Gift guide

Sending a handmade gift from Armenia to family abroad

Many Armenian families are spread across several countries, and a parcel from home still means something that a gift card never will. If you want to send a relative abroad something made in Armenia, by hand, that they will actually use, here is how it works with our studio in Yerevan: what travels well, what to think about with lamps, and how shipping, customs and timing work.

What travels well by post

Papier-mâché is remarkably light, so a bowl, a vase or even a pendant shade makes a small, light parcel. Cast cement is dense and sturdy but heavier, which matters when shipping is priced by weight and size. Small pieces are the easiest to send; larger ones are perfectly possible but cost more to ship. Every piece is carefully packed to protect it in transit.

A piece of Armenia, literally

If you want the gift itself to carry something of home, look at our pieces made with Armenian wool by arm.wool. The Crocheted Armenian Wool Pendant is a shade hand-crocheted from Armenian wool above a band of recycled paper; lit, it scatters a lace of warm shadows across the walls. The Papier-mâché Pendant with Wool Fringe rings a brown papier-mâché dome with a band of natural Armenian wool and a fringe of small hanging discs, in colours you choose.

Gift ideas that ship well

Each is made to order by hand in Yerevan, so no two are exactly alike.

• Crocheted Armenian Wool Pendant — 25 × 38 cm — 22,000 AMD
• Papier-mâché Pendant with Wool Fringe — 35 × 26 cm — price on request
• Papier-mâché Bowls — 12 × 8 cm — 3,000–7,000 AMD
• Colorful Papier Mache Bowls — 12 × 8 cm — 4,000 AMD
• Round Papier-mâché Vase — Made to order — price on request
• Cordless Mushroom Table Lamp — 19 × 20 cm — price on request

Sending a lamp abroad

Plugs and sockets differ from country to country, so tell us the destination when you order a lamp and we will talk through the fitting before it is made. The Cordless Mushroom Table Lamp avoids the question altogether: it is wireless and rechargeable, with a cast cement stem and a cap of recycled paper. Whatever the lamp, your relative should use an LED bulb in warm white (2700–3000 K) bought locally; our bulb and safety guide explains why.

How sending works

Message us on Instagram with the piece you like and the country it is going to. We confirm the price, how long it will take to make and a shipping quote, all before you commit. Because most pieces are made to order, we can often change the colour or size to suit your relative's home. Once it is made, we pack it carefully and ship it from Yerevan. Any customs duties or import taxes in the destination country are the buyer's responsibility, and in some countries they are charged when the parcel arrives, so it is worth checking the rules for your relative's country before ordering a larger piece.

Timing for holidays and birthdays

Most pieces are made after you order, and then the parcel has to travel, so start early for New Year, Christmas or a birthday. Tell us the date you have in mind when you first message us: we always share an expected timeline before you commit, so you will know whether it can arrive in time.

If something arrives damaged

We don't accept returns or exchanges, because every piece is made to order, but if a piece arrives damaged we will remake it or refund you. Ask your relative to keep the packaging and send photos of the item and its packaging within 7 days of delivery. Our shipping and returns page has the details, and the care guide is worth passing on with the gift.

From abroad to Armenia, too

It works the other way round as well: if you live abroad and want to give something to family in Armenia, message us with the piece and the address, and we will arrange it from our studio in Yerevan. Our guide to handmade gifts from Armenia has more ideas.

Frequently asked questions

Can you ship a gift from Armenia to my family abroad?
Yes. We ship worldwide from Yerevan. Message us with the piece and the destination country, and we will send you a shipping quote before you order.

Who pays customs on a gift sent from Armenia?
Any customs duties or import taxes in the destination country are the buyer's responsibility. In some countries they are charged when the parcel arrives, so check the rules for your relative's country first.

What is the lightest gift to send?
Papier-mâché pieces such as small bowls and vases. Papier-mâché is very light, so it makes a small, light parcel; cast cement is heavier.

Will a lamp from Armenia work in another country?
Plugs differ between countries, so tell us the destination when you order and we will talk through the fitting before it is made. The Cordless Mushroom Table Lamp is wireless and rechargeable, so it avoids the question.

How early should I order for New Year?
As early as you can, because most pieces are made to order and then shipped. Tell us your date when you message us and we will give you an expected timeline before you commit.