Budapest is fast becoming a top tourist magnet, and crowds of tourists – no matter the season – are a common sight throughout the inner city. This year, Budapest can expect a record number of foreign visitors, and many will take home souvenirs, either as a memento or as a gift for friends and family. So we looked around and found stylish souvenirs that would not only make a tourist’s heart race, but a local's as well.
If we were to name a few animals native to Hungary the grey cattle, the Mangalitsa, the puli and the racka sheep would be among the first to come in mind. And Kamilla Uhlár must have been inspired by these typical Hungarian animals when she designed a whole pillow collection in their honour. Find these at Magma Gallery if – like us – you would happily share your sofa with any of these cute, embroidered creatures.
Price: 8200 HUF
Distributor: Magma Gallery
Kinga Moshammer began her career as a fashion designer, but a few months ago she branched out and made some home-ware accessories using unique materials like plywood and Plexiglass. Her collection VASARFIA builds on the fine tradition of gifts bought from traditional weekly markets. The mirrors, depicting gingerbread hearts, are typically given as a token of love. They come in three different sizes: small, medium and large, depending on the intensity of our emotions.
Prices:
Large heart (100 cm x 75 cm) 79000 HUF Medium heart (40 cm x 32 cm) 6500 - 8500 HUF Small heart (ca. 10 cm x 15 cm): 3200 - 4900 HUF
Distributors:
Magma Gallery WAMP
Folqa figures bring the business of designer souvenirs to a whole new level. They introduce the world of long-forgotten, traditional folk jobs in a clever way. The sleek characters all wear traditional Hungarian clothes – such as the styles of Kalocsa, Matyó, Mezőtúr and Buzsákm, while each comes with a short description. We can choose from the betyár (“outlaw”), the cheerful winemaker, the starry-eyed shepherd, the capable horseman, and much more.
Price: 6000 HUF Distributors:
Magma Gallery Magma+ Memories of Hungary
In the Folk collection of the famous porcelain designer, Zsuzsa Boldizsár uses traditional embroidery patterns boldly, but with respect. The askew, cut or sticker-like decorations on her plates create an innovative and exciting effect. Her recently debuted jewellery is similarly embroidered with silk thread, using her own special technique. The result is an incredibly delicate item that is fresh and bold when worn.
Prices:
Small plate: 8500 - 9500 HUF Big plate: 14 000 - 20 000 HUF Necklace: 8500 - 9500 HUF Ring: 8000 - 9000 HUF Bracelet: 10 000 -15 000 HUF
Distributors:
Magma Gallery Hungarian National Gallery Shop Memories of Hungary Palmetta Gallery The embroidered jewelry is only available via preorder at the moment.
Birds, hearts and flowers drawn with fine lines decorate the textile jewelry, shirts and postcards of MIMM. These self-designed motifs are the basis of the products by young duo, Ilona Hendzsel and Móni Nagy. Our favourites are the large and characteristic necklaces that attract our eyes like magnets.
Prices:
Ring: 6000 - 8000 HUF Bracelet: 4000 - 7000 HUF Necklace: 6000 - 8000 HUF Large necklace: 25 000 HUF Postcard: 650 HUF
Distributors:
Fian Koncept Magma Gallery Magma+
Diána Barcsi designs and makes children’s toys that are independent from any fashion trend and convey a strong cultural message. The soft cotton dolls of Folk-pictograms wear traditional costumes decorated with typical folk patterns. The brash moustached boys and innocent girls introduce traditional costumes to any age group.
Price: 5800 - 8900 HUF Distributors:
KétEgér Bookshop Memories of Hungary
7/9
Print matyó! - Stempli Shop
Andi Karácsony has adored paints, pencils, inks and stamps since she was a child. She could not find fine stamps to her liking in Hungary, so she began to build her own creative brand. With the unique stamps of Tinta Print Stempli Shop, featuring flowers and hearts, we can decorate anything from postcards to wrapping paper.
Price: 4500 - 6500 HUF
Distributors:
Pagina Gallery
Karcsi Papírboltja
Abstract shapes, vibrant colors and Plexiglas galore – this is Blue Paprika, a brand created by Szilvia Pálffy and Teréz Szűcs. Their aim is nothing less than to showcase the incredible richness of folklore elements in a sophisticated way that can still be appreciated by those in their 20s and 30s. The design of the jewellery (earrings, pins, and necklaces), belts and bags is tradition-bound while remaining crisp, attractive and modern.
Price: from 3900 HUF
Distributor: Eventuell Galéria
Requested by his hometown Mohács, graphic designer Tibor Tatai made a complete touristic image based on the famous Busójárás tradition a few years ago. At the end the city didn't utilize his work, but Tibor Tatai decided not to let his hard work wasted and produced a souvenir collection of his own. His mugs, shirts, jewellery and digital prints are decorated by simplified caricature-like Busó heads and animals that live in the national park of Mohács.
Prices:
Mug: 3000 - 5400 HUF Pin: 800 - 1000 HUF Earring: 2500 - 3600 HUF Textile bag: 1800 - 3400 HUF Shirt: 4000 - 6200 HUF Posters:
A4 2500 - 3500 HUF A3 4500 - 6500 HUF 50x70 10 000 - 12 500 HUF 70x100 15 000 - 20 000 HUF
Distributors:
Fian Koncept Makett Labor Memories of Hungary Portéka Bolt XD Design
