What to bring from Sharm El Sheikh

A vacation in Sharm El Sheikh is coming to an end. The suitcase is almost packed, the phone has hundreds of photos of coral reefs, and memories hold the sound of waves and warm wind. There's one last, but very pleasant mission: to buy gifts for yourself and loved ones. Something that will remind you of sunny Egypt during the long winter.

To help you not get lost among the bustling rows of the Old Market and the glittering shop windows of Naama Bay, we have compiled a complete guide to the best souvenirs from Sharm El Sheikh.

But before mentally arranging souvenirs on shelves, you need to plan the trip itself. The easiest way is to buy tickets to Sharm El on Kupi.com Sheikh and start the countdown to your vacation. And now – let's go shopping!

Edible Souvenirs

This is a win-win gift option that definitely won't gather dust on a shelf.

• Oriental sweets. Forget about those sold in supermarkets. Egyptian baklava, kunafa (delicate vermicelli with cheese or cream), basbousa (semolina cake in syrup), and rahat lokum are completely different here. Buy them by weight in pastry shops where locals shop. Ask to have them packed in sturdy plastic containers.
• Fruits. Depending on the season, you can bring incredibly sweet mangoes (best season – summer and autumn), dates, guava, and figs from Sharm El Sheikh. Buy slightly unripe fruits and ask to have them packed in a special shipping box.
• Karkade tea and spices. The famous bright red tea made from hibiscus petals (Sudanese rose) is a calling card of Egypt. It perfectly quenches thirst and is good for health. Buy large, whole petals, not powder. Also pay attention to spices: saffron, turmeric, cardamom, dried lemongrass, and aromatic blends for meat and fish are vibrant and inexpensive here.
• Halva and tahini. Egyptian halva is made from tahini (sesame paste), giving it a special, rich flavor. You can buy classic halva, or with pistachios, chocolate, or almonds. Tahini itself is also an excellent souvenir for lovers of oriental cuisine.

Scents and Beauty Secrets

Egypt is famous for its natural oils and cosmetics. These are not just souvenirs, but true beauty elixirs.

• Natural oils. This is the main hit. You should look for them in specialized shops where they will give you a whole lecture.
  • Black seed oil: Locals call it "a cure for all diseases." It strengthens immunity, improves skin and hair condition.
  • Jojoba oil: Ideal for moisturizing skin, does not clog pores.
  • Almond oil and arugula oil: Excellent for strengthening hair.
  • How to choose: Real oil should be cold-pressed, in a dark glass bottle, with a good shelf life. Don't hesitate to ask for certificates.
• Perfume oils (attars). Egypt is the birthplace of perfumery. Here you can buy oil analogues of famous brands or unique alcohol-free oriental compositions. They are very long-lasting – one drop is enough. They will help you choose a scent and pour it into a beautiful small bottle.
• "White" and "black" ointments. These are popular local balms based on oils (often with added eucalyptus, mint, camphor). They help with joint pain, colds, and headaches. An analogue of the famous "Zvezdochka" (Tiger Balm), but with a more natural composition.

Home Decor

If you want to bring something back as a lasting memory, pay attention to interior items.

• Papyrus. A classic souvenir, but its selection requires careful attention. Cheap fakes made from banana leaves or rice paper break at the fold. Real papyrus is elastic, can be rolled without damage, has a characteristic fibrous texture, and doesn't smell of cheap paint. Buy it in "papyrus villages" or galleries where a certificate is issued.
• Figurines. Figures of cats (goddess Bastet), scarabs (symbol of luck), pharaohs, and pyramids are the most popular souvenirs. It's best to choose items made of basalt, granite, or alabaster, rather than cheap painted plaster.

• Cartouche. This is an oval amulet on which your name can be written in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. An excellent personalized gift. They are made of silver, brass, or copper.
• Hookah. If you or your friends are connoisseurs, an Egyptian hookah will make an excellent gift. Choose full-sized models made of brass or stainless steel, not small souvenir ones.
• Incense sticks and bakhoor. To create an oriental atmosphere at home, buy bakhoor – natural incense in the form of wood soaked in oils. It is burned on special coals in a beautiful censer (bakhoor burner).

Practical Gifts

• Egyptian cotton. Products made from it are famous worldwide for their quality. You can buy the softest towels, bathrobes, bed linen, or light clothing (galabeyas). Look for items marked "100% Egyptian cotton."
• Scarves and shawls. An Arafatka (men's headscarf) or a bright cotton or viscose scarf with an oriental pattern is a light and stylish gift that won't take up much space in your suitcase.

What is strictly forbidden to take out of Egypt

This section is the most important. Ignorance of the law does not exempt from responsibility, and penalties for exporting prohibited items are very strict: from a large fine to real problems with the police.

Forbidden for export:

• Corals, shells, and sea urchins. Even those you found on the shore. This is a national treasure, and a huge fine is imposed for its export. If you bought a coral souvenir, be sure to keep the receipt from the store.
• Antiquities and antique items. Everything of historical value must remain in the country.
• Stuffed crocodiles, marine animals.
• Local currency (Egyptian pounds). There is a limit on export; it's better to spend everything locally.

Where and how to buy

• Bargain! In Egypt, bargaining is part of the culture, especially in markets. Do it with a smile and respect. Feel free to divide the initial price by two, or even three, and gradually seek a compromise.
• Old Market. The most colorful place for shopping in Sharm El Sheikh. Here you'll find a huge selection, low prices (if you know how to bargain), and a true oriental atmosphere.
• Naama Bay. A tourist center with many shops. Prices here are higher, but there are also stores with fixed prices where bargaining is not customary.
• Always carry cash, preferably small denominations.

We hope our guide helps you choose the best gifts. And if you are just planning your trip, check out tickets for the Moscow – Sharm El Sheikh route to start your Egyptian adventure. Happy shopping!