One of the benefits of the in country stay is the opportunity to shop for some traditional artifacts for our children. I think many typical items come to mind, the yurt, the dream catcher, and the nesting dolls. I HIGHLY recommend our two favorites – the DOLLS and the outfits for our boys (which our host daughter brought to us during her stay).

In Almaty you have the RAM Store, a 3-story mall, with a K-Mart-type store on the second floor. There is also a skating rink and a food court (just like home!). It is located south of the Central Museum. During Logan’s adoption I did a major grocery shopping here. During Max’s adoption we chose to use it as a place to go and “play” while daddy and our friend Terri emailed home. Another place to shop is the ZUM Store – which I discovered from Max’s adoption to Logan’s adoption it became an upscale New York style mall with outrageous prices. Your BEST option to shop is in your child’s birth city in the local open air markets. Our coordinator felt it best to go with us – but should you choose to go alone – keep your valuables close at hand and only take out smaller amounts of money. The experience is GREAT – you get to see first hand many of the beautiful items that Kazakhstan has to offer. During Logan’s adoption we shopped for the many needed items for the baby house at an open air market. A huge difference for me between my daughter’s adoption in Albania and our son’s adoptions in Kazakhstan is that Kazakhstan had any and everything that we needed. If I hadn’t of taken clothing or shoes for Becca – the availability to purchase it just wasn’t there at the time.

So – if money was tight or you just didn’t have the opportunity to shop – can you still add some Kazakhstan pieces to your child’s life – you sure can! Below are a few of my favorite links to shop:

http://www.kazakhconnection.com/

Their product line includes handmade Traditional Kazak Dolls, Nativity Yurts, Yurt Coasters, Bags and Trivets. They also offer Miniature Dombra's, Traditional Hats, and a Kazakhstan Screen Saver. Many more items will be added to their list as they grow in the future.

http://www.kazakhcrafts.com/

Their product line includes dolls, books, crafts, souvenirs, dream quilts, jewelry and so much more – please do stop by and visit.

http://www.yammiwear.com/catalog.html

Their product line includes super soft “flag” blankets, flag purse and wall map.

I have also found stamps and money on-line on eBay – so it is worth a try to search there once in awhile. I added them to my son’s scrapbook and have some in his memory box.

Happy Shopping!