Visiting Luxor ! Where to shop online for authentic Egyptian Gifts ?
Authentic Gifts, Souvenirs, and Presents From Egypt
The topography of Cairo has changed dramatically in the last 25 years. Where both business and cultural life used to be concentrated in Downtown Cairo and it’s environs, now it is dispersed in outlying satellite cities and suburbs as people choose to escape the city. Shopping has also largely been relocated to huge malls near or within these new communities. A trip to the mall is unlikely to feature on the wish list of any tourist visiting Cairo wanting authentic Egyptian souvenirs, gifts, or collectibles . A far more likely desire would be to rummage in specialty authentic shops. Despite Cairo’s changing geography this is still the best and most exciting possibility and can reap great rewards.
(Khan el Khalili) is the obvious place to head to for souvenirs and gifts, it remains a colorful and atmospheric part of Cairo which is a must-see for any visitor but a lot of the products are mass produced - sometimes even from China - so caveat emptor! It’s still a good source for Egyptian silver jewellery and personalized Cartouche and hand blown glass, but if you want high and authentic quality more original handicrafts it’s better to look for your Egyptian gifts in independent specialty stores elsewhere.
Egypt has a long tradition of weaving, dating back to Pharaonic times. Today the weaving villages of (AkhMim ) and (Nagada ) continue to produce beautiful hand-loomed Egyptian cotton scarves, shawls and throws which can be found in Zamalek at (Nomad) and at some other stores. The eponymous shop Nagada in Dokki reworks the cotton shawls into interesting clothing and home-wares.
Also with a long tradition of weaving the Bedouin of the Western Desert still make beautiful wool kilim, and rugs on floor looms. The vibrant colors - predominantly red and black - and striking patterns make the Bedouin kilim rug an unusual and special memento of Egypt. Nomad Gallery has the best selection and shipping can be arranged worldwide.
The Bedouin of North and South Sinai are also renowned for their handicraft skills and a variety of Bedouin products can be found in the stores mentioned above. The Bedouin of North Sinai embroider in cross-stitch on purses, cushions and shawls using the same motifs which have adorned their dresses for centuries. The Bedouin women of South Sinai use beading and embroidery to create beautiful purses, bags and cushions. The skills and motifs would traditionally have decorated the sugar bags which every Bedouin carried but the colors and models are definitely 21st century. That makes it a great authentic gifts from Egypt.
A proper tour of the top Discover Egypt independent stores specializing in high quality authentic Egyptian crafts should also yield some products from Nubia, another part of Egypt’s rich cultural tapestry. look in ( Nomad Gallery ) for really ravishing unique vintage Nubian products - henna pots, special old baskets and plates as well as some antique Nubian Silver Jewelry.
Other popular touristic souvenirs in Egypt include a huge collection of reproductions of almost all shapes of Pharaonic gods as well as major kings and queens of ancient Egypt. These objects are made out of Bazalt, Granite stones, Alabaster, Mother Of Pearl, Ivory, and Ebony, and they are sold Press Here For Treasure Items at almost any touristic market or any historical site in Egypt.
Shopping in Cairo is an exciting adventure and unique experience. The independent stores will welcome you warmly – very often with with a glass of mint tea - you’ll definitely have more fun Egyptian Top Quality Souvenirs than you would in the newly erected glittery modern malls ….