A must: the Dry Bridge Flea Market
Stalin or Lenin would no doubt turn in their graves if they learned that the emblems of their power were vulgarly on sale and traded at an open-air flea market. Yet that is the case. After the fall of the Soviet Union, many people in Tbilisi found themselves in a state of utter destitution, hence the birth of this market where they sold their objects. Nowadays, anything and everything can be found there. You will find not only objects dating back to Soviet times, but also coins and lamps, antique coins and jewellery, oil paintings. The site is also known for its antique shops. If you don't have any specific ideas in terms of gifts, go for a walk, you will surely be enlightened, the choice is wide.
The minankari
Enamel can be found on almost every street corner in Tbilisi, even in the shops in the underground passages under the crossroads. Minankari are Georgia's enamel art objects, some of which are sumptuous. An ancient technique is used to make them: the enamel is placed on a silver, gold or other metal support, which is twice baked in a kiln. These jewels, being handmade, are relatively expensive, but display beautiful colours and great refinement. You will have a wide choice of rings, pendants and bracelets. In Tbilisi, you can visit the Enamel Art Ornament Gallery on Erekle II Street and Pokany Gallery on Bambis Rigi 7. You can also visit the old caravanserai building, Karvasla, near the Sioni Church. The most beautiful are supposed to be in Mtskheta.A bit of gastronomy
Georgian gastronomy is excellent. You will be able to bring back some very original sweets, such as walnut or white cherry jam, these deserve to be tasted. Tea drinkers, you will not be disappointed by bringing back tea from Gourie. It will delight the palates of the most demanding connoisseurs. Don't forget the herbs and spices in the bazaar next to the station. It's hard to talk about Georgian gastronomy without mentioning the famous churchkela, those surprisingly delicious sweets that you will see on every street corner all over Georgia. You can't leave Georgia without testing its wine and bringing back at least one bottle. If you are exploring the wine region of Kakhetia, bring back a bottle and why not in its emblem, the famous terracotta jar.
Textiles
Just by their colours alone, scarves and fabrics for men and women are remarkable. You will have the choice between wool or felt scarves in sumptuous colours. There is a very wide choice of bags and accessories. Tablecloths with beautiful patterns or a bit of Indonesian batik style are also worth a look.
You can also bring back traditional costumes(tchokha), the famous woollen coats (nabadi), hats, daggers(kandjari), drinking horns, or kvevri, the famous wine jars. Don't worry, they come in all sizes! If you still have room, the Caucasian carpets will stretch out their arms for you. If you are seduced by Georgian music, specialized shops or markets sell very beautiful musical instruments such as the zourma, a kind of oboe, or the tchongouri, a small musical instrument with four strings.In religious sites
Cathedrals or monasteries have shops full of handicrafts made by nuns or monks, each one prettier than the next. They offer icons of St. George, of course, but not only: felt dolls are particularly cute, bags, pearl jewellery, paintings made from fabric, knitted plush and toys... On the religious side, the creativity of monastic craftsmanship has no limits. Monasteries sometimes have their own vineyards and make wine, honey or candles. Do not hesitate to visit them, you will be surprised by the beauty and originality of their creations.
The creativity of the craft
Georgian craftsmanship is worth the detour for its creativity. There are many young creators in Tbilisi. At Christmas time, take a trip to the decoration shops: you will find a wide range of beautiful objects, Christmas ornaments, wooden figurines and other decorations to make your Christmas tree original. Artists have created beautiful paintings depicting scenes from Georgia, which are absolutely charming. They ask only one thing: to extend your trip by being hung on one of your walls to make you want to go back to Georgia! The creators make beautiful ceramics too. On the road, the locals put up their displays of terracotta vessels so that you, travellers, or Georgians can buy typical crockery. You can see why a suitcase won't be enough, a 20-foot container maybe!
