What to buy in Poland

Poland is one of the best yet most underrated shopping destinations in Europe. Because Poland does not bank on the Euro, the American dollar goes remarkably far against the zloty. Inside shops and market stalls, you can find beautiful local crafts, high-quality wool sweaters, charming pottery, unique spirits, and much more. 

Here are some of my favorite things to buy in Poland instead of generic tourist trinkets.

Some of my favorite things to buy in Poland

Wool sweaters

The Poles certainly know how to stay warm. You'll find sweaters at boutiques and shops, but my vote is to visit the local thrift stores (as always when you travel). In Poland, I've found great sweaters (like the one pictured above), scarves, and artwork in secondhand shops. You’ll encounter the most authentic neighborhoods and find unknown treasures. Plus it’s pure fun to hunt alongside real Polish grandmothers. 

Pottery

Polish pottery ranges from appealing rustic pieces to elaborate ceramic Christmas trees. It’s beautifully made and affordable. Buy something you can use daily like a mug, a small bowl, or a butter dish so you can touch it often. You can find pottery-exclusive boutiques all over Krakow, or try the markets near the center for smaller, artisan-made items. The mugs pictured above are from a personal favorite, Huta Ceramiki.

Candy

Near the St John Paul II Center is a massive Carrefour grocery store inside the massive Galeria Krakowa shopping mall. Inside, visit a candy aisle unlike anything I have ever seen. The staggerings selection feautures rows and rows of Polish chocolates, gummies, and amazingly weird concoctions that you won't find anywhere else. Buy a ridiculous amount. Buy things you can't identify. Stuff every crevice of your suitcase with delight.

Handmade wooden crafts and candles

The market stalls of Old Town feature beautiful handmade wooden crafts: carved boxes, chess sets, Nativity figures, small toys, spoons, ornaments, and handmade candles. Look for items with visible tool marks and slight imperfections to distinguish real ones from anything mass-produced. I love the intricate wooden boxes for gifting medals or rosaries. Pro tip: I like to buy our annual Advent candles abroad. They make a special souvenir that connects pilgrimage with liturgical life. 

Sacred objects

You’re in the land of a thousand saints. As you visit the dozens of sacred sites including ancient cathedrals, monasteries, and shrines, make time for the gift shops and bookstores to find medals, sacred images, rosaries, books, and a ton of great sacred merch like tiny popes or puffy Faustina stickers. Pro tip: If you’re planning to bring home medals or rosaries, pray with them in these holy places for a truly special and impactful gift. 

Small antiques

At thrift stores and flea markets you can find antique statues of the saints, crucifixes, and religious medals with authentic age and patina. Search your map app for antyki or pchli targ (flea market) to find shops near you. 

Lip balm and natural skincare

I bought the best lip balm of my life at a random Polish pharmacy. While French pharmacies get all the attention, Polish pharmacies carry an excellent selection of natural skincare products at shockingly affordable prices. Pro tip: I like to do pharmacy shopping early in a trip; that way, if you end up loving a particular lip balm, hand cream, or eyeliner, you can return to buy backups.

Natural souvenirs

Natural souvenirs are perhaps my favorite. A stone from the trails St John Paul II hiked at Kalwaria and the Tatra Mountains. A leaf pressed from the grounds of the Divine Mercy Shrine. A small handful of earth from St Maximilian Kolbe and St Edith Stein's Auschwitz. These cost nothing but mean everything. Collect natural souvenirs in a zip pouch for your packed luggage. You can bring home tangible connections to the places where something real happened to you. 

Vodka 

It’s no secret that Poland takes vodka seriously. Regular grocery stores offer an extensive vodka selection, including flavored vodkas (like honey, cherry, or plum) that make highly appreciated gifts. Try Zubrowka, Belvedere, or Wyborowa. Pro tip: Wrap your bottles in worn laundry (or secondhand sweaters!), then pack them in the wells of your checked bag so they arrive home safely. The tighter your bag is packing, the safer it is—best to really stock up.

Tips for shopping in Poland

• Most shops accept cards and tap, but carry a little cash for market stalls and public restrooms.

• The best markets are set up behind the cathedral in Main Square of Krakow's Old Town.

• Go in the morning when the stalls are fully stocked and the light is good for capturing photos of the charming displays.

• As in most of Europe, bring your own shopping bags. Sometimes you can purchase bags at checkout, but many smaller shops and vendors won't have bag service.

P.S. Poland is one of our favorite pilgrimage destinations. Thy Ship can help you build and book a trip you'll never forget.

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Contact me. I am a Catholic author, artist, speaker, pilgrimage leader, and travel concierge.

I'd love to collaborate with you on your next retreat, day of reflection, pilgrimage, trip, or event.

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