Amber and other worthwhile gems and gifts from Poland

I am a big fan of buying local art. Granted, this is something you can get in most major cities but sometimes you see a picture that really reminds you of what a great time you had. There are a lot or people selling paintings/drawings in the main square in Krakow. The pictures can be rolled up travel pretty easily and are quite cheap. The only downside is that framing the picture costs about 10 times what you paid for the picture.

I also really liked the china in Poland- that blue flowery pattern. But I am Polish and it reminded me of eating at my Grandmother's house growing up. That would be a pain in the butt to take on a plane but a lot of stores have shipping options.

I purchases several pieces of amber mainly necklaces when I was in Krakow. I bought one from a museum gift store. A trust worthy place. I also bought several items at the Cloth Hall. Another Polish item to bring home would be pottery. They are famous for their blue and white pottery.

Thank you Jenn and Kristen!! Just the kind of info I was hoping to get. Very much appreciated. We are off to the amber museum and the market.

Michael, get a bottle of Zubrówka vodka. It has a blade of grass in it, a very subtle flavor. Mixed with apple juice it makes a drink that tastes like apple pie or cake- find it everywhere including the airport if you need to use up Żloty Also mead is very traditional. Amber all over - Schubert was recommended to us as reputable store. Look for store called Krakowski Kredens off market square for jam, honey, coffee, sweets, etc. There are a couple of flea markets worth checking out for antiques. We didn't shop much for anything else, so not sure what else would be good souvenir.

I will be heading to Poland in a few weeks! I am interested in Amber as well, but was wondering what the cost is? A necklace, or something simple, what does it cost?
Thank you for your response!
Nicole

@Nicole you can find things in every price range, from a few $ for small carved animals to large necklaces and rings and pendants in the $200-300 and up range. But really you can find tons of different items on almost every street corner in Krakow and Warsaw. We saw amber chess sets and candle sticks. I think the cost is dependent on the quality of the settings (silver versus metal) as much as the amber. Amber is semi-precious and not in short supply. We brought home something for every female family member and regret not getting more. Wife's favorite purchase was a ring with a stone as big as a quarter for about $30. Do suggest that you get the nicer things in a reputable store, and the little gifts in marketplace.