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 being vulgarly haggled over in an open-air flea market. But this is the case. When the Soviet Union collapsed, many of Tbilisi's inhabitants found themselves destitute, which is how this market came into being. Nowadays, you can find anything and everything here. You'll find not only items dating back to Soviet times, but also coins and lamps, old jewelry and oil paintings. The site is also famous for its antique shops. If you don't have any specific gift ideas in mind, take a look around - you're bound to find something that will enlighten you, as there's so much to choose from.
The minankari
You'll find enamel on almost every street corner in Tbilisi, even in stores set up in underpasses under crossroads. Minankari are Georgian enamel objets d'art, some of which are sumptuous. They are made using an ancient technique: the enamel is placed on a silver, gold or other metal support, which is baked twice. Being handmade, these pieces are relatively expensive, but they boast beautiful colors and great refinement. You'll be spoilt for choice with rings, pendants and bracelets. In Tbilisi, you can visit theEnamel Art Ornament Gallery on Erekle II Street and the Pokany Gallery on Bambis Rigi 7. You can also visit the old caravanserai building, Karvasla, near Sioni Church. The most beautiful are supposed to be in Mtskheta.
A bit of gastronomy
Georgian gastronomy is excellent. You'll be able to bring back some very original sweets, such as walnut jam or white cherry jam, which are well worth trying. Tea drinkers, you won't be disappointed when you bring 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 you'll see on every street corner throughout Georgia. You can't leave Georgia without trying its wine and taking home at least one bottle. If you're exploring the wine-growing region of Kakhetia, bring back a bottle, and why not in its emblem, the famous terracotta jar.
Textiles
Men's and women's scarves and fabrics are remarkable for their colors alone. Choose from wool or felt scarves in sumptuous colors. There's also a wide choice of bags and accessories. Tablecloths with beautiful patterns or a touch of Indonesian batik 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, Caucasian carpets are waiting for you. If you're drawn to Georgian music, specialist stores and markets sell beautiful musical instruments such as the zourma, a kind of oboe, or the tchongouri, a small four-stringed musical instrument.
In religious sites
Cathedrals and monasteries have stores full of handicrafts made by the nuns and monks, each one cuter than the last. They sell icons of St. George, of course, but not only: felt dolls are particularly cute, as are bags, beaded jewelry, paintings made from fabric, knitted cuddly toys... On the religious side, the creativity of monastic craftsmanship knows no bounds. Monasteries sometimes have their own vineyards, where they produce wine, honey and candles. Don't hesitate to pay them a visit - you'll be amazed by the beauty and originality of their creations.
The creativity of the craft
Georgian craftsmanship is worth a visit for its creativity. There are many young designers in Tbilisi. At Christmas time, take a trip to one of the decorating stores: you'll find a whole range of superb objects, baubles, wooden figurines and other decorations to make your Christmas tree original. Artists have created beautiful paintings depicting scenes from Georgia, which are absolutely charming. All they ask is to prolong your trip by hanging on one of your walls to make you want to return to Georgia! Designers make beautiful ceramics too. On the road, locals set up their displays of terracotta vessels so that you, travelers, or the Georgians can stock up on typical tableware. You can see why a suitcase won't do - a 20-foot container, perhaps!
