Are souvenirs becoming obsolete? Orijus has the answer and talks about the strangest request from Lithuania
Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- Orijus Gasanovas shares insights into popular Lithuanian "laukutės" (souvenirs/gifts) taken abroad by emigrants and foreigners.
- Classic Lithuanian sweets from the 90s, curd cheese snacks, and "Džiugas" cheese are among the most requested items.
- While food is dominant, requests also include Lithuanian books, sand from Palanga, and linen products, with foreigners often preferring local alcoholic beverages and sweets.
Orijus Gasanovas, a frequent traveler, discusses the most sought-after Lithuanian "laukutės" – gifts and souvenirs taken by emigrants and foreigners. He notes that while he often brings classic Lithuanian items popular in the 90s, such as "Gaidelio" cookies, pineapple candies, and "Žara" sweets, the most consistently requested item remains Lithuanian curd cheese snacks.
The most desired Lithuanian item without exception is Lithuanian curd cheese snacks, everyone wants curd cheese snacks.
"The most desired Lithuanian item without exception is Lithuanian curd cheese snacks, everyone wants curd cheese snacks," Gasanovas stated. He also mentioned that emigrants often request items that evoke a sense of home, including Lithuanian milk rusks, gingerbread, alcoholic beverages, and "Džiugas" cheese. Occasionally, he facilitates custom requests, which have included sand from Palanga and linen products.
Most desired Lithuanian item without exception is Lithuanian curd cheese snacks, everyone wants curd cheese snacks.
While food items are overwhelmingly popular, Gasanovas also sources Lithuanian-made products, such as jewelry and home fragrances from local designers, though these are less common due to cost and availability. For foreigners, he typically brings Lithuanian alcoholic drinks and sweets, often leaving small bags of Lithuanian candies as tips for hotel staff.
I've brought sand from Palanga, pebbles, all sorts of linen products.
Retail data from Vilnius Airport's "Vilnius Heinemann" duty-free shop corroborates Gasanovas's observations. Senior consultant Giedrė Braškutė confirmed that food products, particularly chocolates from "Rūta" and "Vilnius Pergalės," are top choices, alongside traditional baked goods like "Šakotis" from "Biržų duona" and "Panevėžio Eglė." Gourmet products, such as dried meat from "Dorų rankų," also remain highly sought after.
Most desired Lithuanian item without exception is Lithuanian curd cheese snacks, everyone wants curd cheese snacks.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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