The Art of Gifting: Unusual Souvenirs from Moscow

Iconic Moscow Souvenirs

If you’d like to keep the image of Moscow close, consider something practical that you’ll actually use. The “Moscow” brand (yes, it is named just as the Russian Capital) offers a wide range of stylish items — clothing, accessories, and stationery — that easily fit into your suitcase. Think T-shirts and hoodies, tote bags, reusable bottles (both glass and thermal), wireless power banks, keyrings, cardholders, and notebooks. If you’d prefer something more substantial, look out for a bomber jacket or trainers so that Moscow keeps you warm even when you’re back home.

Addresses:

Sweet Souvenirs

Did you know that Moscow has its own flavour? The city’s signature cake — the “Moscow” cake — might be difficult to take with you, but you can enjoy a slice in many local cafés. Alternatively, try the “Moscow” chocolates, which capture the same taste in bite-sized form. In 2024, the city also introduced a special branded tea called “Moscow,” sold in pretty tin boxes. You can find both the tea and the chocolates in souvenir shops and major supermarkets.

“Made in Moscow”

In the “Made in Moscow” boutiques, you’ll find much more than souvenirs. The range includes clothing from local designers, as well as cosmetics, homeware, accessories, jewellery, and other unique creations. In the stores, you’ll find house-shaped candles in traditional Russian style by Unification Love, scarves featuring original designs inspired by Russian fairy tales by Aliya Alieva, Christmas tree ornaments by Miracle Pot, and gift sets of teas from different regions of Russia by Sugrev.

Addresses:

• Meeting Point “Biryusinka” – Bulatnikovskaya Street, 9А
• Meeting Point “Angara” – Chongarskiy Boulevard, 7
• Meeting Point “Baikonur” – Dekabristov Street, 17
• Meeting Point “Mars” – Inzhenernaya Street, 1
• “Lomonosov” Cluster – Ramensky Boulevard, 1

Unique Merchandise from Museums

Many of Moscow’s museums have their own souvenir collections — usually two types: a permanent line with the museum’s branding and a temporary one linked to current exhibitions. For instance, the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts sells elegant enamel pins in the shape of Michelangelo’s David, as well as notebooks, pens, tote bags, and accessories featuring the museum’s logo. During special exhibitions, the museum also releases themed catalogues, scarves, brooches, and even wine stoppers related to the display.

Another good example is the Museum of Cosmonautics, where you can buy space-themed pins — a tiny cosmonaut, a rocket, a satellite, or even the first dog in space. The shop also stocks notebooks, planners, and stargazing journals, along with a wide range of merchandise: T-shirts, mugs, and pens. Most intriguingly, you can even purchase a fragment of a meteorite or artefacts found during archaeological digs.

If you happen to be there, the VDNH (Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy) is just a short walk away. Its own shop sells everything from standard souvenirs — tote bags, T-shirts, badges, and keyrings — to books on the history of VDNH and its pavilions, keychains, soft mascots, water bottles, and even beauty products.

Almost every major museum in Moscow has its own line of souvenirs, from art-inspired gifts to beautifully designed books and accessories. At the Tretyakov Gallery’s New Building on Kadashevskaya Embankment, you’ll find a spacious gift shop filled with art albums, exhibition catalogues, design objects, and exclusive branded merch — a great stop even if you’re not visiting the exhibition itself. The Museum of Russian Impressionism also stands out for its elegant boutique offering art prints, ceramics, and contemporary takes on classic motifs. Other institutions, such as the Bakhrushin Theatre Museum and the Museum of Moscow, have charming shops where you can pick up meaningful keepsakes inspired by the city’s history and culture.