There is always someone you want to bring a gift for from your travels to Poland. I always try to find something unique, something I can’t really find easy in the States…One of my favorite places to shop for Polish souvenirs is “Cepelia”.

Cepelia folk art stores carry handcrafted traditional Polish arts and crafts. From dolls in traditional costume, to brightly colored paper cutting, to carved wooden figurines, Cepelia will introduce you to the wide world of Polish folk art. Whether you’re buying for yourself, for your home, or someone special, these items make great souvenirs from your trip to Poland. You can buy beautiful pottery, paintings, leather goods, glass and beautiful traditional folk outfits for kids and adults (sometimes they have to order an outfit for you – either a size, color or style – so make sure to visit the store at the beginning of your trip if plan to buy one, since it takes 2-5 days for getting it in the store).

This year Cepelia celebrates its 60th birthday. The 60 years of the organization’ history reflects everything that has come to pass in Poland’s recent history. Regardless, however, of all the transformations, changing opportunities and conditions for its operation, Cepelia has remained faithful to its fundamental goal of promoting art rooted in Polish native traditions. There have always existed two undercurrents in Cepelia’s activity: folk art associated with the work of country artists and decorative art, artistic handicraft. The native art ideas have inspired the creative work of the plastician artists and found their expression in fabric, ceramics, furniture, wickery, etc.

Cepelia has successfully protected those values which could not provide enough support for the professional and folk artists. Cepelia has remained firmly rooted in the popular consciousness, with its trademark of a stylized cock embodying for years a symbol of high quality of merchandize.

The company pursues its business activities within the area of warehousing and retailing popular art pieces and folk and artistic handicraft wares. 60 Cepelia stores and 11 stores run by Cepelia cooperatives operate on the territory of Poland. There are also private shops using the CEPELIA Trademark on the Polish market. Cepelia company also exports goods abroad. You can also shop for their products online, although I noticed that selection is not really wide. Most of the Polish bigger cities have Cepelia store, so make sure to check it out next time you are in Poland!

Here are few things I purchased during my last trip to Poland:

Do następnego razu… (Till next time…)