Shopping is one of the most pleasant elements of any trip, and trips to Uzbekistan are no exception

Embroidery
Suzane is the name given to the embroidered wall hangings of Uzbekistan, but it also refers to a certain type of traditional embroidery that appears on household items such as cushion covers and garments. You will find that each place has its own patterns and styles of suzane. For instance, in Bukhara, the background on which the embroidery is done is cream, while in other places, the backgrounds may be differently colored.
Ceramics
If you like collecting decorative ceramics, you will love Uzbekistan. Handmade ceramics in Uzbekistan have a long history. Apart from the beautiful glazed tiles that embellish the mosques and madrasas, you'll find ceramic pots, bowls, plates and all sorts of vessels. As with embroidery, different places have their own unique styles, but blue, green and white ceramic ware can be found all over the country and also in other parts of Central Asia. You can choose from a wide range of ceramic items: traditional lamps (chirok) adorned with lovely blue and ultramarine patterns; and in Samarkhand -- endearing statuettes of the folklore character Nasreddin on his donkey, much loved by the Uzbeks; caravans of miniature camels; and candle-holders shaped as fantastic dragons. Collectors from round the world have long been drawn by Uzbekistan's famous blue ceramics made by master craftsmen in the Ferghana Valley.
Tea and SpicesIf you are serious about spices, Uzbekistan is the right place for you. You'll find spices and various types on Uzbek markets. The brilliant colors and the aromas of spices fill the bazaars. In Tashkent, head to the Eski Juva for a feast of spices. In Bukhara, a shop specializing in spices and tea offers delicious spiced tea. The Uzbek shop also has pretty little gourd spice jars, and the wooden handled metal stamps that are used to make the designs on Uzbek bread. What's more, spices are cheap in Uzbekistan.
Metal work
In the Museum of the Blacksmith's Art in Bukhara, you can actually buy some of the fascinating knives and blades on display. The forge here has been manned by generations of the same family who have mastered the art of blade making. You can find scissors shaped like storks, with blades sharp enough to slice through almost anything. You could pick up some ewers, jugs, trays and plates made of metal.
The national knife of Uzbekistan - the pichok - crafted by a Chust or Kokand blacksmith will make a wonderful addition for your collection. The craftsmanship of the metal engravers of Bukhara is known for its elegance and intricacy. You can find brass and copper trays engraved with images of the architectural monuments of "Holy Bukhara" as well as decorative motifs.
Silk
Uzbek silks in beautiful Ikat hand-weaves are a must-have Uzbek souvenir. However, be prepared to shell out quite a bit of cash for these, as the weaving process involved is highly sophisticated. Some of the silks you can find here are the semi-silk fabric bekasa, the popular handmade abr-silk made from filoselle, semi-silk adras and plain silk shoi. There's also the world-famous khan-atlas blazing with color, or in an exquisite black and white pattern streaked with shining veins of blue or green.