Top Ten Gift Ideas for Russian Culture Enthusiasts

For many around the world, there’s just something about all things Russian that holds them fascinated. If you’re shopping for someone who’s fallen in love with this complex culture, here are some gifts that will bring Russia a little closer to them.

1) Films
The contemplative style typical of Russian films has won a small, but dedicated following abroad. Film buffs interested in history and social problems will appreciate films like Come and See by Elem Klimov or Brother by Alexei Balabanov. Films by Sergei Eisenstein, Sergei Soloviev, or Alexander Sokurov are also good choices for serious topics. Comedy lovers will enjoy Leonid Gaidai’s movies, like the Shurik series. Imported Russian DVD packages may run to $50, but videos can be found for around $10.

2) Music
For a folk music enthusiast, pick up a CD from the Washington Balalaika Society. While music by famous composers, like Tchaikovsky or Rachmaninov, may not be purely Russian in style, it does make an easy-to-find gift. For those partial to religious music, choose a few albums of liturgical songs performed by Russian Orthodox choirs. If the recipient isn’t much for traditional or classical, though, look for music from Russian rock or pop groups like Lyuba and Umaturman or singers like Alla Pugachova or Zemfira.

3) Literature
Most people interested in Russian culture will have read Tolstoy and Dostoevsky already, but may have a harder time finding translated or Russian-language editions of works by more modern authors like Vladimir Mayakovsky, Sergei Dovlatov, or Victor Pelevin. For lighter reading, try some best sellers like Boris Akunin’s detective novels, Aleksandra Marinina’s crime novels or Sergei Lukyanenko’s science fiction.