Latvians have a long tradition of knitting colourful wool mittens that goes back centuries, if not millennia. Each region of the country uses its own colours, pagan symbols and geometric patterns, but all are impressive. Best of all, mittens make an ideal souvenir or gift, as they are relatively inexpensive, light-weight and can be easily shoved into any carry-on bag. Although they can be bought at nearly any gift shop in Old Riga, we recommend you view them in all their magnificence at Senā klēts where Latvian folk costumes come alive. To learn more about their history and how to knit them yourself, pick up a copy of Maruta Grasmane’s classic book Mittens of Latvia: 178 Designs to Knit at the Valters & Rapa book shop . Price for mittens: €25 - 40.