gifts riyadh

Riyadh offers a wide variety of gift options, from traditional Saudi handicrafts to luxury international brands. Here’s a breakdown to help you find the perfect gift:

I. Unique Saudi Gifts & Souvenirs:

These gifts reflect the rich culture and heritage of Saudi Arabia and are perfect for a memorable souvenir or a truly local present:

• Dates and Date Products: Saudi Arabia is famous for its dates. You can find high-quality dates, date jams, and even date-infused chocolates. Look for varieties like Ajwa, Ambar, Safawi, and Sukkari.
  • Where to buy: Grocery stores like Tamini and Danube, specialty shops like Café Bateel (for beautifully packaged dates), and even Riyadh Airport duty-free shops.
• Oud Perfume and Incense (Bakhoor): Oud, a rich, woody fragrance extracted from the agarwood tree, is deeply ingrained in Saudi culture. You can find oud perfumes, oud oil, and wood chips for incense burners. Taif Rose is another popular local fragrance.
  • Where to buy: Souks (traditional markets) and dedicated perfume stores.
• Traditional Handicrafts:
  • Pottery and Ceramics: Vibrant colors and designs often inspired by the desert landscape.
  • Textiles: Richly woven fabrics with intricate embroidery, including traditional garments like the thobe or abaya, and handcrafted scarves.
  • Metalwork: Delicate silver jewelry, ornate brass trays, often featuring geometric patterns and Islamic art motifs.
  • Rugs/Carpets: Saudi rugs made from wool with various designs and sizes.
  • Dallah (Arabian Coffee Pots): Traditional coffee pots used to make and serve Saudi coffee (Qahwa).
  • Where to buy: Local workshops, souks, and specialty stores like Saudi Scenes Gallery which offers handmade ceramics, pottery, fabric, and wooden souvenirs.
• Camel Milk Products: Camel milk chocolate and camel milk soap are unique items with reported health benefits.
  • Where to buy: Riyadh Airport duty-free shops, and potentially farmers’ markets.
• Aromatic Spices: The Middle East is known for its diverse and flavorful spices.
• Gold Jewelry: Gold is widely available and often sold by weight. Saudi gold jewelry is typically 22 karats and bright yellow.
  • Where to buy: Dirah Gold Market is a prominent place for gold.

II. General Gift Ideas & Shops in Riyadh:

For more conventional gifts, Riyadh has numerous options, including online delivery services and well-known retailers:

• Flowers: Always a classic gift, available in a wide variety of types.
• Chocolates: A popular choice for any occasion, with many local and international brands.
• Fruit Baskets: A healthy and thoughtful gift option.
• Personalized Gifts: Mugs, cushions, caricatures, and more, often with custom prints.
• Gift Hampers: Assorted collections of chocolates, snacks, cookies, and other goodies.
• Plants: Indoor plants are a growing trend and offer various health and aesthetic benefits.
• Luxury Items:
  • Fragrances: Beyond traditional oud, you’ll find a wide range of international luxury perfumes.
  • Jewelry and Accessories: From high-end fashion jewelry to watches and designer accessories.
  • Home Decor: Elegant tableware, figurines, candles, and other decorative pieces from brands like Swarovski, Tanagra, and Pottery Barn.
  • Designer Bags & Travel Gear: Brands like TUMI offer stylish and practical options.

III. Where to Shop for Gifts in Riyadh:

• Online Gift Delivery Services:
  • FNP.SA: Offers a wide range of gifts including flowers, chocolates, cakes, personalized gifts, and gift hampers with online ordering and delivery in Riyadh.
  • Gulfflora: Provides gift delivery in Riyadh, including various combos and options for customization.
  • Zajel: Offers flowers, cakes, chocolates, and other gift combos with delivery in Riyadh.
• Shopping Malls: Riyadh has numerous large malls that house a mix of international and local brands, making them great for general gift shopping.
• Souks (Traditional Markets): For authentic Saudi handicrafts, oud, gold, and local spices, explore the traditional markets like Dirah Gold Market.
• Specialty Stores:
  • Saudi Scenes Gallery: Specializes in Saudi culture through oil paintings, handmade ceramics and pottery, fabric, and wooden souvenirs.
  • Pottery Barn KSA: Offers gifts for the home.
  • Swarovski KSA: For luxury crystal gifts, jewelry, and home decor.
  • Tanagra KSA: Features luxury homeware gifts from high-end brands.
  • Bloomingdale’s (online for Saudi): Offers a wide selection of luxury gifts including fragrances, jewelry, and accessories.
  • TUMI Saudi Arabia (online): For travel bags, backpacks, and accessories.
  • INSEL: Provides a curated collection of luxury gifts.

When choosing a gift, consider the recipient’s preferences and the occasion. Enjoy your gift shopping in Riyadh!