They say traveling leaves you speechless and then turns you into a storyteller. While I’m pretty sure that your family and friends will be eager to hear your travel stories, something tells me they may be looking forward to the cool gifts and souvenirs a bit more.
If you’re ever in Cairo, here some a few gift suggestions that aren’t camels, pyramids or Nefertiti busts. Because really, who ever needed a Nefertiti bust?
We broke the list into two sections: general "Egyptian gifts" and then cool galleries that will have more one-of-a-kind items. Don't worry, we included the areas (and streets) where these are most likely to be found.
Egyptian gifts
Lying in the heart of Islamic Cairo, also known as the area surrounding Al-Azhar, Khan al-Khalili is one of the most touristy streets. Although a lot of what is offered there is either overpriced or of a low quality, there may be a few cool gifts to spot there.
1. Mother-of-pearl boxes, chests and chess boards
Among the many gifts you’re likely to come across in Khan al-Khalili are the items decorated in pearls, from different sized boxes to chess boards and chests, even furniture.
2. Copper and brass artwork
Down Al Moez Street, which is perpendicular to Khan al-Khalili, you will find a lot of copper and brass workshops. The decorative copper and brass pieces are highly-functional, often featuring goods like plates, coffee pots or home accessories. Among the most beautiful artifacts are the copper lanterns, which are certain to add a serene mood to your room back home.
3. Al Khayamiyya
Sharia Al Khayamiyya, or Bazaar of the Tentmakers, is located south of Khan al-Khalili at the end of Al Ghoriyya Street in Islamic Cairo.
The art of Al khayamiyya is a form of very colorful patchwork. You can choose between a variety of Khayamiyya products ranging from bags, cushion covers, bed covers and art pieces to hang on your wall.
4. Inlaid pearl musical instruments
If you loved the mother-of-pearl artwork you’ve seen at Khan al-Khalili, and you’re willing to go the extra mile for something super cool, you may want to go to Mohamed Ali Street, which is famous for its oriental musical instruments. Not only will you find high quality oriental drums, lutes, flutes and more instruments, you will find many of them that are decorated with beautiful inlaid pearl designs.
Across Al Azhar Street from Khan al-Khalili, right behind Al Azhar Mosque, lies the Abdelzaher store where you can find beautiful notebooks of many shapes and sizes, bound in leather with colorful Islamic and Egyptian patterns. If you have a few days, you can ask them to type a special note or name on the leather cover in beautiful golden press letters.
Galleries
Situated in the middle of the Nile is Zamalek, an island that is one of the fanciest and most upbeat neighborhoods in Cairo. Known to be quite artsy, it is a pleasant place to take a walk, as well as browse for gifts at the area's plethora of galleries.
Here are a couple of our favorite galleries and concept stores to check out.
Wanas is one of the galleries that is intent on preserving the Egyptian identity through art. Showcasing some of the most talented designers and artists, you will find a range of products including clothes, stationary, accessories and even home decorations. If the owners are around, you may want to start a conversation with them, as they’re delightful and they will gladly tell you a lot about Egyptian arts, crafts and design.
2. Sami Amin
Egyptians take a lot of pride in the quality of their leather goods, and not only does Sami Amin showcase products in great leather quality, he also designs them all with Bedouin geometric patterns. He has everything from purses to bags to wallets and belts: We guarantee you that you'll fall in love with the store.