Are you looking to commemorate your trip to Alaska with one of a kind souvenirs or hoping to grab some unique gifts to bring back for friends and family? This list of Alaskan souvenirs will give you a variety of ideas to choose from to remember your trip to the beautiful 49th State!
How do I know if something is really made in Alaska?
When you’re looking for Alaskan souvenirs you want something that is authentically Alaskan and made by locals. So, how do you go about finding out if what you’re buying is really made here? It’s pretty easy, just “Buy the Bear”!
What does “Buy the Bear” mean? As the State website explains “When purchasing products in Alaska, look for the mother bear and her cub logo signifying the product was manufactured in Alaska.” This will ensure that you get an Alaska made product. That being said, though, there are Alaska made items that may not have the bear logo. But, to ensure you get a made in Alaska product, it’s best to “Buy the Bear” when possible.
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Where can I buy locally made Alaskan souvenirs?
Although sometimes it may take a bit to find what you’re looking for, you can find Alaska made souvenirs all over! More “touristy” type seasonal shops will likely have the same items from place to place, and most of these things are made in China or other places outside of the United States. If you visit local small businesses, fairs, festivals, and markets, though, you’ll find a treasure trove of amazing Alaska made items. To find out what markets, fairs, and more are coming up each month, sign up for my newsletter here.
Another great way to seek out some Alaskan souvenirs is by checking Instagram and Facebook. This is a great way to find artists and businesses local to the area of Alaska that you’ll be visiting. You can check out their products, see how they’re made, and connect with business to find out where they sell their Alaska made items.
What are the best Alaska made souvenirs?
There is such a great variety of Alaska made items that it’s hard to narrow it down, so I’ve just decided to include as many as I can think of! The items listed below are not only great souvenirs and gifts, but they’re also useful, beautiful, and practical items.
Gold
Bring back a little bit of what so many people ventured “North to Alaska” for! Check out gold in all its forms from raw nuggets to coins, jewelry, and more at the Alaska Mint in Anchorage.
Jade
Did you know that jade is the Alaska state gem? For good reason, too, as its beautiful colors make it a unique display piece, and its hardness makes it sturdy and useful. Visit Kobuk Valley Jade Company in Soldotna to learn more about our state gem and purchase a Made in Alaska piece for yourself.
Books
Finding books with Alaskan authors and illustrators is something that is easy to pick up in stores across Alaska. Almost every bookstore you’ll visit here will have an Alaska section. Take home a Alaskan read from a used book store or purchase a newly released novel as a gift. There are so many options to choose from for all ages of readers. Check out our Alaska children’s book list here.
Alaska Native Arts and Crafts
There is such a great variety of Alaska Native art and crafts to purchase. From beadwork, to scrimshawed ivory, masks, and jewelry, there is a plethora of items you can purchase. Great places to find authentic Alaska Native items for sale are the Sealaska Heritage Store in Juneau, the Anchorage Museum Store, and the Ch’k’iqadi Gallery at the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage. The Charlotte Jensen Native Arts Market, which occurs during Fur Rondy in March, is also a great place to see Native crafts from all over the state, along with the Craft Shop at the Alaska Native Medical Center.
Birch Bowls
Head to The Great Alaskan Bowl Company in Fairbanks and purchase a birch bowl. See the process of making these beautiful and useful Alaskan souvenirs, and purchase one for yourself.
Ulu
This cutting tool, which was made and used by Indigenous Alaskans, is a popular Alaskan souvenir. Its unique design and usefulness make it a top pick for many visitors looking for something to bring back home. You can find these in many places such as The Ulu Factory in Downtown Anchorage, and Alaska Native markets and craft fairs. Beware of imposters, though; many seasonal gift shops will have ulus that are not made in Alaska.
Art
You’ll find Alaska made art pieces everywhere along your journey through the 49th State. Paintings, pottery, photographs, and carvings are just some of the many items you can find at local stores and gift shops.
Jewelry
You will find jewelry from Alaskan artists in many local gift shops. Earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and more make for easy-to-transport gifts.
Dog Treats
Don’t forget to bring a gift back for your furry family, too! Our pup loves Alaska Wild Treats, which are made of Alaskan salmon. You can find these treats at Three Bears. You can also get Mountain Dog salmon treats, which are available online and at Alaska Mill and Feed and Sportsman’s Warehouse.
Dry Bags
Useful for many applications in Alaska and beyond, dry bags are a handy made in Alaska souvenir. Check out Nomar in Homer to see their large selections of these handy bags.
Clothes
Check out Alpine Fit and Nomar for Alaskan adventure gear that will last a lifetime. Also, be on the lookout for kuspuks, which are Alaska Native hooded garments with a distinctive front pocket. They often come in a multitude of fabric colors and patterns and are adorned with beautiful trims.
Qiviut
Some other garments you may want to check out are items made of qiviut, which is the underwool of a muskox. Qiviut scarfs, hats, and more can be found at Oomingmak in Anchorage.
Food
Bring a taste of Alaska back home with you with these delicious ideas and tasty treats.
Syrup
Try something unique with birch syrup! Head to Talkeetna for this uniquely Alaskan treat. Taste test syrups, and bring back a bottle for yourself or a friend.
Jams and Jellies
Check out local farmers markets for jams and jellies to bring home with you. You can also visit Alaska Wild Berry Products and try some of their delectable jelly centered chocolates yourself.
Honey
You can occasionally come across delicious local honey at farmers markets around the state.
Groceries
There are many other Alaska made food items that you can find at local grocery stores, Safeway, and Three Bears. The Alaska Flour Company, locally made seasoning, salsa, pasta, teas and more are some of the items you’ll find. Also, check out veggies with the Alaska Grown logo to snack on while you’re here.
This list of Alaskan souvenirs has a little something for everyone. From the foodie to the art collector, and the fashionista to your furry friends, there’s a little something in Alaska for everyone.
Do you have any questions about Alaska travel? Feel free to leave a comment below, or sign up for the Everyday Alaska newsletter, and send me an email. You can also join the Everyday Alaska Travel Tips, Information, and Advice group, and/or our New to Alaska Tips, Information, and Advice group to ask any questions you may have. I’m happy to help you get the most out of your time in our beautiful Last Frontier!