Czech Republic

Czech glass. Popular Czech Bohemian lead crystal dates back to the Renaissance, when abundant natural crystal was discovered throughout the Czech Republic. Hand-cut glassware—from delicate champagne flutes to intricate Christmas bowls—can be found in elegant Prague shops such as Old Town's well-known Moser Glass. Find beautiful, modern glassware handcrafted using traditional Czech methods at one of Blue Praha's nine locations in Prague. Watch for hand-blown ornaments and figurines featuring symbolic stars and moons, swans, owls, and birds.

Beads/jewelry. Renowned for its beaded jewelry, the Czech Republic is best know for jewelry featuring semi-precious wine-colored garnets, considered a national gem that legend says replaces sadness with joy, and beads by Jablonex, the country's number-one designer. Authentic garnet shops near Prague's Old Town Square include Cesky Granat (Celetna 4; tel. +420 224 228 281) and Granat Turnov (Dlouha 28; tel. +420 222 315 612).

Easter eggs. Orante kraslice (Easter eggs) from the Czech Republic are in a class by themselves. Artisans meticulously paint the hollow eggshells (the yolk is blown out through two tiny holes) using beeswax, straw, watercolors, and onion peels. Though the eggs are traditionally created to welcome spring, Prague markets and souvenir shops sell the ubiquitous and fragile works of art year-round.

Porcelain. For traditional Czech porcelain, look for handmade dishes glazed with the distinctive cobalt-and-white "onion" pattern.

Marionettes. Popular since at least the 16th century, Czech marionette and puppet plays are the inspiration for little handcrafted wooden replicas pervading tourist shops across the country, like Czech Tradition, selling traditional Czech handicrafts from skilled local craftsmen and artisans at six locations in central Prague (plus one at the airport).