You’ve walked the streets of Tbilisi, tasted your first khinkali, watched the mountains catch the light — and now it’s time to think about what you’ll take home. Not just for yourself, but for family, for friends, for those who asked, “Bring me something from Georgia.”
Here’s a list that’s more than souvenirs. These are things you’ll want to hand over with a story, not just a receipt.
1. Churchkhela from the roadside, not the airport
Yes, you’ll see them hanging in rows at every market stall — long, colorful strands of nuts wrapped in thick grape juice. But the best churchkhela comes from a roadside seller, often just outside Tbilisi or in Kakheti. You’ll recognize it: the colors are natural, the shape imperfect. It’s sweet, but not too much. And when you buy it, someone will probably tell you how they made it at home.
2. Vacuum-packed sulguni
This cheese is brined and has a slight pull to it — somewhere between mozzarella and feta. And if you get it vacuum-packed at a local market, you can take it in your carry-on. Once home, slice it into a salad or melt it into a pie — and it will still taste of Georgia.
3. Handmade pottery from Shrosha
Shrosha is a village you might pass on your way to Imereti, known for its earthy, uneven clayware. Look for mugs, plates, wine jugs. They’re not perfect — and that’s the beauty. You’ll feel the shape of a hand in every piece.
4. Tkemali and adjika from a village shop
Georgian sauces are something else. Tkemali — sour, plum-based. Adjika — spicy, red, intense. The versions you’ll find in supermarkets are fine. But the ones in unmarked jars at a small roadside store? Those are worth the weight in your luggage.
5. Embroidered items with Georgian patterns
Whether it’s a hand towel, a cotton bag, or a piece of clothing — look for embroidery. You’ll find traditional designs at roadside stalls between regions, and also in pieces by modern Georgian designers in Tbilisi boutiques. Each stitch tells a bit of a story — about mountains, symbols, and identity.
6. Amber wine from a real winemaker in Kakheti
Georgia is the cradle of wine, and Kakheti is its soul. Forget the store-bought brands. Visit a small winemaker, taste amber wine aged in qvevri — clay vessels buried underground. It’s rich, bold, and nothing like you’ve had before. Take home a bottle that doesn’t just taste good — it feels alive.
7. A photo book about Tbilisi
These are often printed in small batches, sold in book cafés or at flea markets. They’re full of light and shadow, balconies and backyards. Tbilisi is a city of texture — and these books know how to show it.
Each of these gifts carries a little part of the country — not just what it looks like, but how it feels. And when you hand them over back home, you’re not just giving someone a thing — you’re giving a glimpse.
