved ones. 

Taking gifts for your loved ones from a vacation is an experience and a feeling that you take. It is one of the best ways to share your holiday memories with your loved ones, and even share with them a side of Pakistani culture and heritage. 

If you are looking for souvenirs to take from Pakistan, then here are some ideas. 

Handicrafts and Artisanal Products 

Pakistan is renowned for its rich culture and heritage souled into handicrafts and other artisanal products. Diverse crafts such as handwoven textiles, truck art products, woodwork, pottery, and even delicate jewelry reign the markets in Pakistan.

Each province of Pakistan reflects techniques that have been preserved through centuries. Here are some of the most popular items

Carpets and rugs

With their hand-woven craft, to-date some of the best carpets in the world. Pakistani carpets have been hand-woven since around the 11th century. These carpets are manufactured in Mori and Persian Patterns. 

Intricate patterns and age-old methods make these carpets and rugs a delight to any home decor. If you think that carpets are too big to carry to another country, then you have options. Rugs and carpets come in several different sizes and even weights. In fact, a lot of craftsmen make coaster-size rugs so you can carry them easily without missing out on the intricate work. Yes! The work is even finer when it comes to the coaster-size rugs.

Blue pottery 

Multan is one of the most vibrant cities in Pakistan. One such mirror of this vibrancy is the exclusive blue pottery from Multan. 

Blue Pottery is a very unique form of ceramic art glazed with vibrant blue hue patterns. Blue pottery has several decorative forms such as vases, tiles, coasters, and more. In fact, they come in usable forms such as plates, serving trays, and even glasses. 

Copperware and brassware 

Not very popular but highly loved in Pakistan is metalwork. The craftsmanship is mostly done in Peshawar and it is a sight to see. Decorative plates, spoons, vases, and trays from Peshawar are widely celebrated. In fact, these metalware objects are kept especially for guests to add to the beauty of the meal in front of guests. 

One of the best parts of these souvenirs is that they are long-lasting. With some maintenance and polish from time to time, they last for generations. Ask us, I still have my grandma’s metalware with delicate embossing and designs from over 100 years ago. 

Truck art

Truck Art is a very Pakistani art form with vibrant colors, whimsical designs, and a lively vibe altogether. While this is not officially a very old and traditional type of art, in some ways it is!

You see, Pakistanis love loud colors and vibrant patterns. Just attend a Pakistani wedding to validate this. This art has always been painted on trucks and public buses to make them stand out. 

A few years ago, they garnered international fame and they have become part of Pakistan’s art culture ever since. There is no limitation on truck art. You have truck art t-shirts, coasters, phone covers pop sockets, cups, mugs, plates, spoons, keychains, keychain holders, and even shoes. Just like with art, the options are endless. And throughout the country, you will find endless items with a truck art twist. 

The vibrancy of truck art makes it possible to add one tiny thing to your home and make it shine bright. The fun part is that it will never mess up your decor and complement it at the same time as being a standalone limelight piece of art. 

Fabrics and clothing

Pakistan is one of the global leaders in textiles, especially cotton. In fact Pakistan is the top fifth exporter of cotton with an annual sale of about $3.73 billion. Perhaps this is the reason that Pakistan excels in producing garments, bed linen, towels, and every other thing made from the finest cotton in the world. Besides cotton, Pakistan also excels in synthetic fiber, filament yarn, art silk, wool, and jute.

Apart from the quality, the prices are absolutely insane which is why everyone can get something. If you want to take fabrics, textiles, and clothing from Pakistan, here is how you can enjoy the material with an added touch of Pakistan. 

Pashmina shawls

If you think you have loved and enjoyed Pashminas, then take a deeper look at Pakistan. Pakistan is known for its crazy soft and warm Pashmina Shawls. To add a bit of Pakistan, you will find them hand-embroidered, embellished, and even printed Pashminas. Albeit slightly expensive, they are worth each penny. 

Ajrak

Proudly made and owned in Sindh, Ajrak is a traditional and often sacred block-printed textile. Deep indigo and red patterns make up flowy designs that are made to turn heads. While they were originally made as covers for men and women in cotton, they are now made in different fabrics as well. Since Sindh has always been hot, light cotton printed sheets helped people against the heat and sun. 

Today, they are part of fast and evergreen fashion. You can find them as tablecloths, shawls, wall hangings, and even in cloth jewelry. Ajrak products are exquisite gifts. In fact, in Sindh, people who want to show their love and massive respect to you, give you Ajraks as part of the honor to carry it. 

Leather Khussas 

Forget court shoes, take some leather footwear called Khussas from Pakistan. Since Pakistan has fine leather, these shoes are like flat pumps. You can find them in almost every color in the world. However, the most popular and loved ones are the truly colorful. They are typically adorned with embroidery, tassels, and even mirrorwork. 

You will also find truck art khussas which is an absolutely perfect gift to take for your loved ones. 

Jewelry 

What woman does not love jewelry? Pakistan has a variety of different jewelry ranging from expensive and luxurious to even everyday wear. When in Pakistan, visit all kinds of markets to find jewelry you can take back. 

Semi Precious jewelry 

If you want to go for semi-precious stones like topaz, emerald, and aquamarine then Gilgit Baltistan is the place to go. You will find these stones in all kinds of decorative items, jewelry, and even custom-made jewelry.

Not pricy, but definitely worth the buck, these stones bring an exquisite look in any and every outfit.

Traditional Jewelry 

Pakistan is home to unique and very traditional jewelry. One of the most culturally rich styles is Kundan Jewelry. Kundan originally means gold. Uncut and polished stones are ornamental to this jewelry with a layer of wax to give them a matte finish. Brides in Pakistan enjoy this jewelry the most. However, Kunda jewelry is available in artificial designs too. 

Meenakari Jewelry is an ancient Mughal style of ornaments. The stones in them do not have much limelight because the vibrant enamel work on the metal makes them stand out. This jewelry can be made in precious metals, or more commonly in artificial material. And they are one to make heads turn. 

Apart from these, there are so many unique designs in jewelry that you can find in all price ranges. Making them pass the souvenir test. 

Food

It is safe to say that Pakistan is synonymous with food. There are so many different styles to make each dish – each one of them better than the other. 

Of course, you might not be able to pack everything and take it for you, which is why we are telling you some of the things that you should pack up with you.

Sweets

Pakistani sweets are called mithai which literally means sweetness. One of the most popular ones is the gulab jamun. Now, I hope the reader is not expecting me to describe gulab jamuns because words are simply not created to explain the sweetness these balls of delight bring. 

Alongside, we have jalebi which is like brittle sweet pretzels. Of course, there are better ways to explain this golden sweet delight, but the best way to understand is to taste them.

If you are worried on how to take them, there are plenty of authentic bakeries and shops that offer tin-canned sweets to take and are flight-friendly. 

Other foods in savories include Biryani. However, Biryani is only from Karachi. The rest of the cities are just not fair to it. Nihari is an absolute gravy fest with pieces of mutton or beef. Both these are also available in tin packs to take with you. 

Take a piece of Pakistan with you

Pakistani souvenirs are a way to share the culture, history, heritage, and the entire country with friends and family. Each item that you carry with you holds generations of stories and backgrounds that are worth talking about. These souvenirs are emotions that any soul can easily absorb. So take back a part of Pakistan with you!