What is the price of Arifoğlu rose oil (20ml) in Turkey, and where do you recommend buying it?

It is sold for about 350 to 550 liras for a 20ml bottle. I recommend buying it at pharmacies, drugstores, or bazaars in Istanbul. Since it's a natural oil, it provides excellent hydration when mixed with a moisturizing cream.

How much do arabesque pattern ceramic coasters cost at the Grand Bazaar?

The ceramic coasters cost about 100 to 200 liras each, which is roughly ~$2 to ~$4. You can get them cheaper if you buy several and haggle at the market. They are great to use as pot holders or coasters in the kitchen.

What groceries do you recommend buying at Migros, a large local supermarket in Turkey?

I recommend VATAN spicy ketchup, which suits the Korean palate well. It's great for dipping meat or fried foods. Also, it is generally better to buy manufactured goods and groceries at supermarkets rather than at traditional markets.

What is a good Turkish souvenir under ~$2 that I can easily give to my coworkers?

I recommend the Dalan d'Olive hand cream, which is olive oil-based and very moisturizing. Buying a multipack of mini sizes at the supermarket is a great value and perfect for handing out at the office.

Türkiye Shopping Guide 2026: 5 Best Souvenirs to Buy

Türkiye Shopping Guide 2026: 5 Best Souvenirs to Buy | TRVLOGUE

Expect to pay around 350 to 550 TRY (approx. $10 to $16 USD) for a 20ml bottle. Prices have gone up a bit recently, but it is still an incredible value for pure essential oil!

2. Hand-Painted Ceramic Coasters & Trivets

These vibrant ceramic coasters feature traditional Turkish arabesque patterns. Just placing one on your dining table instantly elevates the vibe of your room.

They work beautifully as hot pads (trivets) or stylish drink coasters, making them the perfect, lightweight housewarming gift for friends and family.

If you buy these at the Grand Bazaar, make sure to bundle a few together and friendly-bargain for a better price. Vendors are almost always willing to give you a discount for multiples!

Typically 100 to 200 TRY each (approx. $2 to $4 USD).

3. Turkish Silk Scarves & Embroidered Pouches

Thanks to its history as a major hub on the ancient Silk Road, Türkiye has a rich legacy of textile craftsmanship.

Our guide let us in on a great secret: the quality of the silk scarves here is top-tier, yet they are incredibly affordable. Naturally, I had to stock up on both scarves and beautifully embroidered pouches!

Buying a scarf early in your trip is incredibly practical too—they are perfect for covering your shoulders or head when visiting historic mosques.

I gifted a few to my mom, and she absolutely loved the quality and the vibrant patterns. They make fantastic, elegant gifts for loved ones.

It is a timeless accessory that feels luxurious without the designer price tag!

The sheer variety of intricate patterns on the embroidered pouches is mind-blowing—you will definitely want to grab more than one.

4. Local Supermarket Finds (VATAN Hot Ketchup & Spices)

Before heading home from Istanbul, we made a stop at Migros, a popular local supermarket chain.

One of my favorite finds was VATAN Hot Ketchup. If you love a bit of heat, you will be thrilled to know that Turkish cuisine features some incredible spicy condiments!

This ketchup has a perfect, subtle spicy kick that pairs brilliantly with grilled meats, fries, and roasted vegetables.

Pro-tip: For packaged food items and everyday spices, skip the tourist bazaars and head to a local supermarket like Migros for the best, non-inflated prices.

5. Lokum (Turkish Delight) & Fresh Baklava

Last but certainly not least: the iconic Turkish sweets, Lokum (Turkish Delight) and Baklava!

For the best experience, look for specialty dessert shops where you can sample different flavors before buying. The pistachio-loaded lokum has an incredibly chewy, luxurious texture that is entirely different from the mass-produced boxes you find at airports.

They pack them beautifully in elegant tin cases, making them a gorgeous gift to bring into the office or share with friends at home.

I highly recommend saving your dessert shopping for the final day of your trip to keep everything as fresh as possible!

Bonus Souvenir Ideas

If you are looking for even more great options to gift coworkers or family, here are a few extra budget-friendly favorites:

Dalan d'Olive Hand Cream (Under $2 USD)

Formulated with pure olive oil, this cream is incredibly nourishing. You can find multi-packs of mini tubes at local supermarkets, making them the ultimate budget-friendly desk drop for your colleagues.

Premium Turkish Pistachios (Around $3 USD)

Türkiye is famous for its rich, flavorful pistachios. They are noticeably larger, earthier, and more savory than standard store-bought varieties. A bag of these makes a fantastic healthy snack gift.

Pomegranate Molasses (Nar Ekşisi)

This tangy, sweet concentrate is amazing drizzled over salads or mixed into sparkling water for a refreshing, antioxidant-rich drink. It is a wonderful, unique gift for foodies.

Happy shopping, and have an absolutely wonderful, safe journey exploring Türkiye! :)