Every month, Maria and Danica share the Balkanish pieces they can’t stop loving lately — the ones they’re wearing on repeat, gifting to friends and family, and seeing all over the Balkan diaspora community.
Inspired by the culture they grew up with, the nostalgia of back home, and the kind of humor only Balkans truly understand, these are their favourite picks of the month.
Maria's Picks
Croatian Flag Peace Sign iPhone Case
With the World Cup around the corner, we’ve been quietly working on a collection that feels really special, and this design is one that takes me right back to the beginning. It was actually one of the first pieces we ever created when we launched Balkanish, and it’s always stayed close to me. There’s something about it that feels effortlessly patriotic without trying too hard. We designed the peace sign using the Croatian flag by hand, and I still love how simple but powerful it feels. It’s one of those pieces that people instantly connect with — subtle, but it says everything.
Romanian Trăiască Berea Pint Glass
If you know, you know. This song played at every party growing up — the kind where the second it comes on, everyone starts singing like it’s a national anthem. It’s impossible not to smile when you hear it. I created this design with my dad in mind, because it reminds me so much of those moments — loud music, full tables, and that chaotic, happy Balkan energy. It’s not just a pint glass, it’s a whole vibe. The kind you bring out when the night starts getting good.
Romanian Șef de Grătar Apron
With Father’s Day coming up, this felt like the perfect time to finally bring this one to life. Because let’s be honest — Balkan dads aren’t just grilling… they’re performing. Growing up, the grill was always a whole event — the smell of mici, the confidence, the unsolicited advice, the “don’t touch, I know what I’m doing.” This piece is a little tribute to that energy. The real grill masters. The ones who take it seriously (maybe a little too seriously), but somehow always make it taste better than anyone else.
Danica's Picks
Pivce za Zivce Pint Glass
If you grew up Balkan, you already know — sometimes a "pivce" really is "za živce". This design became one of my favourites because it captures that classic Balkan personality perfectly: passionate, loud, emotional… and over it in about five minutes. It’s funny because it’s true. The second people read it, they either laugh immediately or send it to someone they know. Honestly, it feels less like a pint glass and more like a personality trait.
Balkan Hajdemo u Planine Unisex Tee
Inspired by one of my favourite songs from one of my favourite ex-Yu rock bands, I knew from the beginning that I wanted to design something that captured that classic Balkan feeling — nostalgic, effortless, and a little adventurous. Some designs come together right away, but this one took time. We kept going back and refining it because we wanted it to feel timeless and wearable for everyone. The final result feels exactly how I hoped it would: relaxed, unisex, and full of that subtle ex-Yu cool energy that never really goes out of style.
Balkan "Future Soccer Player" Toddler Tee for Boys
With the World Cup coming up, there’s really no such thing as starting them too early. We designed this piece as both a toddler tee and a baby bodysuit because, honestly, cheering for your team is a family tradition in so many Balkan households. This design has become one of those classic Balkanish pieces that perfectly captures that proud diaspora energy — passing down culture, language, and team spirit to the next generation from day one.
What makes this one extra special to me is the attention to detail behind it. We translated it into all 10 Balkan languages, and we even created girls’ versions using the proper feminine grammatical forms in each language because authenticity matters to us. It’s playful, nostalgic, and one of those designs that instantly makes Balkan parents smile.
So when you see the same design repeated across our website, it’s never by mistake. We intentionally create products tailored to different countries, languages, genders, and occasions so that no matter who you are or where your roots are from, there’s something that feels made specifically for you and your family.
These six pieces are what Maria and Danica are loving most right now at Balkanish — inspired by the culture, humor, and little moments that make being Balkan feel like home, no matter where you live.
Whether you’re part of the diaspora or simply connected to the culture, we hope these picks make you smile, spark a memory, or feel a little closer to home.
Check back next month for the next Founder’s Edit.
