The Best Souvenirs to Buy in Egypt: A Shopper’s Guide

Cultivating Connections Travel Planners
Sep 18
5 min read

Egypt is a land of ancient wonders, vibrant culture, and bustling marketplaces. If you’re planning a trip to this fascinating country, you’ll want to bring back some unique souvenirs to remember your journey. Here are the top five souvenirs to buy in Egypt, along with tips on where to buy them, price points, bargaining tactics, and the unique experiences you can have while shopping, especially if you’re cruising the Nile.

Souvenir, Egypt, luxury travel, empty-nester, Cultivating Connections Travel Planners — Papyrus Scrolls

1. Papyrus Scrolls

Details: Papyrus, one of the oldest forms of paper, is a quintessential Egyptian souvenir. These beautifully painted scrolls often feature ancient Egyptian art, hieroglyphics, and scenes from mythology.

Where to Buy: You can find authentic papyrus scrolls in specialized papyrus institutes and reputable shops, particularly in Cairo and Luxor. The shops usually provide demonstrations on how papyrus is made, adding to the experience.

Price Points: Prices vary depending on the size and intricacy of the artwork, ranging from $10 for small pieces to $100 or more for larger, detailed works.

Bargaining Tactics: Bargaining is expected in Egyptian markets. Start by offering half of the initial price and work your way up to a mutually agreeable amount. Be polite but firm.

Tips: It’s better to buy papyrus earlier in your trip, especially if visiting a papyrus institute, as it ensures authenticity and gives you a benchmark for quality when you see other vendors.

2. Alabaster Crafts

Details: Alabaster is a soft stone used to create stunning vases, statues, and other decorative items. Each piece is handcrafted, making it a unique addition to your home.

Where to Buy: Luxor is famous for its high-quality alabaster products. You can visit workshops where artisans demonstrate the carving process.

Price Points: Prices can range from $5 for small items to $50 or more for larger, intricate pieces.

Bargaining Tactics: As with papyrus, start low and negotiate. If buying multiple items, ask for a bulk discount.

Tips: Buying alabaster in Luxor is ideal as you can see the craftsmanship firsthand and are likely to get better quality.

3. Perfume Oils

Details: Egyptian perfume oils, made from natural ingredients and essential oils, are famous worldwide. They are available in a variety of scents and are often sold in ornate glass bottles.

Where to Buy: Perfume shops in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan offer a wide selection. Many shops provide a complimentary scent blending experience.

Price Points: Prices range from $10 for small bottles to $50 for larger, custom blends.

Bargaining Tactics: Negotiate the price, especially if buying multiple bottles. Always test the quality by asking for a demonstration.

Tips: Buy perfume oils mid-trip to compare prices and quality from different vendors, ensuring you get the best deal.

4. Cartouche Jewelry

Details: A cartouche is an oval with a horizontal line at one end, enclosing a royal name in hieroglyphics. Personalized cartouche jewelry makes for a meaningful and stylish souvenir.

Where to Buy: Jewelry shops in Cairo, particularly in Khan El Khalili Bazaar, and in Luxor offer custom-made cartouches.

Price Points: Depending on the material (silver or gold) and the craftsmanship, prices range from $20 to $200 or more.

Bargaining Tactics: Bargain for a good price, especially if you’re having multiple pieces made. Ask for discounts on larger or more complex orders.

Tips: Order cartouche jewelry early in your trip to allow time for personalization and adjustments.

5. Bedouin Weavings

Details: Traditional Bedouin textiles, such as rugs, carpets, and shawls, are hand-woven using techniques passed down through generations. These items are colorful and intricate, often incorporating geometric patterns and natural dyes.

Where to Buy: You can find Bedouin weavings in bazaars in Cairo, particularly Khan El Khalili, and in markets in Sinai and other Bedouin-influenced areas.

Price Points: Prices vary widely based on size and intricacy, from $20 for small shawls to $200 or more for larger rugs.

Bargaining Tactics: Bargain enthusiastically, as vendors expect it. Offer around 50-60% of the asking price and negotiate from there.

Tips: Buying Bedouin weavings towards the end of your trip allows you to compare quality and prices from various locations, ensuring you make the best choice.

Unique Shopping Experience on the Nile

If you’re cruising the Nile, you’ll have the unique experience of vendors approaching your boat, showcasing their goods from small feluccas. They often throw items on board, allowing you to inspect and purchase them directly from the boat.

This experience is thrilling but be prepared to bargain hard, as these vendors are adept negotiators. A general rule of thumb is that nothing they sell should be over $US10.

When to Buy: Early vs. Late in Your Trip

Early: Items like personalized cartouche jewelry or authentic papyrus are best bought early to ensure you have enough time for customization and adjustments.

Late: Souvenirs like Bedouin weavings and alabaster crafts can be bought later in your trip after you’ve had time to compare quality and prices.

Site Vendors vs. Marketplaces

Site Vendors: Often found near tourist sites, they can be convenient but may charge higher prices due to the location. Bargaining is crucial here.

Marketplaces: Bazaars like Khan El Khalili offer a broader selection and competitive prices. Vendors expect bargaining, and you’re likely to find better deals.

Getting Help from Experts

To ensure you’re buying genuine products and getting the best deals, rely on your cruise line, Egyptologist, or certified tour guide. Here’s how they can help:

Cruise Line Assistance: Many cruise lines have partnerships with reputable vendors and can guide you to trustworthy shops. They often offer shopping tours that include demonstrations and special discounts.
Egyptologist Guidance: Your Egyptologist can provide insights into the historical and cultural significance of items, helping you understand their value. They can also assist in identifying authentic products versus fake ones.

Certified Tour Guide Support: A certified tour guide knows the local markets and reputable vendors. They can help you navigate the bargaining process and ensure you’re not overpaying. They often have established relationships with vendors, which can result in better prices for you.

Shopping in Egypt is an adventure in itself, offering a rich tapestry of experiences and unique finds.

Whether you’re cruising the Nile or exploring the bustling bazaars, these tips will help you navigate the markets, ensuring you bring home the best souvenirs from your Egyptian journey.

With the assistance of knowledgeable guides and a bit of bargaining savvy, you’ll have a rewarding and memorable shopping experience.

Shopping in Egypt isn’t just about what you bring home — it’s about the stories woven into every piece you carry back with you. From papyrus painted with ancient myths to hand-carved alabaster or a cartouche inscribed with your name, each treasure is a memory made tangible. If wandering Cairo’s bazaars or haggling from a felucca on the Nile sounds like your kind of adventure, let’s start planning your trip. I’ll guide you to the most authentic experiences (and the best bargains!) — and if you’d love to join me on a future Nile sailing with built-in shopping adventures, I’d be happy to add you to my VIP list.

To find out more check out my home page here.

Reach out today at erin@cultivatingconnectionstravelplanners.com

Or you can just give me a call at 405.310.7588

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