Top Greek Souvenirs

So you just got back from a wonderful, week-long trip to the Greek islands. The kids had a blast snorkeling and playing with the local kids, and you and the spouse got some peace, quiet, and sunshine. And this time, you actually remembered to take pictures! Here’s another great way to remember your vacation: souvenirs. We’re not talking about cheesy stuff from the hotel gift shop. Here’s the KidsLoveGreece guide to the Best Greek Souvenirs.

The first thing on your list is food. Get the very best olive oil you can find. Crete and Peloponnesus are known for their olive oil, so don’t miss out if you’re in the area. If you meet a Greek family, ask them where they buy theirs – chances are they have cousins or friends out in the countryside who grow olive trees and press their own oil. If not, ask around at the tavernas you visit. You can usually find pretty good olive oil at the local supermarkets, too. And it’ll be a lot cheaper than the high-end stuff back home! If you completely forget, you can pick some up from the duty-free section at the airport. Good olive oil makes the dish; whether you’re making a salad, frying up some veggies, or boiling up a pot of pasta, a drizzle of golden, fruity olive oil will turn it into a gourmet plate.

If you spent your vacation on an island – especially somewhere in the Dodecanese – then pick up a box or two of amygdalota (almond pastries). Every island has its own specialty: some versions contain rosewater, others have icing or honey. We also recommend buying some baklava to take home, too. Both baklavas and amygdalota make great presents for your loved ones at home.

Every region of Greece has a distinctive delicacy. If you’re in Kalamata, try the olives. You can usually buy them in sealed packages, which makes them perfect for the plane ride home.

Honey is another great option. Our favorite around here is thyme honey – other people like fir (elato) or heather (reiki), which are both good, too. One thing’s for sure: there are limitless options for you to take home.

Next, check out the little stores downtown or on the islands for cute sandals or long, flowy dresses. The sandals are comfortable, stylish, and cheap! We like stocking up on a few pairs to get us through the hot summers.

The airy, goddess-style dresses are perfect for trips to the beach, and they can even be dressed up for parties and fancy dinners. Get them in a bunch of different colors, and you’ll be all set!

These stores also sell sponges – sometimes hand-caught by divers, sometimes not – but these can be hit-or-miss, so we suggest spending your money on something else.

Finally, there are all the little knickknacks and figurines. From fridge magnets to little statues of the Greek gods, from gag gifts to serious pieces of art, there’s something for everyone here.

We like buying items we can use as Christmas tree ornaments. Greeks traditionally decorate model sailboats – kaikia – instead of trees for Christmas. If you visit in the late autumn, you’ll certainly find a wide selection of unique Christmas decorations. Picture frames and mugs are also good choices. You may have noticed a pattern here: we like our souvenirs to be functional! Our picks here will not only remind you of your special vacation in Greece, but they’ll also come in handy around the house, whether as snacks (for the first few days when you get back and your fridge is empty), clothes, or gifts. Remember our tips the next time you’re on holiday in Greece!