2026
By the Kyiv Independent
Photo: Bogdana Ferguson / The Kyiv Independent
Thoughtful gifts made in Ukraine and by Ukrainians, chosen by the Kyiv Independent team.
Gift-giving season is here, and we've done the legwork for you so you don't have to. Our team hand-picked Ukrainian-made finds for every category and budget, from statement accessories to books you'll love to see on your shelves. Every purchase supports Ukrainian designers, artisans, and entrepreneurs, so your good taste will do some good too. We also slipped in a few Kyiv Independent Store pieces (designed in Ukraine, though not all made here).
As the full-scale invasion nears the five-year mark, you'll also find organizations helping Ukrainians near the end of the guide. These are trusted organizations that are friends of the Kyiv Independent — please consider supporting them this holiday season.
Happy holidays and happy shopping from all of us at the Kyiv Independent.
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All items were selected independently by our newsroom. We don't earn commission from any purchases. Prices are in U.S. dollars.
Animalism captures the wildlife of Chornobyl's Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve on this oversized cotton tee, with proceeds benefiting UANIMALS' animal rescue efforts.
Recommended by Daryna Shevchenko, CEO & Yelyzaveta Nechyporuk, head of social media
This Azov Brigade T-shirt symbolizes the spark of life that helps wounded soldiers keep going, with all proceeds going to the recovery of wounded servicemen of the 12th Azov Brigade.
Recommended by Olena Zashko, videographer
Melana's black velvet vest reimagines traditional Ukrainian clothing with tonal floral embroidery and paired birds that symbolize unity, love, and harmony. For international delivery, contact the brand by sending them a message on Instagram.
Recommended by Olesia Bida, journalist of the War Crimes Investigations Unit
M-Tac's Aggressor Gen.II Flex tactical pants, made of stretch rip-stop fabric, are suitable for training, hiking, and daily wear, and have become a staple of wartime Ukrainian style. Available in more colors.
Shur Shur's delicate stockings, finished with an embroidered logo, are woven from premium Italian yarn — an award-winning Ukrainian brand's take on quiet luxury. The brand also recently did a collaboration with Ukrainian Railways, with 10% of profits supporting railway workers' families.
Recommended by Kaia Herts, office-manager
The Aria corset by Anoeses is a structured statement piece designed to accentuate the waist. It's also been worn by Madonna.
Read more: 5 high-end Ukrainian fashion brands you should know
Bevza’s fitted wool-blend jacket combines the Kyiv-based brand’s minimalist aesthetic with sculptural woven detailing inspired by Ukrainian craft.
In Me's lightweight cotton dress has a handmade fringe and is designed to be worn on its own or as a cardigan.
Recommended by Nadia Pavaha, communications manager
Balykina’s blue Kala dress is made from pure silk with a sculpted strapless silhouette, combining the Ukrainian label's signature old Hollywood glamour and tailoring.
These shorts by Not Your Fault are made from lightweight blue-and-white striped cotton, with a relaxed fit that works on their own, with an oversized shirt, or as a set.
Recommended by Liliane Bivings, business editor
Gaptuvalnya's Malynok embroidered shirt takes its name from a Ukrainian dialectal word for “drawing,” with geometric patterns and stylized arrows inspired by traditional ornamentation.
Read more: The meaning behind the vyshyvanka, Ukraine's traditional shirt
This year, give them the winter staple everyone needs — but make it this classic, stylish wool sweater from Lviv-based Ukrainian brand Hukh.
Paskal’s Peony coat is made from 1,062 laser-cut petals, each hand-fixed to create a sculptural, couture-like piece inspired by the beauty of a flower in bloom.
Jul’s dahlia anorak features the brand’s signature floral print and practical oversized shape. In March, a Russian attack destroyed part of the brand’s production and stock outside of Kyiv.
Recommended by Liliane Bivings, business editor
Gunia Project’s vyshyvanka blouse reworks a historic shirt cut with geometric cross-stitch drawn from traditional woven patterns.
Read more: Meet the Ukrainian fashion brand that's making heritage trendy
Stay comfy this holiday season in Bedclozzzes’ satin pajama set, made from 100% mercerized cotton for a soft, silky feel.
This corset from Kyiv-based designer Kate Brilliant's Mysterion collection is a one-of-a-kind piece. To purchase, send a direct message on Instagram. Made to order, this corset takes 14-16 days to complete.
Recommended by Toma Istomina, deputy chief editor
Babak Workshop’s leather bags are designed to be timeless pieces, made with care and craftsmanship, and that only become more beautiful with age.
Recommended by Lisa Bashcheva, social media manager
Keep's Fjord Mini sling bag is a high-quality and lightweight travel companion that fits your passport, phone, glasses, and keys, making it especially handy for airports and overnight trains.
Recommended by Volodymyr Ivanyshyn, news editor and Elsa Court, audience development manager
This durable city backpack combines thoughtful design with practical details, including a protective top flap and dedicated laptop and water-bottle compartments.
Recommended by Olena Zashko, videographer
Svitlana Zubko's handbag combines a minimalist silhouette with natural suede and thoughtful construction, making it an elegant, well-made everyday piece.
Recommended by Natalia Pavliuk, account manager
Poelle bags have the kind of craftsmanship and quality that recalls the excitement of discovering a truly exceptional handbag, made from premium natural calf leather.
Recommended by Kate Tsurkan, culture reporter
This leather laptop case from Kacharovska — a third-generation Ukrainian brand known for its expertly crafted shoes and leather accessories — pairs minimalist design with practical protection.
Recommended by Liliane Bivings, business editor
Oliz’s Lavra scarves draw on the murals and ornamentation of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, offering a stylish tribute to one of Ukraine’s most important cultural landmarks.
Recommended by Kate Tsurkan, culture reporter
Read more: One of the holiest places' — Why Kyiv's ancient Pechersk monastery is so important for Ukraine
Gurtok’s konyk (“horse” in Ukrainian) bag charm symbolizes freedom and forward movement and is meant to be a talisman that moves forward even when the path ahead is unclear.
This traditional Ukrainian waist pocket is a versatile, unisex accessory that brings embroidered folk design into everyday wardrobes, from jeans to festive outfits.
Recommended by Kaia Herts, office-manager
These gray knitted gloves come from Lviv-based Ukrainian brand Cici Coco, founded in 2019 with a focus on stylish, minimalist, and accessible clothing. Made with wool and angora, they’re a practical winter staple. To order, send the brand a direct message on Instagram.
This handcrafted leather cardholder from Kyiv-based Sych Studio, founded in 2023, is a minimalist everyday essential made from premium Italian leather.
Iam’s red knitted scarf is made from delicate wool and cashmere with hand-stitched detailing — an example of the brand’s focus on comfort, versatility and bold color.
A soft-touch, water-repellent toiletry bag. Travel Ukrainian.
Riot Division’s lightweight, water-resistant cap has a foldable visor that fits in a pocket. Popular among soldiers, the Kyiv-based brand has supported Ukraine’s military since 2015.
Read more: 5 high-end Ukrainian fashion brands you should know
A one-of-a-kind ceramic shrimp pendant made from some of the last clay sourced from Donbas before Russian troops advanced toward the deposit. A playful, ironic piece with a meaningful connection to the region. To purchase, write directly to Viktoria on Instagram.
Recommended by Olena Zashko, videographer
A pair of playful earrings combining natural and artificial pearls with glass beads, finished with sterling silver studs and clasps.
Recommended by Nadiia Pahava, head of communications
A versatile earring by Ukrainian jewelry designer Myroslava Kozar with a removable chain and disk, allowing its elements to be mixed and matched for different looks.
Recommended by Olesia Bida, journalist of the war crimes investigations unit
A minimalist silver ring from Kyiv-based Punkt 49, with an industrial edge that works equally well for a night out or a dressed-up occasion.
Recommended by Dominic Culverwell, business reporter
This Mann Studio ring combines sharp lines and soft curves in a contemporary design. Rings are made to order, and international shipping costs 25 euros.
Recommended by Toma Istomina, deputy chief editor
Katria's Kyiv-inspired necklace features a chestnut leaf, the city's best-known symbol, in a minimalist design with a high-quality finish.
Recommended by Kate Tsurkan, culture reporter
An elegant piece by Ukrainian designer Oksana Boriychuk that blends traditional Ukrainian motifs with a contemporary aesthetic.
Recommended by Alisa Yurchenko, investigative reporter
Romantika's bracelet is carefully handmade in Ukraine from 925 sterling silver and rhodium-plated, combining elegance with a rebellious edge.
An eternal symbol reinterpreted by Lutiki’s craftsmen in Kyiv. The brand’s signature cross is paired with a simple silk cord.
Dyrektyva began with a simple wire ring made as a gift — a naive, intimate gesture. Each ring is hand-woven from stainless steel and pearls, so no two are exactly alike.
A silver hand-sculpted ring that's perfect for any occasion. For pricing and to order, send a direct message on Instagram. Rings are made to order and size.
Dukachi’s malanka doll pendant reimagines the traditional Slavic cloth doll as fine jewelry. Made of 18 hand-connected parts, it features a tiny wreath and combines yellow and white gold.
A traditional Ukrainian folk necklace made of five rows of coral beads, finished with a central bead and handmade silver charm. A classic festive piece of Ukrainian jewelry, worn for generations.
This pendant was created in collaboration between Tsvite Teren and Ukrainian artist Ivan Oliynyk, who hand-painted each one.
This piece features raised beadwork “spots” embroidered onto the woven necklace, offering a playful take on the traditional Ukrainian handmade beaded silyanka. To order, send a direct message on Instagram.
These completely handmade brass boat earrings by Ukrainian jewelry designer Khrystyna Rachytska work with any attire.
These wheat-ear earrings are part of the acclaimed Kolosinnia collection by Yuval’ Studios, which comes from the city of Mariupol that has been under Russian occupation since 2022.
Basny's Rugs blend local Carpathian weaving tradition with a modern visual language. All rugs are made to order, so the one pictured is just an example. To order, send a direct message on Instagram.
Serve It's thick cotton placemats embroidered with Kyiv’s iconic chestnut motif are a celebration of love for the city and modern Ukrainian aesthetics.
Recommended by Nadiia Pahava, head of communications
Quiet Form's coffee cup, made by a small, family-run ceramics studio, features an abstract design reminiscent of the sun above the sea.
Recommended by Yuliia Beba, membership retention manager
Hatka Ceramics reinterprets traditional Ukrainian woodblock-printing ornaments on its pieces, with floral motifs and details bringing a touch of Ukrainian heritage to your home. Made to order. Send a direct message on Instagram to order.
Recommended by Lisa Bashcheva, social media manager
Sabi’s handmade candles are designed to be beautiful even before they’re lit, with unique wax formulas that create one-of-a-kind forms as they burn.
Recommended by Elsa Court, audience development manager
A woven blanket made from cotton and acrylic, combining contemporary design with traditional Ukrainian symbolism. Available in cream, blue, and black, it works as a cozy layer or decorative throw.
Recommended by Myroslava Chaiun, reporter and researcher with the War Crimes Investigations Unit
This hand-blown glass vase by Haluzka brings together the fragility of glass and the permanence of flowers, with surreal buds and blooms appearing to have frozen into its surface.
Recommended by Olesia Bida, reporter with the War Crimes Investigations Unit
This new Ukrainian brand uses Chinese paper to create its sculptural lamps, and any of its designs would make a striking addition to the home.
Recommended by Bogdana Ferguson, junior community manager
A 500-piece puzzle created in collaboration between Ukrainian brands Frisson and Cambridge.ua, featuring artwork by Veronika Peskova and inspired by English and British-Ukrainian culture.
Read more: Puzzle company Frisson helps Ukrainians escape wartime reality
A set of cherry-shaped beeswax candles that can be used as playful decor or cake decorations. To order, email prosto.mykolka@gmail.com.
Buttia's fluffy striped hot water bottle pairs practical warmth with a bold design.
Aqyar Ceramics' handmade stoneware jug is wheel-thrown from natural clay, each one unique in size and shape, and inspired by Crimean Tatar heritage. Available in white. To order, contact the brand directly on Instagram.
Kyiv-based Sholomitska creates contemporary ceramics that reinterpret Ukrainian traditions. The brand’s work has gained international recognition and is used at the London restaurant Tatar Bunar.
The didukh is a classic traditional Christmas decoration, and our guide would be incomplete without it.
The Rock Front 650 Ultralight is a lightweight sub-zero sleeping bag that converts into a blanket, quilt, or hammock underquilt, ideal for travelers who value lightness and comfort.
Malyovky Ukrainy ("Drawing Ukraine") is a coloring book featuring 17 Ukrainian paintings, mosaics, and stained-glass works, each accompanied by stories about the works.
Recommended by Myroslava Chaiun, reporter with the War Crimes Investigations Unit
A beautifully designed bilingual book documenting traditional Ukrainian house paintings from the first third of the 20th century, bringing together photographs, sketches, and archival texts from across Ukraine.
Recommended by Irynka Hromotska, photo editor
A beloved Ukrainian classic by one of the country’s most famous poets, Taras Shevchenko, presented here in an English-language edition.
Recommended by Oleksandra Nazarenko, community manager
Read more: Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian poet and national hero
Naïve My Love: Ukrainian Folk Art of the 20th Century profiles 40 self-taught Ukrainian artists through short biographies and images of their paintings, embroidery, carvings, and decorative works.
Recommended by Liliane Bivings, business editor
Read more: Inside Ukraine's world of naive art — and the Gunia aesthetic it inspired
A beautifully designed book offering an artistic interpretation of Ivana Kupala rituals and festivities, bringing the atmosphere and symbolism of this traditional Ukrainian celebration to life.
Recommended by Bogdana Ferguson, junior community manager
Read more: Ivana Kupala, Ukraine’s midsummer festival
Wines of Ukraine: The Untold Story traces Ukrainian winemaking from ancient times to today, exploring local grape varieties, winemaking traditions, and contemporary producers across the country.
Recommended by Liliane Bivings, business editor
A beautifully designed example of Ukraine’s young, rebellious publishing scene that connects Kyiv with creative capitals worldwide and explores how art responds to war.
Recommended by Dominic Culverwell, business reporter
In this book, Kateryna Zarembo draws on research and vivid storytelling to examine Donetsk and Luhansk before 2014, challenging persistent misconceptions about the Donbas and its relationship with Russia and Ukrainian identity.
Read more: ‘Donbas is fiction’ — Kateryna Zarembo’s book dismantles Russian myths about Ukraine’s east
In I Will Mix Your Blood with Coal, Oleksandr Mykhed travels through eastern Ukraine, exploring its industrial past, wartime history and contested present through conversations with locals, archival material, and the perspectives of prominent Ukrainian writers, historians and thinkers.
Read more: As Trump, Putin weigh Ukraine’s east in talks, new book gives voice to war-battered region
A rich, creamy body butter that deeply nourishes and hydrates dry skin, leaving it soft and velvety.
Recommended by Daryna Shevchenko, CEO
A distinctive unisex fragrance created by world-renowned Ukrainian fashion designer Ruslan Baginskiy.
Recommended by Leyla Golub, senior performance marketing manager
A fresh, unisex fragrance with bergamot and mandarin. Each scent is tied to a meaning, with this one evoking light, courage, and belief in a brighter future.
Recommended by Daryna Shevchenko, CEO
This compact SPF 50 facial sunscreen, made in Ukraine, has a lightweight texture and is designed for everyday use.
This soap-scrub from the popular skincare brand Sense Education contains three natural exfoliants — bamboo stem powder, volcanic stone, and jojoba oil microbeads — that gently smooth and polish the skin without drying it out.
This hoodie's design draws on Prince Volodymyr's medieval coins, which first bore the tryzub, now Ukraine's coat of arms.
Read more: The origins and meaning of the tryzub, the Ukrainian coat of arms
The Kyiv Independent’s first print magazine, a permanent record of Ukrainian resilience and life in wartime.
Made at our readers' request, this T-shirt is a way to show your solidarity with Ukraine at a rally, an event, or just out and about.
Independence is the word that started it all at the Kyiv Independent, and you can now wear it on this sweatshirt in black or white.
Show your support for independent journalism from Ukraine in this classic Kyiv Independent logo hoodie.
Give the gift of great merch and independent journalism with a Kyiv Independent gift card.
Designed by Kyiv illustrator myfabstory, this T-shirt gives the ancient Tree of Life motif a fresh look.
Ukrainian designer Nayle Suleimanova reimagines the tryzub as a bird in mid-dive, protecting its young.
Read more: The origins and meaning of the tryzub, the Ukrainian coat of arms
Illustrated by Kyiv artist myfabstory, this romper carries the ancient Tree of Life, a symbol of life and the future. Available in blue and white.
This beanie's design is inspired by the first coins of Kyivan Rus, on which Prince Volodymyr the Great stamped the tryzub (trident), the symbol later revived as Ukraine's coat of arms in 1918.
Read more: The origins and meaning of the tryzub, the Ukrainian coat of arms
This apron features an illustration by Ukrainian artist Albina Kolesnichenko celebrating borshch, the 1,200-year-old Ukrainian dish UNESCO recognized as endangered cultural heritage in 2022.
Read more: Borsch, a Ukrainian staple, explained
Want to support the Kyiv Independent in someone’s name? Consider gifting our membership — your recipient will become one of our supporters and get access to exclusive membership benefits, including Q&As with our reporters and Ukrainian language lessons.
The gift that goes furthest
These are trusted organizations, recommended by the Kyiv Independent. Give in someone’s name — it’s a gift that keeps working long after the holidays.
Support evacuations from front-line areas
Helping to Leave provides free evacuation for civilians from occupied territories and front-line areas, including vulnerable people who need medical care, with a tailored route, escort, and medical support for each person.
Help bring justice to victims of Russia's war
Truth Hounds is a Kyiv-based organization that documents and investigates Russia's human rights violations and crimes against humanity in Ukraine, building a solid foundation for official criminal proceedings.
Give children a creative voice
Behind Blue Eyes gives children from front-line and liberated areas creative outlets, from film photography to sound recording, so they can discover their talents and share their experiences of Russia's war.
Gear up Ukraine's women soldiers
Zemliachky supplies women in Ukraine's armed forces with uniforms, body armor, and helmets designed to fit female bodies.
Equip medics on the front line
Ptahy Project is a Ukrainian charity that supplies tactical medical gear, pharmaceuticals, and surgical equipment to military medics in combat areas, stabilization points, and hospitals.
Power Ukraine's soldiers with tech
Dzyga's Paw Charity Foundation is a Lviv-based defense non-profit that brings technology to Ukrainian soldiers through global crowdfunding.
Care for vulnerable seniors this winter
Starenki supports vulnerable elderly people in Ukraine with care packages of essentials and emotional support, a lifeline this winter amid Russian attacks.
Rebuild lives disrupted by war
East SOS provides comprehensive assistance to war victims and internally displaced people, while also supporting democratic transformation and human rights in Ukraine.
Help people and animals affected by war
12 Vartovykh is a Ukrainian team that has carried out more than 30 humanitarian missions with partners, helping civilians, soldiers, displaced people, and animals in the Kyiv, Kherson, Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Chernihiv regions.
Give soldiers the gear they need
Come Back Alive is an independent Ukrainian organization that helps the Defense Forces acquire the equipment and technology they need, from charging stations and drone interceptors to vehicles.
Give Ukrainian students an IT lifeline
Reusing IT is a U.K. charity that has sent more than 10,000 refurbished devices to Ukrainian children since 2022, working with Ukraine's Education Ministry to equip schools through the "Unbreakable Education" project.
Prices may vary. All prices are listed in U.S. dollars but may originally be in Ukrainian hryvnias. Because of exchange rate fluctuations, final prices may differ slightly at the time of purchase.
Many of the links included here will direct you to Ukrainian-language websites. Most web browsers offer automatic translation tools, but if you still have trouble placing an order, you can reach out to the brands by email in English — they should be able to respond and help you complete your purchase. Emails are usually found at the bottom of a brand's website. Some brands accept orders only through Instagram; we’ve noted this where applicable.
We verified the availability of all items before publishing this list, but products may sell out. Please double-check availability before purchasing.
