The best things to buy in Dushanbe are textiles, dried fruit, and handicrafts. The bazaars — particularly Barakat and the Green Bazaar — have the best selection of dried fruits and spices: dried apricots, mulberries, walnuts, and the various peppery blends used in Tajik cooking.
For handicrafts, look for suzani (embroidered wall hangings), ikat textiles, and the carved wooden boxes that are traditional Tajik gifts. The Central Department Store (TsUM) on Rudaki Avenue has a handicraft section, though quality varies. Specialist craft shops targeting the NGO/diplomat community have appeared near the Ismaili Centre area; prices are higher but quality and selection are better.
Traditional Tajik velvet chapans (padded robes) and skullcaps make good souvenirs. The bazaar is the place to find them at real prices; the tourist shops charge significantly more.