In short, the essentials
You can't help but admire the amber work and buy some, knowing that Baltic amber is one of the most precious in the world. It's best to avoid buying it in Estonia, where very little is harvested.
The best souvenirs to bring back from Estonia are wooden objects (juniper and birch), table mats, ceramics, beer mugs and even USB sticks with traditional motifs. Souvenir items from the island of Saaremaa are made of dolomite stone or juniper wood, not forgetting vodka, beer or Vana Tallinn!
Lithuania is a country where music is part of the local folklore. The many festivals organized throughout the year devoted exclusively to music, and jazz in particular, are proof of this. Buying records to extend your trip is also a way of encouraging local artists. Linen clothing and accessories are also very popular.
The craft
With its roots in folklore, Lithuanian craftsmanship is extremely diverse. Amber is omnipresent: polished or unpolished, mounted in jewelry, set in gold or silver, sculpted, in paintings, in pearls... Numerous boutiques offer countless amber jewelry pieces in a variety of colors. Lithuanian crafts are not limited to amber: ceramics, woodcarving, leatherwork, basketry, embroidery and linen weaving are all specialties. Carved wood and totem poles, stained-glass windows and art ceramics, grotesque terracotta sculptures are typically Lithuanian.
Lithuania is renowned for its linen weaving. In Vilnius, you'll find beautiful clothes and charming linen sets at attractive prices. In Vilnius, head for the Balta Balta boutique. This brand brings together a collective of six Lithuanian designers who place nature and its virtues at the heart of their approach. Nature's benefits are used and enhanced to benefit people and their environment, whether for clothing or the home. Whether for clothing, accessories, household linen or home decoration, all the dyes used are natural colorants derived from plants and processed with expert know-how. It's a long and skilful process: you need to pick the plants at the right time to obtain the desired hues. Patiently elaborated with cooking and metallic salts, the natural colors applied are much more durable than artificial dyes. On natural fibers like wool, rather than fading, they even take on richer tones over time, like a patina on wood. In addition to colors, Balta Balta uses only raw materials (linen, wool, silk or nettle fibers) that respect the environment and sustainability. On the decor side, a vast choice of cushions, blankets, linens, curtains and hammocks. On the apparel side, you'll find beautiful one-offs in sweaters and sweatshirts, dresses, and simple or heated T-shirts in merino wool. Accessories include beautiful shawls and scarves in wool, linen, silk and merino wool. The little ones are not left out, with magnificent teddy bears and their outfits that will make you want to fall back into childhood. Plus: for small purchases and gifts, Balta Balta offers the products of their friends: honey-based cosmetics (creams, lip balm), beeswax candles, limited-edition books and postcards printed with magnificent illustrations, wellness infusions from Lithuanian plants, etc.
Folk art is also richly expressed in woodcarving, which you'll find in the form of souvenir objects on street stalls or totem poles (symbolizing pagan divinities) in the countryside.
Latvian craftsmanship had its heyday in the 19th century with Dranda ceramics, and even today its pottery is renowned. Like weaving and embroidery, ironwork is also a Latvian tradition. Wood and its derivatives are widely used in folk art (furniture, dishes, decorations, etc.). Jewelry and embroidery depicting the symbols of the ancient animist religion (the sun, the Ausra tree, the thunder cross, etc.) are souvenirs full of deep meaning linked to Latvian cultural identity.
Estonian folk art, which reached its peak in the 19th century, is rich. Ceramics, glassware and leather goods are also popular. Tallinn's Old Town is home to a number of stores selling local crafts. Antiques, old photographs and the meditative music of the great composer Arvo Pärt and the recordings of Finno-Ugric songs by Veljo Tormis are also on offer.
Gastronomy and alcohol
The most popular alcoholic beverage in all countries is vodka. Beer also has many fans.
Lithuania produces 90% of its beer consumption. You won't be able to resist Svyturis (try Baltijos, with its strong character), Utenos or Kalnapilis. Don't forget to try the local balsam: Žalios Devynerios. For those with a sweet tooth, Šakotis, a spit-roasted cake resembling a Christmas tree, is a must.
In Latvia, the main beverages are beer(alus) and vodka. Try Latvia's national drink, the local black liqueur: Riga Balm (Black Balsam or Rīga Melnais Balzams). If you like fish, head to the canning aisle for a tin of smoked sprats, a small fish similar to sardines that can be served on toast or potato salad.
In Estonia, thrill-seekers will love Vana Tallinn, a liqueur made from rum and spices including cinnamon and vanilla. Its recipe has been a secret since 1960. A bottle of Vana Tallinn is one of the local souvenirs brought back from the country. Beer lovers will appreciate the beers from the Pohjala brewery. The chocolate tradition is strong in Estonia, and Kalev brand boxes are always a delightful treat. Unless, of course, you're tempted by the productions of artisan chocolatiers such as Anneli Viik.
In Latvia, don't miss the confectionery of Laima. The legendary confectionery brand came into being when German manufacturer Theodore Rigert founded the first sugar factory in Rīga and gave it his name. The newly created company soon became one of the industry leaders in the Baltic States and Russia. In 1925, the company was renamed Laima. Since then, the Laima brand has become a delicious synonym for sweets, cakes, chocolates and waffles.