If you’re a fan of ancient Egypt, you’ve probably dreamed of visiting the Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings at least once. Add to that the Valley of the Queens, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, the Luxor Temple—Luxor is filled with must-see sights. With so many ancient ruins scattered around, even a full week isn’t enough to see it all.
While you’re in Luxor, wouldn’t you love to pick out souvenirs that capture the spirit of ancient Egypt? In this article, we’ll introduce four carefully selected souvenir items that are all related to ancient Egyptian history—perfect for bringing a bit of that magic back home.
1. Alabaster
Alabaster is a type of marble known as snowflake gypsum. In Luxor, a variety of handcrafted items made from this stone are considered local specialties. Many of these items are modeled after ancient Egyptian motifs such as pyramids and pharaoh statues, but there are also vases and small containers. One of alabaster’s unique features is its ability to let light pass through, making candle holders a highly recommended souvenir.
These products are sold at souvenir shops near tourist attractions, in Luxor's souks, and in hotel lobbies. You can often bargain at shops in Luxor—start by offering about half the asking price. While hotel shops usually have fixed prices, you might still get a discount or bonus item depending on the product.
2. Papyrus
Papyrus is the quintessential Egyptian souvenir. The word “paper” is derived from papyrus, a perennial grass in the sedge family that grows naturally along the Nile River. It is also found today in countries like Sudan, Ethiopia, Congo, Uganda, and Sicily. In Egypt, the use of papyrus to make paper began around 3000 BC. The stem was sliced thin, soaked in water, then layered vertically and horizontally before being pressed into sheets.
Souvenir papyrus often features prints of ancient Egyptian themes. Be cautious of street vendors offering “10 sheets for a cheap price!” — these are likely fakes made from banana or sugarcane leaves, not real papyrus.
3. Cartouche Jewelry
Hieroglyphs were pictorial characters used in ancient Egypt. A cartouche was a rope-shaped oval used to encircle a pharaoh’s name, symbolizing protection and significance. In ancient times, only pharaohs were allowed to use cartouches. A person’s name was considered a vital talisman, believed not only to represent the individual but also to protect their life—disrespecting a name was thought to equate to death. The oval rope represents the zodiac path of the sun, which was believed to guard the pharaoh.
Cartouche pendants, made of gold or silver, can be customized with your favorite pharaoh’s or queen’s name on the front and your own name in hieroglyphs on the back. Symbols such as the ankh (key of life), scarab, or lotus can also be included. These are typically engraved on the spot or ready in a few hours, so you can receive them during your stay in Luxor. Since they are expensive, it’s best to buy from a trustworthy shop.
4. Perfume Bottles
In ancient Egypt, perfume was stored long-term in containers made from obsidian or alabaster. Around 1000 BC, glassmaking emerged, and glass perfume bottles became common. These charming souvenirs come in various designs, including marble patterns, floral motifs, and even camel shapes. Today, they’re made from either regular glass or Pyrex, with the latter being stronger and more durable. While they come in many sizes, the recommended mini size ranges from 10 to 20 cm.
Perfume bottle shops usually sell essential oils as well. You can fill your bottle with a scent you like and display it at home. Essential oils, unlike modern perfumes, do not contain water or alcohol and have been treasured since ancient Egyptian times. A depiction of Tutankhamun receiving scented oil from his wife can even be seen on his golden throne in the Egyptian Museum. You could also fill your bottle with desert sand for a decorative touch.
◎Summary
Luxor is truly a paradise for souvenir shopping, though most places sell similar items. You can find souvenirs in hotel shops, around tourist sites, near hotels, and in the souks (markets). Even souvenir shops inside hotels are typically operated by independent vendors, so they are not very different from outside shops. Hotel shops are more convenient for smooth returns or exchanges, but prices are usually higher. In the souks, your bargaining skills can get you better deals—when buying in bulk, don’t hesitate to negotiate boldly. Starting at about half the asking price is perfectly acceptable!