There’s something special about all souvenirs, regardless of what they are! Buying or keeping a souvenir is like taking a piece of your journey with you. Souvenirs are like mementos, showing how important and valuable your moments have been in a particular time or place. Often, they tell the stories of your journeys better than words and descriptions.
In this blog post, we’ve gathered the experiences of 12 travelers who share their recommendations on what souvenirs to bring back from your trip to Iran. The photos you see here are taken from the travelers’ diaries, showcasing their adventures and memories from their journeys in Iran. Each image adds a personal touch, highlighting the unique experiences that made their trips unforgettable.
Persian Rugs: A Touch of Elegance
When it comes to souvenirs from Iran, certain handicrafts immediately come to mind, and the most iconic of these are carpets. Persian carpets and rugs have long been seen as some of the most valuable and treasured pieces of Iranian art and culture, admired across the world for centuries. They represent not just craftsmanship but the rich history of Iran itself. When I asked Sankara, a fellow traveler, about his favorite souvenir from Iran, he didn’t hesitate to mention a beautiful carpet he had taken home. He explained how it perfectly captured the essence of his journey.
Handmade Iranian carpets from the grand bazaar of Isfahan. They adorn the living rooms in my sister’s house and mine.
By Sankara from Be On The Road
Many people are immediately captivated by the patterns and symbolic designs woven into Persian rugs and carpets. Once you understand the stories crafted into the warp and weft, it’s hard not to be enchanted. Each Persian rug, made in a different city of Iran, reflects the lifestyle and character of that place. For example, the carpet patterns from Kerman often depict the city’s lush gardens and mountaintops covered in flowers. In contrast, the rugs made by nomadic tribes like the Bakhtiari or Qashqai reflect the imaginations of the women who weave them. As they travel through the mountains, migrating with the seasons, their designs bring to life the landscapes they see along the way.
The art and craft traditions are incredible in Iran. Carpets are obviously highly popular, but I was surprised by the diversity of patterns and weaving styles. But we were limited in space and weight in our backpack, so we bought a double-pocket saddle bag called Khorjin, highly colorful and a testament to Iran’s weaving legacy.
By Patricia and Bruno from Ze Wandering Frogs
Want to learn more about the Persian carpet patterns and the beautiful rug styles? Check out our article about Persian Rug Styles, and if you want to explore the Persian rugs by yourself, you can join our Persian Carpet Tour.
Persian Minakari: Art in Every Piece
Many travelers see Persian carpets as the most valuable souvenir to bring home. But there are so many other treasures to discover. As you wander through the carpet shops around Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan, you’ll notice many stores glowing with beautiful shades of white and blue. Peeking into the windows, you’ll spot stunning plates, bowls, and jars made with Minakari, a traditional form of enamel work. On either side, colorful tiles line the displays, catching your eye. The beauty of these handcrafted pieces might tempt you to step inside, just like it did for Karin and Patrick, who couldn’t resist the charm of these delicate works of art.
When we were in Isfahan, we spotted a lot of these beautiful colored tiles (the ones they use for the mosaic in the mosques). We had to buy some of them! We ended up with 10 tiles and a little carpet. Since we are on a world trip, we shipped everything back to Switzerland. Unfortunately, not every tile made it home in one piece… but I guess this is what mosaic is about, right! :-)
By Karin and Patrick
Handmade Dolls: A Symbol of Culture
Since Iran is renowned for its unique arts and handicrafts, you might already have a few souvenirs in mind before you even set foot in the country. But your trip might surprise you, and you’ll discover so many more treasures than you ever imagined. From beautiful handmade dolls to other traditional crafts, you’ll find items that truly capture the essence of Iran’s rich culture. Interestingly, Jacki told me that her favorite souvenir wasn’t something she had expected. It was inspired by the everyday life of Iranians and their strong family bonds. She chose to bring back dolls to symbolize these deep connections that she experienced during her travels.
I bought a bunch of adorable small dolls from a shop on my way to Rasht, and then bought more in Massouleh. They are so adorable, and I gave them away as gifts and also kept about 10 at home. They are dolls of little girls as well as these grandparents’ elderly-looking dolls. They are not only so cute, but they also remind me of the strong family dynamics that is so heavily emphasized in Iran and the rest of Asia (same as Taiwan and China where my parents and grandparents are from).
By Jacki Ueng at Bohemian Vagabond
Not everyone sees a connection between dolls and the Iranian lifestyle, but isn’t that what souvenirs are all about? It’s about finding something that speaks to you personally, something that holds a special meaning only you can truly understand. A souvenir should carry a message or memory that’s unique to your experience, even if others might not immediately see the connection.
Monabat Kari: Intricate Wood Carvings
Theo, who was fascinated by the architecture and layout of the local bazaar in Shiraz, told me he preferred the engravings on a ring over the patterns found in carpets. While many travelers are drawn to the intricate designs of Persian rugs, Theo’s eye was caught by something smaller yet just as meaningful. Monabat Kari, the delicate art of wood carving, is one of the unique handicrafts in Shiraz. It’s not just about the craft itself but about how each piece tells a story. For Theo, the engravings on his ring captured the essence of Shiraz in a way that felt more personal and connected to his experience there.
The souvenir I took with me was a handmade Silver ring with wood engrave made in the local market of Shiraz, one of the oldest markets in the world; I love to walk and see the products they have there, also brought a lot of magnetics and postcards from the cities that we visited.
By Theo Santana
Iranian Sweets: Tasty Souvenirs to Take Home
While decorative souvenirs are lovely, many travelers prefer to bring back something they can taste. For some, like Florian, the flavor of Baklava instantly brings back memories of Yazd’s starry nights. He recalls enjoying it with tea at a rooftop café, overlooking the city. Iran is rich in regional sweets, and each city has its own specialties to offer. If you have a sweet tooth, you’re in for a treat! From Gaz in Isfahan to Baklava, Sohan, and Masghati, there’s no shortage of delicious souvenirs to bring home and share with loved ones—or keep for yourself!
Persian Tea: A Sip of Tradition
Another taste that lingers in memory comes from the lush green leaves covering the plains of Gilan Province. If you ever travel to the north of Iran, especially to places like Gilan and the village of Masouleh, you’ll catch the fresh scent of tea leaves being harvested, even as you drive along the road. Tea is deeply woven into the fabric of Iranian culture and lifestyle. It’s almost impossible to visit Iran without being offered tea in someone’s home.
For Kamila, Persian tea became the highlight of her journey. The aroma and flavor were so unique that it’s now the key to making her trip unforgettable. Each sip takes her back to the peaceful landscapes of Gilan and the warm hospitality she experienced during her visit.
Tea! Lots and lots of tea! Half of my backpack was packed with tea on my way back from Iran, and now, whenever one of my friends goes to Iran, I ask them to bring me Persian tea. I’ve always been a big fan of black tea, but the one in Iran was extraordinary, the best one I’ve ever had. On my last day, I went to a small tea shop at Kashan market and spent all my money on tea – I didn’t regret it for a single moment.
By Kamila Napora from My Wanderlust
My trip to Iran has also changed my perception of drinking tea. In Poland, most people make tea from bags since it’s convenient. I don’t think I’ve seen teabags anywhere in Iran; the tea served there was leafed, and now I can’t imagine drinking teabags anymore; they just don’t taste good, unlike the tea leaves.
Are you curious to read more about travelers’ experiences in Iran? Take a look at our first diary roundup about their best moments in Iran, where you can explore the best moments of a trip to Iran through the stories shared by other visitors.
Saffron: The Golden Souvenir of Persian Cuisine
One of the things you’ll miss most after your journey to Iran is the unforgettable taste of Persian cuisine. The unique ingredients and spices that define Iranian food can be perfect souvenirs for yourself or as gifts for family and friends. At the top of the list is saffron, often called Iran’s “red gold.” It’s one of the most valuable spices in Persian cooking and adds a distinct flavor and vibrant color to many dishes.
David found saffron to be the ideal souvenir, but you might also fall in love with other flavors from the Persian kitchen. Pomegranate sauce, Golab (rosewater), sumac, or cinnamon are all delicious and aromatic reminders of your time in Iran. Each spice brings a piece of the country’s rich culinary tradition back with you.
For souvenirs, I took the traditional saffron, some high-quality, low-cost silk, great handmade leather bag, and a beautiful suit. All beautiful things and very affordable for European.
By David Bakker
Souvenirs with Personal Meaning: Beyond the Usual
Aside from the usual options, a travel blogger might find that their photos and diaries are the most precious souvenirs—both for themselves and their audience. But when it comes to family, sometimes that’s not enough. Souvenirs for loved ones often hold a deeper meaning, going beyond what’s typical. Shared histories and personal memories can inspire you to choose something unexpected, something that only those closest to you will truly understand.
Robert, for instance, brought back something that might seem random to others but had special significance for him.
I took photos and stories for myself. For my family members, I bought a variety of things. Most notably, I bought my sister a lot of camel paraphernalia. These are our favorite animals (we had a stuffed camel that we shared, growing up), so it was special to bring back figurines and other camel-related toys from Iran.
By Robert from Leave Your Daily Hell
Clothing and Fabrics: Unexpected Souvenirs from Iran
Iran’s rich culture and history draw many travelers, but as an Islamic country, the idea of traveling here might seem daunting for some female visitors. The requirement to wear a hijab can feel overwhelming at first. However, for many, the clothes and fabrics worn to follow the dress code become treasured reminders of their time in Iran. What starts as a necessity often turns into a meaningful memento.
Iranian culture has infused its history into the patterns and designs of manteaus and scarves, making them not just practical but beautiful souvenirs. You’ll find stunning fabrics and garments that you can take home, just like Aimee did.
I took home some beautiful material that I got in a market in Tehran. I used it to cover my head while I was in your country. Friends also took pocket knives as they were beautifully carved wood.
By Craig and Aimee from Kinging-It
For many female travelers, these pieces of clothing aren’t just about blending in—they become personal keepsakes, full of memories and experiences from their journey through Iran.
If you’re a full-time traveler like Alex, you might find that a simple piece of cloth becomes your most cherished souvenir. It may be small, but it carries the essence of your journey. Fabrics from Iran, with their intricate patterns and rich history, are not just practical—they hold stories. For someone constantly on the move, a piece of cloth can be a lightweight, meaningful reminder of your time in a place as unique as Iran. It’s a souvenir that doesn’t take up much space but can carry the memories of your adventure wherever you go.
Ah, I’m not really one for souvenirs! As a full-time traveler, I’m very picky about what I put in my backpack. My only souvenirs were the rainbow manteau I bought to adhere to the local dress code (a must as a female traveler!), and the SIM card I used while in the country.
By Alex Reynolds from Lost With Purpose
Souvenirs: Small Tokens with Big Meanings
It really depends on your personal preferences, but even the smallest, seemingly worthless objects can hold deep meaning. Souvenirs are like gifts from the places you visit, and I strongly encourage you not to overlook them, no matter how simple they seem. By accepting these tokens, you carry a piece of that place with you, along with all its unique qualities and hidden stories.
Inês shared her experience with me, explaining how she missed the chance to take anything back from Iran:
I actually didn’t get any souvenirs as I was traveling with the smallest of backpacks and budgets. However, when I go back to Iran, I would love to bring a carpet with me (of course) and some beautiful Minakari Plates.
By Ines from Mundancas Constantes
Taking her experience into account, you might not want to miss your first opportunity to collect meaningful souvenirs. Iran offers a wide range of special items, from intricate handicrafts to artistic treasures. Each of these souvenirs carries its own stories, reflecting Iran’s rich history, traditions, and the memories of its people. For more ideas, check out our post on the Best Handicrafts of Iran: Souvenirs from the Past.
