A recent survey revealed the list of gifts and souvenirs that would be the most welcome presents for Russians. Alcohol and food that cannot be purchased in Russia scored two highest positions on the list of most wanted gifts.

Most wanted presents for Russians

Russian girls have a special relationship with gifts, since the culture of the country dictates to bring a present when visiting or returning from a trip as a courtesy gesture.

This can be quite testing for people returning home from vacations, since everyone they know expects a little sign of attention that the person was thinking of you while having a good time away from home.

Tutu.ru asked its users what kind of presents they would prefer to get from someone who went on holidays, and this is what people really wish to get.

Food and drink

It may surprise you that the most welcome present would be… cheese and ham! Special kinds of imported cheese and hams, which became popular in Russia, were banned for export from the European Union in response to the economic sanctions by EU, which were imposed after Russia’s takeover of Crimea in 2014.

This type of food can be brought from Europe in limited quantities for own consumption, however, this is why when friends and family return home from European holidays, 1 in 4 people (25%) would love to see the forbidden delicacies as the souvenir.

Wine or alcohol scored only the second place on the list (22%). 11% of people would love to get sweets. Seems like something that can be eaten or drunk is the preferred present from another country. In addition to the items we already mentioned, 7% of users said they would like some exotic spices.

Other goods and souvenirs

Among the other things, fridge magnets or postcards are a nice sign of attention for 11% of users. Souvenirs such as seashells, frames, or plates are a welcome gift for 8% of people. Clothes with prints (think a T-shirt) is something that 7% of people would enjoy.

But if you forgot to bring a gift, don’t despair. 9% of people will be excited if you just give them some foreign coins or banknotes!

Top presents

1. Cheeses, smoked hams and other food that cannot be purchased in Russia: 25%.
2. Local wine or other alcohol: 22%.
3. Sweets: 11%.
4. Fridge magnet of postcard: 11%.
5. Local money: 9%.
6. Seashells, plates, frames: 8%.
7. Spices: 7%.

Clothes with original prints: 7%.

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