Georgia is one of those states where some of the best souvenirs are things you can eat.
Peaches immediately come to mind, but there are plenty of other things to bring home from Georgia that go beyond the typical magnet or t-shirt. Local food products, handmade goods and something that reminds you of the experiences you had during your trip all make better souvenirs in my opinion.
If you are visiting Columbus, you will also find plenty of locally owned shops and markets where you can look for something made in Georgia rather than picking up a generic souvenir.
If you are wondering what to buy in Georgia, here are five Georgia souvenirs to keep an eye out for.
Best Georgia Souvenirs
Georgia Peach Products
You can’t visit the Peach State without bringing home something peach-related.
Fresh peaches are an obvious choice if you happen to visit during peach season, but they aren’t exactly the easiest souvenir to throw into your suitcase.
Instead, look for peach preserves, jam, salsa, candy or other packaged peach products. They are easier to travel with and give you a little taste of Georgia once you get home.
If you are road tripping through Georgia, farm stands and roadside markets are great places to look for locally made peach products.
Georgia Pecans
Pecans are another easy edible souvenir from Georgia.
You will find everything from simple roasted pecans to pralines, chocolate-covered pecans and flavoured varieties.
I particularly like food souvenirs because they don’t become more clutter when you get home. Eat them yourself, put them out when you have friends over or bring a package home as an easy gift.
They are also small enough to fit into your luggage without sacrificing much space.
Georgia Peanuts
Peanuts might not sound like the most exciting souvenir, but Georgia is famous for them.
Look beyond a basic bag of peanuts and you will find all kinds of locally made versions, including roasted, seasoned and flavoured peanuts, peanut brittle and other sweets.
If you are traveling with kids or teens, this is also an inexpensive souvenir they can choose themselves without spending a fortune in a gift shop.
Local Art and Handmade Goods
If you want something that will last longer than your Georgia snacks, look for something made by a local artist.
In Columbus, the Chattahoochee River and the city’s outdoor lifestyle provide plenty of inspiration for artwork and locally made products. Small prints, pottery, jewelry and handmade home goods are all easy souvenirs to bring home.
If you are in Columbus on a Saturday when Market Days is running, it is a great place to browse products from local and regional vendors.
I always prefer buying something directly from a local maker when I can. Not only are you supporting someone who lives in the destination, but you end up with something much more interesting than a mass-produced souvenir.
Something From Your Georgia Adventure
Some of my favourite souvenirs are connected to something we actually did on a trip.
If you are visiting Columbus, one experience worth building into your trip is rafting on the Chattahoochee River. In fact, if you are searching for white water rafting Georgia has some pretty exciting options right in downtown Columbus. A hat, shirt or photo from your rafting trip also makes a souvenir that will bring back far more memories than something you grabbed at a generic souvenir store.
The same goes for museums, sporting events and other attractions you visit around Georgia.
Look in the gift shops at the places you actually explore. You might find a book, piece of artwork, hat or other small item that reminds you of a specific day from your trip.
Where to Buy Souvenirs in Columbus, Georgia
If you are visiting Columbus, start in Uptown and around the Chattahoochee RiverWalk. There are locally owned shops, galleries and boutiques throughout the area.
Market Days on Broadway is another good option if it lines up with your visit. Local and regional vendors sell everything from artwork and crafts to produce and baked goods, so it is a good place to look for something locally made.
I would also check museum and attraction gift shops. If you go rafting, visit a museum or spend time at another Columbus attraction, buying something there connects your souvenir to an actual experience from your trip.
And don’t overlook grocery stores and local markets. They can be some of the best places to find Georgia peaches, pecans, peanuts, sauces and other edible souvenirs without paying tourist-shop prices.
Georgia Souvenirs I’d Skip Next Time
I would skip most of the generic Georgia t-shirts, keychains and magnets unless you specifically collect them.
Georgia has so many locally grown foods and locally made products that it is easy to find something with a little more connection to the state.
Give me a bag of Georgia pecans, a jar of peach preserves or a piece of local art that reminds me of our trip, and I am happy.
Lindsay Nieminen hails from Vancouver, Canada and shares her love of travel on this website. She is passionate about showing others that they should not put off traveling the world just because they have children or are single parents. She aims to encourage them to seek out adventure, whether it is at home or abroad by providing information on how just about everywhere can be a destination to explore as a family.